When was the last time you entered a house, and felt like you had been transported to another country? How is it that certain aspects of a home can lead you to that feeling of escapism? Well some homes are more than just structures—they tell a story. They capture an era, a lifestyle, and a sense of place that makes them irreplaceable.
545 San Antonio Ave is one of those homes. Set on 155 feet of prime bay frontage in Point Loma’s La Playa neighborhood, this Spanish-Mediterranean residence isn’t just about luxury—it’s a glimpse into San Diego’s architectural history, shaped by the vision of master architect Richard Requa.
Richard Requa: Bringing the Mediterranean to San Diego
Richard Requa wasn’t just an architect; he was a visual storyteller—one who used buildings to express his creative side. His inspiration came from extensive travels through Spain, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, where he studied and documented courtyards, archways, tiled roofs, and intricate ironwork. These elements later became defining features of how the community understood his work, “ Requa was best known as the creator of the Southern California style of architecture, an amalgam of Spanish Eclectic style with influences from his travels” (Cornelius O’Leary).
His fascination with these regions wasn’t just aesthetic—it was rooted in vision. He recognized that Southern California’s climate and landscape closely resembled “the Andalusia area of Spain” and sought to design homes that felt as if they had always belonged to the coastline(Parker H. Jackson).
Requa gathered the photos and sketches he documented from his travels and compiled them into a book—an ode to the root of his inspiration. Architectural Details: Spain and the Mediterranean
A Home That Embodies Its Setting
545 San Antonio Ave is a perfect reflection of Requa’s vision. Its detail—the arched doorways, Clay tile roof, Balconies with vines growing along wood beams, and outdoor terracotta flooring—feels like a continuation of his travels, translated into the fabric of San Diego.
Beyond its craftsmanship, this home is defined by its setting. At low tide, a private staircase leads directly to the sand, seamlessly connecting the home to the bay. When the tide rises, it feels as though you’re floating on the water itself, bringing a sense of calm and connection to the ocean. Living here means flowing with the rhythm of the tides, where each day brings a new experience of coastal living.
While the home remains true to Requa’s original design, select updates in the 1970s were made to ensure comfort and functionality. Inside, the home offers three en-suite bedrooms and a versatile den, perfect for whatever you need it to be. The formal living and dining rooms feature exposed beam ceilings, adding character and charm, while the gourmet kitchen invites culinary creativity. The primary suite is a true retreat with dual balconies, a walk-in closet, and a spa-like bath—all designed to capture the stunning water views.
A Home with a Story
Marie Herney, San Diego’s first female Deputy District Attorney, called 545 San Antonio Ave home from 1942 to 1974. Known internationally for her advocacy on women’s rights, she shattered expectations and paved the way for future generations of women in law(Criminal Justice Memorial). Her influence went beyond the courtroom, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire. Today, her former home stands as a testament to her legacy, ready to inspire the next chapter of its story.
Owning a property like 545 San Antonio isn’t just about having a place to call home—it’s about stepping into a legacy of architectural vision, coastal living, and timeless stories. It’s where history and lifestyle blend seamlessly, offering not just a residence, but a way to live life on the bay like nowhere else.
To experience 545 San Antonio Ave in person, contact us for a private showing.
Written by: Jaysea DeVoe, Team Gellens. February 20th, 2025
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Bibliography
Cornelius O’Leary. “Richard S. Requa.” Coronado Historical Association. Accessed February 19, 2025. https://coronadohistory.org/blog/architect-wednesday-richard-s-requa-01062021/.
Criminal Justice Memorial. “Marie Herney.” San Diego County Bar Association. Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.sdcba.org/?pg=CriminalJusticeMemorial.
Parker H. Jackson. Requa Tour. Edited by Alana Coons and Julie Kolb. Architectural drawings courtesy of San Diego Historical Society. Graphic design and photography by Sandé Lollis. Accessed February 19, 2025.
Swann Galleries. “Architectural Details: Spain and the Mediterranean.” Accessed February 19, 2025. https://catalogue.swanngalleries.com/Lots/auction-lot/%28ARCHITECTURE%29-Requa-Richard-S-Architectural-Details-Spain-a?saleno=2451&lotNo=23&refNo=733303.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation. “Richard Requa.” Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.tclf.org/pioneer/richard-requa.