For SaleOpen House27d on marketOpen HouseHistoric · 140 yrs
535 Highland Ave
Santa Cruz, CA, 95060 • 95060 • Santa Cruz County
$5,900,000
$992/sqft
Down payment assistance available
8Beds
6Baths
5,949Sqft
3.4 acLot
1886Built
Property DNA
Waterfront Property
Direct water access
Scenic Views
Bay · City Lights · Ocean
Character Home
Built 1886 · 140 years of history
3-Car Garage
Detached
Tile & Wood Floors
Quality flooring throughout
This home is getting attention
Listed 27 days ago · 5,717 views · 275 saves
Market activity
Demand and pricing signals for this listing
5,717 views
People checking out this listing
275 saves
Buyers have saved this home
27 days on market
Recently listed
$992/sqft
Price per square foot
About this home
Single Family · Built 1886 · Historic
Perched above Santa Cruz with sweeping ocean views, 535 Highland Avenue is the iconic Torchiana Estate, also known as Villa Fair View. Recognized with a Santa Cruz Historical Society plaque dating to 1886, this beautiful Victorian residence is a storied local landmark. A gated entry reveals ~3.42 acres of lush, park-like grounds surrounding the ~5,949 sq ft, 8-bedroom home. Inside, a checkerboard-tile entry introduces formal dining and living spaces, including a living room with an ornate carved fireplace and a cozy library. Douglas Fir floors, clawfoot bath tubs, stained glass window and countless charming details reflect the home's 19th-century origins. A thoughtful 2010 addition includes a private ~900 sq ft caretaker's unit, while the expansive primary suite offers two walk-in closets. Amenities include a pool, balcony, deck, 3-car garage, and a patio overlooking the entire bay. Historically associated with Dr. Henry A. van Coenen Torchiana, noted as the Consul General of the Netherlands, and later home to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Villa Fair View is deeply woven into Santa Cruz history. From its elevated vantage point, the Pacific Ocean unfolds as a dramatic backdrop, offering stunning views and timeless character.
Standout features identified
Our analysis highlights sweeping ocean views, douglas fir floors, and gated entry as key attractions of this home.
Estimated monthly payment
Based on current rates
$37,249/month
Principal & Interest$29,382
Property Tax$5,900
Insurance$1,967
Down payment20% ($1,180,000)
3%50%
Est. 6.35% rate · 30yr fixed · $4,720,000 loan
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At a glance
Key facts and listing details
TypeSingle Family Residence, Residential
Year Built1886
HeatingOther, Radiant, Wall Furnace
CoolingNone
Parking3 Garage spaces
Lot3.42 Acres
Days on Zillow27 Days
Price/sqft$992
Property
Home typeSingle Family
Sub-typeSingle Family Residence, Residential
Year built1886
Systems
HeatingOther, Radiant, Wall Furnace
CoolingNone
RoofComposition
Water / SewerPublic
Parking & Outdoor
ParkingDetached
Garage3 spaces
Fireplaces4
Lot3.42 Acres
Location & Tax
Neighborhood95060
ZoningResidential
Annual tax$4,864
Parcel00114145
Bathrooms & Fees
Full baths5
Features & details
8 categories of property features
Interior Features
Flooring
Carpet
Tile
Wood
Heating
Other
Radiant
Wall Furnace
Cooling
None
Fireplace
Family Room
Living Room
Primary Bedroom
Other
Exterior Features
Parking
Detached
Views
Bay
City Lights
Ocean
Utilities
Public Utilities
Water Public
Gas
PublicUtilities
Room details
2 rooms detailed
Dining Room
EatinKitchenFormalDiningRoom
Family Room
SeparateFamilyRoom
Listing insights
Market data and value estimates
StatusFor Sale
Days on market27
Est. value$5,575,200
Est. rent$4,769/mo
Tax rate1.10%
Price/sqft$992
On marketMar 10, 2026
PostedMar 11, 2026
MLS updatedApr 7, 2026
Tour days9
Views5,717
Favorites275
How are the schools in Santa Cruz?
3 schools rated nearby
Location
Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Price history
1 event
DateEventPrice$/sqftSource
Mar 11, 2026Listed For Sale$5,900,000$992MLSListings Inc
Listed For Sale$5,900,000
Mar 11, 2026•$992/sqft•MLSListings Inc
Tax history
25 years of records
YearTax paidAssessed value
Apr 7, 2025$4,864$415,720
Apr 7, 2024$4,476$407,569
Apr 7, 2023$4,419$399,577
Apr 7, 2022$4,367$391,742
Apr 7, 2021$4,273$384,061
Apr 7, 2020$4,238$380,122
Apr 7, 2019$4,150$372,669
Apr 7, 2018$4,100$365,362
Apr 7, 2017$4,045$358,199
Apr 7, 2016$3,815$351,174
Apr 7, 2015$3,731$345,900
Apr 7, 2014$3,665$339,124
Apr 7, 2012—$226,931
Apr 7, 2011—$222,482
Apr 7, 2010—$220,820
Apr 7, 2009—$221,345
Apr 7, 2008—$217,004
Apr 7, 2007—$212,749
Apr 7, 2006—$208,577
Apr 7, 2005—$204,487
Apr 7, 2004—$200,478
Apr 7, 2003—$196,804
Apr 7, 2002—$192,945
Apr 7, 2001—$189,162
Apr 7, 2000—$185,453
Nearby homes
Neighborhood details
Local context around this listing
Santa Cruz, CA • Santa Cruz County
Nearby cities
AptosBen LomondBoulder CreekCapitolaFeltonLos GatosSanta CruzScotts Valley
Nearby zip codes
950609506195062950639506495065
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Based on information from the MLSListings MLS as of 2026-04-07 16:24:21 PDT. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
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