A rare opportunity to own an exceptional piece of Santa Cruz midcentury architecture. Designed in 1962 by architect Kermit Darrow, AIA, 39 Ortalon Avenue embodies his "Light for Living" philosophy, with natural light moving through the home from sunrise to sunset and a seamless connection between indoors and out. Offered publicly for the first time, this 4BR/2BA residence spans nearly 3,000 square feet on a 9,975-square-foot lot on one of Santa Cruz's coveted Upper Westside streets. Lovingly maintained by the same family since it was built, the home preserves Darrow's authentic architectural vision while incorporating thoughtful updates for modern living. Highlights include an updated kitchen and bathrooms, high-end Miele appliances, radiant-heated floors, newer windows and skylights, newer roof, updated plumbing and electrical, owned solar panels, and updated interior and exterior lighting. Outdoor entertaining areas redesigned by Joni Janecki & Associates beautifully extend the architecture into the landscape. Timeless, light-filled and remarkably preserved, 39 Ortalon Avenue is a rare example of midcentury modernism where architecture, landscape and everyday living exist in perfect harmony.
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LAST UPDATED
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10/19/2026
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YEAR BUILT
|
1962
|
|
GARAGE SPACES
|
2.0
|
COUNTY
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Santa Cruz
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|
STATUS
|
Sold
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PROPERTY TYPE(S)
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Single Family
|
| AIR |
Ceiling Fan(s) |
| AIR CONDITIONING |
Yes |
| APPLIANCES |
Dishwasher, Disposal, Electric Cooktop, Freezer, Gas Oven, Microwave, Range Hood, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer |
| EXTERIOR |
Storage |
| FIREPLACE |
Yes |
| GARAGE |
Attached Garage, Yes |
| HEAT |
Radiant |
| INTERIOR |
Double Vanity, Kitchen Island, Vaulted Ceiling(s), Walk-In Closet(s) |
| LOT |
9975 acre(s) |
| LOT DESCRIPTION |
Back Yard |
| LOT DIMENSIONS |
9975.00 |
| PARKING |
Off Street, Attached, On Street, Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s) |
| POOL DESCRIPTION |
None |
| SEWER |
Public Sewer |
| STORIES |
1 |
| WATER |
Public |
Listed by Eli Karon | 310-701-4779, Karon Properties
The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the MLSListings™ MLS system. All real estate listings in the MLSListings MLS system are marked with the MLSListings Internet Data Exchange icon (a stylized house inside a circle), and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers and listing agents.
Based on information from MLSListings MLS as of 10/19/26 3:34 PM PDT. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
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