Courtesy of Vylla Home, Inc., Scott Norberg 858-699-1984
Property Description
Perched behind a gated entrance in the scenic hills of Mount Helix, this expansive approximately 4,622 sq ft estate presents a rare opportunity to own a property with both historical significance and exceptional potential. Originally built for prominent San Diego figure C. Arnholt Smith, the residence reflects a distinctive architectural style and level of craftsmanship inspired by the iconic Westgate Hotel. Set on over half an acre, the two-story home offers 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and 1 half bath, with a flexible floor plan designed for both everyday living and entertaining. Panoramic views stretch across the surrounding hillsides, with ocean visibility on clear days, while a wraparound deck and expansive lower patio provide seamless indoor-outdoor living. The lower level features a secondary kitchen, additional living space, and private quarters – ideal for extended living arrangements, guests, or added versatility. Additional highlights include a gated entry, private driveway, and a 4-car garage, including an oversized RV garage and dedicated gym space. Located in a desirable Mount Helix setting with no HOA, Mello Roos, or CDD fees, the property offers convenient access to nearby amenities while maintaining a sense of privacy and elevation. A unique opportunity to reimagine and personalize a view-oriented estate in one of San Diego’s most distinctive hillside communities.
Open House
Property Details and Features
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Appliances & Equipment
- “Dishwasher”
- “Disposal”
- “Built In Range”
- “Double Oven”
- “Electric Oven”
- “Built-In”
- “Counter Top”
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Bathrooms
- 4 total bathrooms
- 3 full bathrooms
- 1 half bathroom
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Bedrooms
- 3 total bedrooms
- 4 possible bedrooms
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Building
- Built in 1977
- Building area total: 4622
- 2 stories
- 2 stories total
- Living area: 4622
- Living area units: Sqft
- Building area units: Sqft
- Entry level: 1
- 2 total units
- “Brick”
- “Wood”
- “2 Story”
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Cooling
- “Central Forced Air”
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Exterior Features
- Patio and porch features: “Covered”, “Deck”, “Slab”
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Fence
- “Full”
- “Gate”
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Fireplaces
- 1 total fireplace
- “Gas”
- “Great Room”
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Garage
- 4 spaces
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Water Features
- Water source: “Public”
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Heating
- “Fireplace”
- “Forced Air Unit”
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Interior Features
- “Balcony”
- “Beamed Ceilings”
- “Kitchen Island”
- “Living Room Deck Attached”
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Laundry
- “Electric”
- “Gas”
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Listing
- Listing ID: 260007078
- List price: $2,080,780
- 2 days on market
- Listing contract date: 2026-03-27
- MLS area major: East County
- Special listing conditions: “N/K”
- “Cash”
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Location
- Subdivision: LA MESA
-
Lot
- 22,651 size sqft
- Size area: 0.52
- Size units: Acres
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Parking
- Total: 10
- “Attached”
- “Gated”
- “Direct Garage Access”
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Pool
- “N/K”
-
Property
- Property subtype: Detached
- Property type: Residential
- “Mountains/Hills”
- “Ocean”
- “Panoramic”
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Roof
- “Tile/Clay”
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Security Features
- “Automatic Gate”
- “Security Lights”
- “Carbon Monoxide Detectors”
-
Sewer
- “Public Sewer”
