Nestled beside the historic Malaga Cove Library, the Cartwright House is one of the oldest houses on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, standing as a century-old witness to California’s coastal evolution. Built in 1924, this remarkable residence was only the seventh permitted on the Peninsula, an enduring symbol of the area’s early vision.
Designed by renowned architects David J. Winter and Loyall F. Watson, the home reflects their dedication to harmonizing architecture with nature. Winter and Watson were celebrated for crafting homes that embraced their surroundings. With its adobe hues, red-tiled roof, and elegant archways, the house is a perfect example of classic Spanish Revival design, surrounded by mature gardens and views that capture the natural beauty of the coastline.
This home’s story is unique, woven into the Peninsula’s rich history and the family legacy. Beth Carr grew up in the house which she now owns with her husband Marshall. In the 1920s, it served not only as a family residence but also as a doctor’s office, welcoming patients into a dedicated space on the lower level. This downstairs office, with its private entrance and original fixtures, has been preserved to retain its early 20th-century character, offering a glimpse into the family’s roots in the community.
Nearby, a detached apartment still features heritage tiles and an original “ice-box” refrigerator, a relic from the days when the iceman made deliveries. These charming elements make the home a living time capsule, capturing a simpler era when the Peninsula was quieter, its roads unpaved, and its architecture shaped by the Spanish influences that have come to define Palos Verdes.
The Carr family’s dedication to preserving these unique details has allowed this home to maintain its historic integrity. Today, the Carr family home remains a stunning example of Palos Verdes’ architectural heritage, preserving a connection to the 1920s that contrasts with the modern homes now dotting the coastline.
Each corner of this residence reflects the commitment of its architects to design with artistry and respect for the landscape, while also representing the family’s care and dedication to their home’s legacy. As one of the few homes of its age still standing, it captures the essence of old Palos Verdes, linking the past with the present in a way that few homes can. For the Carr family, this home is not just a place to live; it’s a legacy, a piece of history that carries forward the spirit and heritage of the Peninsula.
