---
listing_id: ML82037953
status: Active
price: 5900000
beds: 8
baths_full: 5
baths_half: 1
sqft_living: 5949
sqft_lot: 148975
lot_acres: 3.42
year_built: 1886
property_type: Residential
property_subtype: Single Family Residence
address: "535 Highland Ave"
city: Santa Cruz
state: CA
zip: 95060
county: "Santa Cruz County"
lat: 36.978565
lng: -122.036344
days_on_market: 22
hoa_fee: 
hoa_frequency: 
garage_spaces: 3
list_agent: "Tim Allen"
list_office: "Coldwell Banker Realty"
list_agent_phone: "(831) 214-1990"
list_agent_license: 00891159
mls_source: MLSL
modified: 2026-03-23
transaction_type: buy
---

Home | Santa Cruz County | Santa Cruz | 95060 | 535 Highland Ave

535 Highland Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

MLS: ML82037953 | Status: Active | Price: $5,900,000
Beds/Baths: 8 / 5 /1
Property Type: Residential

Quick Facts

Beds Baths Sq Ft Acres Lot Yr Built
8 5 /1 5,949 3.42 1886

Remarks

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.

MLS Listing Information

Field Value
MLS # ML82037953
MLS Source MLSListings, Inc.
Days on Site 22

Features

Interior Features

Feature Details
Dining Room Eat in Kitchen, Formal Dining Room
Family Room Separate Family Room
Fireplace Family Room, Living Room, Primary Bedroom, Other
Flooring Carpet, Tile, Wood
Cooling None
Heating Other, Radiant, Wall Furnace

Exterior Features

Feature Details
Roof Composition
Foundation Concrete Perimeter, Raised, Other

Parking, School, and Other Information

Feature Details
Garage/Parking Detached, Garage: 3 Car(s)
High School District Santa Cruz City Elementary
Water Public
Zoning Residential

Contact Information

Tim Allen
Coldwell Banker Realty
License #: 00891159
Phone: (831) 214-1990

School Ratings

School data provided by GreatSchools.org

Nearby Schools

School Type Grades Distance Rating
Mission Hill Middle School public 6-8 0.31 mi 9
Santa Cruz High School public 9-12 0.56 mi 10
Santa Cruz County Special Education School public K-12 0.67 mi N/A
Santa Cruz County Community School public 7-12 0.67 mi 4
Santa Cruz County Rop School public 10-12 0.67 mi N/A
Westlake Elementary School public K-5 0.69 mi 9
Bay View Elementary School public K-5 0.91 mi 8
Santa Cruz City Elementary Alternative Education-Monarch School public K-5 1.24 mi 9
Ark Independent Studies School public 6-12 1.24 mi 4
Alternative Family Education School public K-12 1.24 mi 7
Costanoa Continuation High School public 9-12 1.24 mi 2
Branciforte Middle School public 6-8 1.54 mi 9
Gault Elementary School public K-5 1.57 mi 5
Santa Cruz Adult public UG 2.31 mi N/A
De Laveaga Elementary School public K-5 2.38 mi 8
Harbor High School public 9-12 2.48 mi 7
Brook Knoll Elementary School public K-5 2.65 mi 7
Green Acres Elementary School public K-5 2.72 mi 5
Ocean Alternative Education Center public K-8 2.81 mi 7
Special Education Preschool public UG 2.81 mi N/A

Nearby Homes

Address Price Beds Baths Sq Ft Status
514 Meder St $5,750,000 5 2 2,208 Active
1122 West Cliff Dr $5,800,000 4 4/1 2,525 PendingDoNotShow
108/811 Clark/Pelton $5,995,000 4 3 2,526 Contingent
16 Hollins Drive $4,795,000 4 4/2 4,410 Active

Disclosures

©2026 MLSListings Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Information provided is for personal, non-commercial use by the viewer and may not be redistributed without explicit authorization from MLSListings Inc.

Presently MLSListings.com displays Active, Contingent, Pending, and Recently Sold listings. Recently Sold listings are properties which were sold within the last three years. After that period listings are no longer displayed in MLSListings.com. Pending listings are properties under contract and no longer available for sale. Contingent listings are properties where there is an accepted offer, and seller may be seeking back-up offers. Active listings are available for sale.

This listing information is up-to-date as of March 23, 2026. For the most current information, please contact Tim Allen, (831) 214-1990.