About 39 Ortalon Avenue
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.
Open House
Features of 39 Ortalon Avenue
| MLS® # | ML82061964 |
|---|---|
| Price | $3,200,000 |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 2.00 |
| Full Baths | 2 |
| Square Footage | 2,982 |
| Acres | 0.23 |
| Year Built | 1962 |
| Type | Residential |
| Sub-Type | Single Family Residence |
| Status | Active |
Community Information
| Address | 39 Ortalon Avenue |
|---|---|
| Area | 699 - Not Defined |
| City | Santa Cruz |
| County | Santa Cruz |
| Zip Code | 95060 |
Amenities
| Parking Spaces | 2 |
|---|---|
| Parking | Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s), Off Street |
| # of Garages | 2 |
| Garages | Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s), Off Street |
| Is Waterfront | No |
| Has Pool | No |
Interior
| Interior | Carpet, Tile, Wood |
|---|---|
| Interior Features | Utility Room, Walk-In Closet(s), Attic |
| Appliances | Dishwasher, Electric Cooktop, Freezer, Disposal, Gas Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, Range Hood |
| Heating | Radiant |
| Has Basement | No |
| Fireplace | Yes |
| Fireplaces | Family Room, Living Room |
| # of Stories | 1 |
Exterior
| Windows | Skylight(s) |
|---|---|
| Roof | Composition, Shingle |
| Foundation | Slab |
School Information
| District | Other |
|---|
Additional Information
| Date Listed | September 24th, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Days on Market | 2 |
| Foreclosure | No |
| Short Sale | No |
| RE / Bank Owned | No |
Listing Details
| Agent | Eli Karon |
|---|---|
| Office | Karon Properties |