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$2,295,000
4338 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
Compass
3Beds
3Baths
2,021Sq Ft
4Parking
1935Built
0Days Listed
About This Property
Welcome to the Cliff May House, in the heart of Kensington. Significant both as the first home built for the noted architect's own family and as an early expression of the California Rancheria style that would become his legacy, this residence reflects May's skillful merging of traditional Spanish hacienda architecture with modern ideals of functional elegance. New owners of this historically designated property with Mills Act in place will inherit an architectural gem, along with the benefit of reduced property taxes. Approaching the home, notice how seamlessly it integrates with the landscape and take in the decorative tile encircling the doorbell and colorful window grill (signature May touches). Step through the inviting Dutch door through the corridor and find yourself in a picturesque, private world that blurs the line between indoors and out. Mindful of arranging large windows and doors to capture vistas, the home wraps itself around a stunning interior courtyard anchored by a majestic olive tree (another May element). Once inside, find expansive and comfortable living spaces filled with original elements of design including a sculpted beehive fireplace, terracotta tile floors, wall niches, original light fixtures, notched & scalloped wood paneling, and open beam ceilings. The flexible floor plan includes two bedrooms and baths downstairs and upstairs. A cozy chef's kitchen features a Lacanche range, Sub-Zero built-in refrigeration, Bosch dishwasher, and soapstone counters. Thoughtful additions and upgrades blend seamlessly with the home's original design integrity a
Monique MotleyCompass619-838-2452
Virtual Tour
Property Location
Map
Property Details
- Property Type
- Detached
- Bedrooms
- 3
- Bathrooms
- 3
- Building Area
- 2,021 Sqft
- Living Area
- 2,021 sqft
- Year Built
- 1935
- Stories
- 2.0
- Status
- Active
- Days on Market
- 0
- Cumulative Days on Market
- 1
- Original Price
- $2,295,000
Location & Neighborhood
What's nearby 4338 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
Nearby Schools
- Assigned
- Assigned
- Assigned
- Normal Heights Elementary0.7 mi
Elementary School • Public • K–5
- Euclid Elementary0.9 mi
Elementary School • Public • K–5
- TRACE0.9 mi
Secondary School • Public • 9–12
- Wilson Middle0.9 mi
Middle School • Public • 6–8
- Central Elementary0.9 mi
Elementary School • Public • K–5
Parks & Recreation
- Kensington Park0.4 mi
park
- 0.5 mi
Transit Access
- Adams Avenue & Biona Drive0.2 mi
Bus Stop
- Adams Avenue & Kensington Drive0.4 mi
Bus Stop
- Fairmount Avenue & Meade Avenue0.4 mi
Bus Stop
Local Amenities
Dining
- Papalecco0.3 mi
- Bleu Boheme0.4 mi
Coffee & Cafes
- Kensington Cafe0.3 mi
- Starbucks0.4 mi
Fitness
- Unnamed0.3 mi
Grocery
- Stehly Farms Market0.3 mi
Banking
- Chase0.4 mi
POI data updated 8/13/2026
San Diego Market Snapshot
3,191
Active Listings
Last updated: Aug 13, 2026
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of the date of this data. This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing.