21130 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California 95062, Santa Cruz, - bed, bath

home-pic
ACTIVE$2,499,000
21130 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California 95062
4Beds
2Baths
3,649Sqft
4,530Lot
Year Built
1904
Close
-
List price
$2.5M
Original List price
$2.99M
Price/Sqft
-
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
ML82019256
Home ConditionPoor
Features
Good View: Neighborhood, Water
ViewNeighborhood, Water

About this home

Hidden in an alley just steps from the stairs to 12th Avenue Beach, which are bookended by Black Point and the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, you can find the majestic beach mansionone of the first Craftsman-style homes, built in 1904. This lifestyle property offers beautiful, unique views of Schwann Lake and Twin Lakes Beach while being conveniently close to excellent restaurants, coffee shops, yachting, shopping, and the best farmers' market in town! Draped in history and for decades, the home was filled with writers, artists, potters, poets, musicians, and creatives alike. This grand beauty is ready for its next chapter, flaunting great bones, a historic designation, legal duplex status, classic Craftsman wrap-around porches, and endless possibilities. The upstairs is full of vintage built-ins, long-lived fixtures, fathomless books, and ornate carvings still holding the memories of family, friends, celebrations, and laughter, while the first-floor rooms are skillfully arranged, like origami. There are a multitude of windows on every level. While the salty air and ocean elements can be harsh on the peeling paint so near to the sea, don't worrythis Majestys story is not over; it is just a new beginning. Make your beach dreams come true, the possibilities are truly endless here!

Price History

Date
Event
Price
10/24/25
Price Change
$2,499,000-16.5%
08/26/25
Listing
$2,993,000
Neighborhood Comparison

 SubjectAverage HomeNeighbourhood Ranking (70 Listings)
Beds43
85%
Baths22
50%
Square foot3,6491,664
99%
Lot Size4,5305,445
34%
Price$2.5M$1.88M
76%
Price per square foot$685$1,201
8%
Built year19041969
4%
HOA
Days on market71156
7%
Condition Rating
Poor

This 1904 Craftsman home, while possessing 'great bones' and historic charm, is in need of substantial rehabilitation. The kitchen is severely outdated with terracotta tile countertops, old cabinets, and a dated sink, requiring a full renovation. The description mentions 'peeling paint' and 'long-lived fixtures,' indicating deferred maintenance and systems likely past their expected lifespan. While the structure is sound, the interior finishes and major systems (like the visible wall-mounted AC unit) are very old and would require significant investment to meet modern comfort and functionality standards. This goes beyond minor updates, necessitating substantial repairs and rehabilitation for key living areas.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Historic Craftsman Architecture & Charm: A majestic 1904 Craftsman-style home with historic designation, featuring classic wrap-around porches, vintage built-ins, and ornate carvings, offering unique character and appeal.
Exceptional Coastal Location & Views: Steps from 12th Avenue Beach, near Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, with beautiful views of Schwann Lake and Twin Lakes Beach, providing a highly desirable beachfront lifestyle.
Legal Duplex Status: The property holds legal duplex status, offering significant flexibility for rental income, multi-generational living, or owner-occupancy with supplemental income potential.
Generous Size & Potential: With 3649 sqft, 4 beds, and 2 baths, the property offers substantial living space and is described as having 'great bones' and 'endless possibilities' for customization and enhancement.
Vibrant Neighborhood Amenities: Conveniently located close to excellent restaurants, coffee shops, yachting, shopping, and the best farmers' market in town, enhancing the lifestyle appeal.

Cons

Extensive Renovation & Maintenance Needs: Built in 1904, the property shows signs of age ('peeling paint') and the description notes 'salty air and ocean elements can be harsh,' indicating potential for significant ongoing maintenance and renovation costs.
Limited Street Presence/Access: Being 'hidden in an alley' might imply limited curb appeal, potential access challenges, or a less prominent location compared to properties with direct street frontage.
Historic Designation Restrictions: While a strength, the historic designation can impose limitations and additional costs on future renovations, modifications, and updates, which may not suit all buyers' visions.

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