
San Diego, California 92116
This Renovated 1943 Character Home represents a Strong Value Opportunity, listed at $2,459,000, which aligns perfectly with its $2,459,000 Fair Market Value. Featuring a 3,222 sq ft floor plan, this Good Condition property offers a rare 0.57-acre canyon lot, a heated pool, and a fully self-sufficient ADU-style suite. With its blend of modern upgrades and income-producing flexibility, this home is an ideal acquisition for Buy-and-Hold Investors or Owner-Occupants seeking a private, versatile sanctuary in the vibrant Kensington neighborhood.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 4811 E Alder Drive Subject | $2,439,000* List Price | 5 | 4 | 3,222 | $757 | - |
A 4253 Alder Drive Sold | $2,760,750 | 3 | 4 | 2,863 | $964 | 0.2 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is move-in ready.
Originally built in 1943, the home has undergone extensive renovations, particularly in the chef's kitchen which features premium stainless appliances and a professional range. While some interior elements like the wood paneling and certain bathroom tiles reflect older renovation styles (10-20 years), the property is well-maintained, move-in ready, and features updated systems including mini-split HVAC units and a heated pool.
The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 24829, living area = 3222.
The property features a fully self-sufficient, lower-level ADU-style suite with a private entrance and kitchenette, offering significant flexibility for rental income or multi-generational living.
Situated on a rare 0.57-acre canyon lot, the home provides exceptional privacy with no visible neighbors from the resort-style backyard, heated pool, and canyon-view terrace.
Lot size discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing lot size in square feet =24829, other record lot size in square feet = 24659.
With 151 days on the market and multiple price reductions, the property may face buyer perception challenges regarding its initial valuation or specific layout suitability.
While the local high school is highly rated, the assigned elementary school currently holds a lower rating of 4/10, which may be a consideration for education-focused families.
This 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom single-family home at 4811 E Alder Dr offers 3,222 sq ft of beautifully renovated living space on a private 0.57-acre canyon view lot in Kensington, San Diego, CA 92116 — with no HOA, an attached 2-car garage, driveway parking for four total vehicles, and one of the most adaptable and income-flexible floor plans available in this zip code at this price tier. Originally built in 1943 and extensively renovated throughout, the home delivers the timeless architectural character that defines Kensington while meeting every demand of modern California living — from open-concept main-level entertaining to a fully self-sufficient lower-level income-producing ADU-style suite with a private exterior entrance. Step inside the grand foyer and you are immediately welcomed by beamed ceilings, rich hardwood floors, and a wood-burning fireplace anchoring a sun-drenched living room measuring 25 by 16 feet — the kind of gracious entry that sets this Kensington, San Diego home apart from anything in the 92116 market at a comparable price. The renovated chef's kitchen features a professional 6-burner gas range, premium stainless appliances, a breakfast bar, and an open layout connecting directly to a formal dining room — designed equally for quiet weeknight dinners and large-scale entertaining. Three bedrooms occupy the main level, including an oversized primary suite measuring 375 square feet with a private en-suite bathroom — a rare footprint in this neighborhood. Step outside from the main living areas and you will find a resort-caliber backyard anchored by a gas-heated in-ground pool, multiple outdoor gathering areas shaded by mature trees, and sweeping canyon views that carry across the tree line — the kind of San Diego indoor-outdoor living that buyers from Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Seattle consistently name as the single feature that finalizes their relocation decision. The fully fenced 0.57-acre lot provides rare privacy: no neighboring structure is visible from the pool deck or canyon-view terrace, making this backyard a genuinely private retreat within one of San Diego's most walkable and culturally vibrant urban neighborhoods. The lower level delivers versatility in every direction — a spacious family entertainment room, a wine room with custom racking, and a sunlit bonus sunroom equally suited as a home gym, art studio, yoga space, or private office for the remote-working buyer relocating from a higher-cost metro. Most significantly, the lower level houses a fully private income-producing ADU-style suite with its own spacious bedroom, full bathroom, kitchenette, and dedicated separate exterior entrance — a self-sufficient unit ready to generate rental income to offset carrying costs, host extended family with complete privacy, or operate as a short-term rental in the heart of 92116. For buyers relocating to San Diego from Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Seattle, or major East Coast metros, 4811 E Alder Dr represents a combination genuinely difficult to replicate at this price point: a renovated 1943 character home with full modern upgrades, no HOA, estate-scale lot, ADU income flexibility, canyon views, a heated pool, a wine room, and immediate walkable access to the independent restaurants, wine bars, and coffee culture of Adams Avenue — the commercial corridor that has made Kensington one of San Diego's most consistently in-demand zip codes. The property is zoned for Franklin Elementary School, Lewis Middle School, and Patrick Henry High School — all within San Diego Unified School District and within 0.6 miles of the front door. Private showings available by appointment. Visit https://thewrightgroupsd.com/properties/4811-e-alder-drive-san-diego-ca-92116-ndp2602637 for the full video tour, Matterport 3D walkthrough, and architectural floor plans.
No exterior & parking available.
Grades K-5 • 0.6 mi
Grades K-5 • 0.9 mi
Grades K-5 • 1.1 mi
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home |
|---|---|---|
| Beds | 5.0 | 3.3 |
| Baths | 4.0 | 2.3 |
| Square foot | 3,222 | 1,777.941 |
| Lot Size | 24,829.199 | 6,474.445 |
| Price | $2.44M | $1.27M |
| Price per sq ft | $757 | $741 |
| Built year | 1943 | 1971 |
| HOA | $0 | $184 |
| Days on market | 173 | 40 |
Sep 7, 2026
$2,439,000
$2,449,000
+0% Price Increase
Initial Listing
Aug 22, 2026
$2,449,000
$2,459,000
+0% Price Increase
Initial Listing
Jun 19, 2026
$2,459,000
$2,469,000
+0% Price Increase
Initial Listing
May 1, 2026
$2,469,000
$2,495,000
-1% Price Drop
Initial Listing
Mar 20, 2026
$2,495,000
Initial Listing
Oct 24, 1997
$15,000
Public Record