This Historic Craftsman Was Saved From Demolition by a “Free” Ad

After being relocated and completely renovated, the registered landmark now seeks $3.4M in Long Beach, California.
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Location: 3216 2nd Street, Long Beach, California

Price: $3,495,000

 Year Built: 1924

Footprint: 4,667 square feet (six bedrooms, six baths)

Lot Size: 0.19 acres

From the Agent: "This iconic Swiss Chalet Craftsman embodies the character and craftsmanship of the early 20th century, lovingly restored with modern amenities, and now lives as vibrant today as it did when it was built in 1924. The original home was situated on Ocean Blvd across from the art museum. The current owner saved it from demolition and moved it to its present location. Virtually every detail was resurrected through renovation by its current owners. Charming details envelop the home, exemplified by gracious rooms, beautiful hardwood flooring, custom built-ins, coffered ceilings, and original art glass windows, all adding to the unique look of this historic property. The beautifully landscaped gardens welcome you, and as you enter the foyer, you are greeted by the spectacular curved staircase."

When current owner Wendy Harn saw the property listed for free in a local paper back in 1989, she jumped at the chance to save it. The only catch was that she had to move it from its original location on Ocean Boulevard to its forever home, now at 3216 2nd Street.

When current owner Wendy Harn saw the property listed for free in a local paper back in 1989, she jumped at the chance to save it. The only catch was that she had to move it from its original location on Ocean Boulevard to its forever home, now at 3216 2nd Street.

Once the multilevel home was officially moved, Harn and her partner, Sasha Witte, began the restoration. 

Once the multilevel home was officially moved, Harn and her partner, Sasha Witte, began the restoration. 

"It was just kind of like a mystery house," says Harn, noting they uncovered original Arts and Crafts–era tile, stained-glass windows, built-in cabinets, and quarter-sawn oak behind years of paint, false walls, and paneling. 

"It was just kind of like a mystery house," says Harn, noting they uncovered original Arts and Crafts–era tile, stained-glass windows, built-in cabinets, and quarter-sawn oak behind years of paint, false walls, and paneling. 

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The multiyear renovation resurrected the property, which now offers 20th-century character and craftsmanship, as well as numerous modern-day amenities.

The multiyear renovation resurrected the property, which now offers 20th-century character and craftsmanship, as well as numerous modern-day amenities.

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Spacious living areas are located on the main level, while a light-filled office awaits upstairs. Four of the home’s six bedrooms await down the hall, including the primary suite.

Spacious living areas are located on the main level, while a light-filled office awaits upstairs. Four of the home’s six bedrooms await down the hall, including the primary suite.

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The residence also features two one-bedroom, one-bath units in the backyard, which were built in 1924 and rest over a five-car garage.

The residence also features two one-bedroom, one-bath units in the backyard, which were built in 1924 and rest over a five-car garage.

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Dwell Staff
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