This Spanish-Mediterranean style 1936 historic “Schmeiser” residence has been home to the Diel family for six years, and is lovingly known as a hub of entertaining for family and friends as well as well as being filled with a noteworthy collection of fine art. The 3,572 square foot home on three levels was built by Walker and Walker and was the first home completed in this neighborhood, known then as “Normal View Heights.”

Original details abound in the Diel home. Mahogany doors and molding, oak floors, arched windows, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling in the living room speak to the grandeur of this architectural gem. Intricate original tile in varying hues imbue each of the three bathrooms with the magical aesthetic of 1930s fine home design.

Each of the five bedrooms has walk-in closets with built-in wardrobes and shoe racks while one bedroom features French doors opening onto an upstairs veranda overlooking Van Ness Boulevard. The living room fireplace is embellished with precious Batchelder tile work. Custom features include built-in bookcases in the “office” and a corner hutch in the breakfast room, across from a spacious bay window.

The thoughtful kitchen remodel with modern Viking appliances features restored original cabinet doors and hardware, and the walk-through pantry retains the original built-in refrigerator, now used for storage.

Mature landscaping surrounding the home provides shelter to multiple front and backyard patios and entertaining spaces, while a monumental original wall built (at tremendous cost) of Carmel sandstone defines the property to the north and east. A three-car garage was truly an unusual feature in the 1930s and functions well for today’s lifestyles.