ExecuStay's San Diego corporate apartments are surrounded by the miles of beaches, coastal charm and a sophisticated urban landscape - making working and relaxing simple.
Did you know that the 3500 block of 7th Avenue beginning at the north-western most edge of the park, is a treasure?
This block contains important examples of the Arts and Crafts Period architecture by four of San Diego's most well-respected architects: Irving Gill, William Hebbard, Frank Mead, and Richard Requa.
Even the light fixtures on this street are different than you might find anywhere in San Diego. George Marston, who built what is now the Marston House on park property along 7th Avenue, provided electricity to his neighbors until the neighbor was outfitted with proper utilities. He had a generator before electricity was available to the street. It is historically unclear as to whether Marston had the light fixtures installed.
The jacaranda trees are not original-they replaced by the earlier pepper trees. This street, and only a few others in San Diego, have some remaining pink-tinted sidewalks. We can thank Kate Sessions, San Diego's famous horticulturist, because she was not fond of the glare created by plain concrete.
If you plan to visit, be sure to take a picnic or coffee. Once you've checked out this great hidden treasure, absolutely slip into Marston Garden's on the eastern side of the street. The simplicity of this secret little spot, a part of Balboa Park, brings beauty and repose. In the midst of an urban setting,it is an oasis unfettered by the distant traffic of the 163 freeway or the hustle of the 6th Avenue traffic. If you look carefully, just before heading toward the Marston House, you will find a small dirt path/trail that will bring you to the great lawn of the Marston House.
The Marston House Museum is one of San Diego's finest examples of the Arts and Crafts movement and was constructed in 1905 for George W. Marston and his wife, Anna Gunn Marston. George Marston is noted for many things but most prominently as a civic leader whose interest and work in historic preservation, conservation and history is renowned.
The property was designed and built by the internationally renowned architects William Sterling Hebbard and Irving Gill. Surrounded by five acres of rolling lawns, manicured formal gardens, and rustic canyon gardens, this 8,500 square-foot home became a house museum in 1987 after the Marston family gifted it to the City of San Diego for the enjoyment of the public.
Spend some time exploring the grounds, formal gardens and canyon pathways in the shade of towering pine, eucalyptus and oak trees. Learn about one of San Diego's most prominent families and the master architects and renowned landscape designers who worked with the family to create one of the region's most important estates.
The Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO), currently operates the Marston House Museum and Gardens and they invite you to come take a look at the property as well as the rare Irving Gill furniture currently on display.
Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Guided Tours start every half hour and are 40-45 minutes in length.
Please note: The last tour of the day begins at 4:30 p.m.
Admission is $8 for adults/$5 for seniors (65 & older)/$4 for children (ages 6-12) and free for children 5 and under.
Note: Save Our Heritage Organisation Members receive unlimited free admission.
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