39 Ortalon Avenue

• Sat Sep 26, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

  Exceptional Kermit Darrow midcentury, thoughtfully updated, on one of the best streets on the Upper Westside.

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.

Days on Market

1 day

Current Status

Active

Original Price

$3,200,000

List Price

$3,200,000

On Market Date

Sep 24, 2026

Property Type

Single Family Home

Area

43 - West Santa Cruz

Zip Code

95060

MLS ID

ML82061964

APN

001-072-08-000

Year Built

1962

Stories in Building

1

Possession

COE

Data Source

MLSL

Origin MLS System

MLSListings, Inc.

Bed

4

Bath

2

Double Sinks, Outside Access, Stall Shower, Tub in Primary Bedroom

Parking

2

Attached Garage, Electric Car Hookup, Off-Street Parking, On Street

SQ FT

2,982

SQ FT Source

Unavailable

Lot SQ FT

9,975.0

Lot Acres

0.228994 Acres

Kitchen

Cooktop - Electric, Countertop - Synthetic, Dishwasher, Freezer, Garbage Disposal, Hood Over Range, Island with Sink, Microwave, Oven - Gas, Refrigerator, Skylight

Cooling

Ceiling Fan

Dining Room

Dining Area

Disclosures

Natural Hazard Disclosure

Family Room

Separate Family Room

Flooring

Carpet, Tile, Wood, Other

Foundation

Concrete Slab

Fire Place

Family Room, Living Room

Heating

Radiant

Laundry

Inside, Washer / Dryer

Possession

COE

Fee

Unavailable

MLS and other Information regarding properties for sale as shown in Theo have been obtained from various sources such as sellers, public records, agents and other third parties. This information may relate to the condition of the property, permitted or unpermitted uses, zoning, square footage, lot size/acreage or other matters affecting value or desirability. Unless otherwise indicated in writing, neither brokers, agents nor Theo have verified, or will verify, such information. If any such information is important to buyer in determining whether to buy, the price to pay or intended use of the property, buyer is urged to conduct their own investigation with qualified professionals, satisfy themselves with respect to that information, and to rely solely on the results of that investigation.

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