4253 Alder Drive, San Diego, California 92116, San Diego, 92116 - 3 bed, 4 bath

4253 Alder Drive
San Diego, California 92116
Property Price
SUMMARY
Analysis of 4253 Alder Drive, San Diego, California 92116 reveals a Fairly Priced Property with a current list price of $2,850,000 aligned with the estimated $2,854,362 Fair Market Value. This represents a stable investment opportunity at market rate. The property maintains a Excellent Condition Rating (95/100), indicating excellent structural integrity and modern finishes throughout. This turnkey property requires minimal updates and is ready for immediate occupancy. Located in a high-demand neighborhood within the San Diego Unified School District, this asset is categorized as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition suitable for both Buy-and-Hold Investors and Owner-Occupants willing to undertake light renovation work.
Estimated Market Value
Comparable Sales Map
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 4253 Alder Drive Subject | $2,850,000* List Price | 3 | 4 | 2,863 | $997 | - |
A 4192 Rochester Rd Sold | $2,295,000 | 3 | 3 | 2,347 | $978 | 0.3 mi |
B 4811 E Alder Drive Active | $2,495,000 List Price | 5 | 3 | 3,222 | $774 | 0.2 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Condition Analysis
OVERALL CONDITION SCORE
Property is new construction or fully renovated.
This 1927 Spanish Hacienda has been meticulously and extensively renovated within the last five years, effectively bringing it to a 'like-new' standard. The property features a high-end chef's kitchen with premium Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, updated electrical and plumbing systems, a new roof, and modern sustainable technology including solar panels with three Tesla backup batteries. The interior boasts luxury finishes such as vaulted beam ceilings and spa-inspired bathrooms, while the exterior offers a resort-style pool and a modern pavilion, meeting the highest quality standards with no deferred maintenance.
PROSSTRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES
- High Available Lot Utilization
The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 19181, living area = 2863.
- Expansive Resort-Style Grounds
The rare 19,000-square-foot canyon lot offers exceptional privacy and features a saltwater pool, a 15x15 heated pavilion with motorized blinds, and a mature orchard of citrus, fig, and avocado trees.
- Premium Modern Upgrades
The home features high-end finishes including a chef’s kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a professionally cooled wine cellar, and sustainable energy via solar panels with three Tesla backup batteries.
CONSRISKS & DEFICIENCIES
- MLS Listing Discrepancy
Living area discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing living area = 2863, other record living area = 2451. Bedroom count discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing bedroom count = 3, other record bedroom count = 4.
- Limited Bedroom Count
With only three bedrooms at a $2.85M price point, the property may lack the versatility required by larger families or buyers needing multiple dedicated home offices.
- Inconsistent School Ratings
While located in a prestigious neighborhood, several of the assigned local schools carry average ratings, which may be a drawback for families prioritizing top-tier public education.
About 4253 Alder Drive
Resort-Style Living in the Heart of Kensington! Welcome to this beautifully restored single-story Spanish Hacienda, set on an expansive 19,000-square-foot canyon lot in one of San Diego’s most beloved historic neighborhoods. Meticulously remodeled and thoughtfully upgraded over the past several years, the home blends timeless architectural charm with modern luxury. Enter through the private front gate and immediately feel transported. The saltwater pool and spa, framed by lush landscaping creates a sense of calm and privacy as you approach the home’s welcoming front entrance. Inside, the home opens to an inviting and elegant layout centered around a chef’s kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and a spacious dining area, ideal for everyday living and entertaining alike. To one side, the formal living room features vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, while an inviting family room flows seamlessly from the kitchen, creating comfortable spaces to gather and relax. Wine lovers will appreciate the professionally designed wine cellar, complete with a whole-room cooling system, insulated walls, and custom wine racks — a stunning feature for collectors and the perfect setting for entertaining. Down a classic hallway are the home’s three bedrooms, including two guest rooms and the spacious primary suite. One guest room features a private ensuite bathroom with natural light, vaulted ceilings, and elegant finishes. The primary suite offers a true retreat, complete with a sitting area, a spa-inspired bathroom, and an exceptionally large walk-in closet. See supplement. Step outside and discover what makes this property truly special. Set on an expansive 19,000-square-foot canyon lot, the home offers rare privacy and a large, flat, usable yard — with potential for additional development. The professionally designed outdoor living area centers around the pool and a stunning 15x15 pavilion with a tile roof, two heaters, and motorized blinds on all four sides for year-round enjoyment. An adjacent wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to evenings spent outdoors. Additional highlights include a barn-style Tuff Shed for storage, quiet canyon views, and a remarkable collection of fruit trees — orange, lemon, lime, mandarin, fig, and avocado trees. Other recent upgrades include solar panels with three Tesla backup batteries, a new roof with seamless rain gutters, updated plumbing and electrical systems, and numerous additional improvements throughout. Private, peaceful, and beautifully designed, this property is truly an oasis in the heart of the city.
Property Details
Public Facts
- Property Type
- Single Family Residence
- Year Built
- 1927
- Lot Size
- 19,181 Sq. Ft.
Interior
- Total Bedrooms
- 3
- Total Bathrooms
- 4 (4 Full, 0 Half)
Exterior & Parking
No exterior & parking available.
Utilities & Misc
- HOA Fee
- $0 / Month
Neighborhood Insights
San Diego Unified Schools
Franklin Elementary School
Grades K-5 • 0.5 mi
Normal Heights Elementary School
Grades K-5 • 0.7 mi
Adams Elementary School
Grades K-5 • 0.9 mi
Sensitive Facilities
No sensitive facilities data found.
Neighborhood Comparison
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 3.0 | 3.0 | 50% |
| Baths | 4.0 | 2.0 | 91% |
| Square foot | 2,863 | 1,491 | 94% |
| Lot Size | 19,181 | 5,070 | 97% |
| Price | $2.85M | $1.35M | 96% |
| Price per sq ft | $995 | $941 | 60% |
| Built year | 1927 | 1929 | 37% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 2 | 165 | 4% |
Pricing History
Listed for Sale
Mar 5, 2026
$2,850,000
Initial Listing
Sold
Mar 29, 2012
$709,000
Public Record

































































