LONG BEACH REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The Turret House

Historic Victorian Bed and Breakfast For Sale

Downtown Long Beach California

The Turret House, a successful historic bed and breakfast in the heart of Downtown Long Beach California is For Sale. This elegant Victorian bed and breakfast provides its guests with a comfortable environment to unwind with period pieces throughout, and provides separate owners quarters, offering the new owner a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Location is in the Wilmore Drake Historic District, one of 17 historic districts in Long Beach California.

Built in 1906, by a Kansas carpenter, this Historic Inn retains its charm to this day. Walking distance to the Downtown Long Beach business district the Victorian B & B provides a homey welcome to avid business travelers tired of spending the bulk of their time in typical hotels. The Inn was last renovated in 2003 with much attention spent on a beautiful restoration.

Business travelers account for over half of the room bookings. The Inn offers a unique travel experience for weary road warriors. A short walk into the Downtown business district the Inn has become a favorite for many business travellers tired of being on the road and wanting a more homey and comfortable environment. The Inn is also a favorite getaway for Anniversary celebrations and weekend getaways. Many Downtown locals book rooms for visiting family members. The Turret House also rents out the Inn for the use of Showers, Tea Parties, etc..

The business is solid, the Inn is usually fully booked. Even in the slower months of the year (November-December) the Inn is usually about 75% booked. The hotel has built expansive internet exposure, is highly rated and enjoys a friendly relationship with referring vendors. The Turret House provides a nice healthy, steady income for its current owners, it can for you too.

The Turret House has 5 themed guest rooms; all rooms have private baths, fireplaces, claw-foot tubs and showers, are lovingly decorated and are fully booked most of the year.

The Turret Room Five leaded-glass windows frame this cozy room, complimenting its 12 foot high turret from which the house derived its name. Full-size antique bed. A private bath with stall shower and slipper claw foot tub is steps from the Turret Door.
	Provincetown Room Embracing the Inns diversity, the Provincetown Room is the jewel of the house, with antique four-poster queen bed and matching carved wood dresser sink. Artwork by prominent P-Town artist Doug Marr graces the walls and French doors lead to a private balcony where guests may sit and enjoy their mornings or cool evening breeze. Private bath.
Queen Mary Room Named after our citys historic ocean liner, this room features sky blue walls and artifacts from the ships sailings. Queen bed, private bath.
	Vagabond Room As its name indicates, the Vagabond Room features a world traveler decor with mementos of far-away places and faces. King bed, private bath.
Dreamcatcher Room Slip away into surreal dreams in this relaxing room. Earth-tone colors with an eclectic mix of paintings and prints. Queen bed, private bath.

Each room currently includes television with DirecTV including free HBO, Cinemax and Showtime, fluffy bathrobes and free passes to nearby Golds Gym. Internet access is also provided. Guests may also relax in the Inns private outdoor spa. The Turret House is a pet friendly bed and breakfast that feels more like a grand old home.

The Turret House won the 2005 Long Beach Heritage Preservation Award and has been voted the best bed and breakfast by the Press Telegram. It is no wonder, a tour of The Turret House will leave you with the sense of having stepped back in time with every nook and cranny lovingly restored.

This fine bed and breakfast offers its new owner more than just a steady income stream, it offers a lifestyle. The on site, separate owners quarters make this lovely Inn an extension of your home. You will have to see this wonderful haven to understand the warmth it exudes.

Southern California, Long Beach and the Downtown Long Beach areas offer unlimited resort amenities and endless entertainment. Centrally located, Downtown Long Beach is just 6 miles from the Long Beach Airport, 20 miles south of LAX, 22 miles north of John Wayne Airport and 51 miles east of Ontario Airport.

Downtown Long Beach is a highly evolving urban redevelopment area. Over the last few years many new high rise condominiums have been built; historic buildings have been converted into highly desirable Manhattan style lofts and new business has been moving into the Downtown area. Plans for continued development continue into our future. More information on the redevelopment in Downtown can be located on the City of Long Beach Site here.

Guests can walk to area beaches, the Long Beach Convention Center, The World Trade Center, the Downtown business district, Pine Avenue, area restaurants, local galleries, the East Village Arts District, The Aquarium of the Pacific, Rainbow Harbor and The Pike.

If you are searching for the perfect Historic Bed and Breakfast, The Turret House may just be the perfect choice for you.

Contact Laurie today to explore the possibilities.

Offered at: $995,000

Listing Agent: Laurie Manny – Main Street Realtors Long Beach 562-212-5420

Contact Me

So many people are downsizing and looking for new diggs in a more urban environment. What I am hearing more often is “I want to be able to walk to stores, coffee shops and entertainment.” Where better to live than our very own “Downtown Long Beach“. With such a wide variety of choices there is housing available to quench almost any buyers thirst.

Downtown has its very own Historic District replete with early century Craftsman Homes, Victorian Homes, California bungalows and lovely Spanish style homes (Willmore City Historic District). Prefer a duplex, triplex or fourplex; perhaps a stock co-op or an own your own (OYO)? We have those as well, and in all price ranges; from the very affordable to the very pricey.

In Downtown Long Beach, condos both old and new, fantastic loft spaces (urban living at its finest), abound. Prefer a brand new luxury high rise condo on the waterfront or with an ocean view? We have those too! We even have a landmark historic high rise on the ocean that it just to die for gorgeous, have you seen the Villa Riviera lately?

Moving your business here as well? Downtown Long Beach has many commercial properties; office space is available.

Buyers who are thinking about “Relocating to Long Beach” usually ask for particulars about the area. Questions like “What is there to do in Downtown Long Beach”? This question always brings a smile to my face, because our little Downtown is a jumping mecca of entertainment for all types and ages, we have a lil sumptin to entertain just about everybody here.

If you are feeling like a slug, you can sit outside of one of our many coffee shops or restaurants and just people watch; bring your laptop and tap into the Downtown Wireless Hotzone network. Now that may sound pretty boring to some of you, but I assure you Downtown is anything but boring. While you are sitting there, you may hear some incredible jazz or blues and choose to follow those enticing sounds right on over to the Blue Cafe. Stay a while, enjoy the music, play a game of pool, chill out. If it happens to be a Tuesday afternoon, between 11 AM and 4 PM, you can walk across the street to the Farmers market and pick up some fresh fruit and veggies for dinner. Check out the local crafts on display here as well.

The East Village Arts District in Downtown Long Beach hosts the 2nd Saturday Artwalk every month 4 – 10 PM. Enjoy an evening of art, entertainment, food and wine. Hey make a day of it, walk over from the Blue Cafe, its a short walk.

“MOLAA” (The Museum of Latin American Art) is free every Sunday in July 2008, compliments of Target. Hey, thanks Target! Enjoy the Latin Culture of Long Beach free every Friday, compliments of MOOLA.

Enjoy live music concerts monthly at:

• The Vault
• Blue Cafe
• The Cellar
• Downtown Long Beach Summer Music Series
• Seaside Summer Concert Series
• South Coast Chorle in Concert
• The Long Beach Symphony
  

Is the Theater more your bag? We have theater!

• Terrace Theater
• The Garage Theatre
• The Found Theatre

Head on over to the Aquarium of the Pacific for Shark Lagoon Night from 6 – 9 PM, go ahead, reach out and touch one of over 150 sharks. Aw geez, I just never had the guts for this one, but my little niece and nephew shamed me by reaching in and stroking jaws!

The Queen Mary is hosting several very interesting events this July.

• LA Motorcycle Show – July 12-13
• Calendar Girl Music Fest – July 12-13
• Caribbean Summer Music Festival – July 27
  

Did you ask if we had Sports?

Yes, Downtown Long Beach hosts sporting events on a regular basis. This month (July 2008) we have some exciting sporting events:

60th Annual Long Beach/Catalina/Long Beach Ski Race – July 19

Location: Long Beach Harbor

More Information

(909) 463-3069

Long Beach/Catalina/Long Beach Jet Ski Race – July 20

Location: Long Beach Harbor

More Information

(310) 318-4012

97th Anniversary Offshore Power Boat Race – July 20

Location: Long Beach Harbor

More Information

(714)612-3378

AVP Pro Volleyball Tournament – July 24 – 27

Location: Marina Green

More Information

(310) 426-8000

Getting hungry yet?

Downtown Long Beach Restaurants:

• La Traviata Restaurant
• Smooths Sports Grille
• Parkers Lighthouse
• Outback Steakhouse
• PF Changs
• California Pizza Kitchen
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
• Rock Bottom Brewery
• Mariposa Restaurant
• 555 East
• LOpera
• The Madison Restaurant
• The Sky Room
• Kings Fish House
• Alegria Cocina Latina
• Yard House Restaurant
• Wasabi Japanese Restaurant
• Utopia Restaurant
• Georges Greek Cafe
• Modicas Restaurant
• Super Mex
• Shoreline Cafe
• Mai Tai Bar
• P.F. Changs
• Gladstones

Walk down to Rainbow Harbor and the Pike, you will never be bored with all we have waiting for you:

Things to do in “Rainbow Harbor”:

• Rent a speedboat
• Rent a jet ski
• Bicycle Boats
• Rent a Kayak
• Go Sailing
• Fishing
• Whale Watching
• Scuba Dive Charters
• Private Charters
• Yacht Charters
• Harbor Tours
• Harbor Cruises
• Burials at Sea
• Private Charters
• Wedding & Corporate Charter
• Tall Ship American Pride Educational & Charter Tours
• Romance Charters
• Aqua Link
• Aqua Bus
• Dream Cruises
• Educational Expeditions to Catalina & Channel Islands
• Rainbow Rocket-Ride
• Guest Day Mooring Area
• Dockside Boat & Bed – Spend the night on a Yacht

Tired of blowing a small fortune on that liquid gold? Gasoline prices are nutz right now. Downtown has great transportation available to you:

Transportation in and around Long Beach CA:

• Metro Blue Line
• Long BeachPassport Bus – Long Beach Transit
  
• Limo Services
• Taxi Services
• Car Rentals
• Boat Rentals
• Catalina Express
  
• Water Taxi
• Rail Transit Web page
• Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• Long Beach Airport
• Long Beach BIKESTATION
• Catalina Express Island Trips
• Los Angeles Helicopter Tours
• Island Express Helicopters

“Alamitos Beach” is Downtown Long Beach’s Neighboring Community. Home to many Long Beach Luxury High Rises directly on the sand, it is a wonderful place to live and frequent the Downtown area:

• Alamitos Beach Condos For Sale $400000 to $500000
• Alamitos Beach Condos For Sale $500000 to $600000
• Alamitos Beach Condos For Sale $600000 to $800000
• Alamitos Beach Condos For Sale $800000 to $1000000
• Alamitos Beach Condos For Sale $1000000 and more

If you are thinking about Relocating to Long Beach, Contact Laurie Manny to view Homes and Condos in the Downtown Long Beach, Alamitos Beach and other fabulous Long Beach Communities.

From the People of the Earth to the City of Long Beach
California

A Native American tribe known as the Tongva (which
means “the people of the earth”) were the city’s first known residents. The
Tongva disappeared in the 1800s as settlers began pouring into the area. Manuel
Nieto built a rancho on a huge parcel of land awarded him through the Spanish
Land Grant in 1784. Over time, his property was divided many times for business
and personal reasons. Long Beach grew out of two settlements that came from
Nieto’s tract: Los Cerritos and Los Alamitos.

Settling Long Beach California

In
1880, Englishman Erwin Willmore created the first township here by subdividing
parts of Los Cerritos. Even after the township failed, settlers were drawn to
the area’s easy access to the ocean, wide beaches and business opportunity. By
1888 the City of Long Beach had a name, 59 buildings and a school. Long Beach
incorporated in 1897. Do you like historic homes? Today, Historic Willmore
City has more Craftsman, Prairie, Victorian, Mission and Spanish Colonial Style
homes than any other Long Beach historic homes districts. Named for Mr.
Willmore, it was part of the city’s original 1881 plan.

In 1933 Long Beach was hit by a very large earthquake which caused
incredible damage to buildings for miles around the city. During the 30’s and
40’s the city slowly rebuilt itself and began to attract the motion picture
industry. Elizabeth Taylor spent her first honeymoon at the Hilton Hotel on
Ocean Boulevard, which is now the Breakers Hotel right here in Long
Beach. She married Nicky Hilton, son of Conrad Hilton. The Breakers Hotel
Penthouse has since been converted to the magnificent restaurant The Skyroom, my personal favorite
for a very special evening.

Long Beach was known as the motion
picture capital of the world until post World War I when Hollywood developed
around the glitz of the era. With its perfect Southern California climate, Long
Beach afforded the perfect setting for the industry. There were eight film
houses, two stock companies, roller-coasters and bath houses at the historic
Pike, along the shore of Downtown Long
Beach. This was the home of the Balboa Amusement Production Company, the
world’s most prolific silent-film studio. W. C. Fields and other stars lived in
beautiful mansions in the Bluff Park neighborhood along Ocean Boulevard and
First Street, many of which remain in the families to this day.

In 1967
the Queen Mary (built in
1936) was withdrawn from service to the Cunard line and brought to rest in Long Beach Harbor. She was to
become a floating hotel, open to the public. She was outfitted with
restaurants, shops and tours open to the public. Did you know that the Queen
Mary transported troops during World War II and served as Winston Churchill’s
headquarters at sea? She was painted gray and nicknamed “The Gray Ghost”. The
Queen transported over 800,000 troops and traveled 660,000 miles. The Queen
Mary is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Landmarks

Long Beach is home to
many interesting and well preserved historic landmarks. One such historic
landmark is Fire Station #10, the oldest remaining fire station in Long Beach.
Today it is no longer in service for firefighters, but instead houses the Long Beach Firefighters
Museum and contains a collection of antique fire engines, historical
photographs, and other firefighting memorabilia.

The Long Beach Museum of Art, in
historic Bluff Park
, is housed in the
historic Elizabeth Milbank Anderson House,
a stunning Craftsman Mansion, built in 1929. The museum is perched on a
towering bluff overlooking Long Beach Harbor. With ocean front gardens and a
charming cafe, it is a wonderful place to escape to for a day of gazing out over
the ocean, watching the comings and goings of the cruise ships and viewing the
harbor.

If you love books, be sure to visit the historic landmark Acres of
Books a family owned used books store that has been in Long Beach for
over 50 years. With more than 750,000 used books in stock, you’re sure to find
something to enjoy.

Historic Treasures

Today
the Rancho Los
Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens and Rancho Los Cerritos Historic sites are owned by the City of Long Beach. Be sure to
stop by these history-rich treasures! You’ll see agricultural buildings, acres
of gardens and adobe ranch homes dating from the 1800s. Long Beach is packed
with historic homes and significant older structures.

Long Beach California Historic Homes and
Districts

Historic Long Beach California Real
Estate

Long Beach is widely celebrated as one of the most
culturally diverse cities in the United States. But diversity is not just for
people! You’ll recognize the width and breadth of our uniqueness as you tour
homes in any of the city’s 17 historic neighborhoods:

• Belmont Heights
• Bluff Heights
• Bluff Park
• Brenner Place
• California Heights
• Carroll Park
• Craftsman Bungalow Historic
  Village
• Eliot Lane
• Linden Avenue
• Minerva Park Place
• Rose Park
• Rose Park South
• Sunrise Boulevard
• Willmore City Historic District
• Wilton Street
• Wrigley

From the massive front porch timbers of the Craftsman Bungalow to
the intricately detailed Victorian woodwork…there’s a historic home style here
to suit every preference.

A Community Working Together

Grab a sweater on a
cool coastal morning and smell the sweet fog as it melts into a crisp California
day. Relax on a bench on the wide open porch of your vintage Craftsman Bungalow
style home. The wide eaves reveal authentically exposed roof rafters that make
you feel uniquely peaceful. Across the street, a neighbor tends to her garden
as children play under ancient oaks and elms. You admire the intricate wrought
iron grillwork and heavy red tile roof of your neighbor’s Spanish Colonial
Revival style home. There is comfort in living among a community of people
working together to assure the vitality of your neighborhood.

Step Back in Time

Are you searching
for a well maintained, architecturally significant home in a neighborhood where
community is valued? As you drive along the tree lined streets you’ll feel as
if you’ve stepped back in time. You’ll see antique street lamps lighting
cobblestone paths and gardens bordered by authentic picket style fences. You’ll
see beautifully manicured lawns and flowering gardens. You’ll see neighbors
working together to assure that historic features of an area are maintained.
When you live in a historic district, you become part of a unified effort to
protect the area’s rich heritage.

Dedicated to Preservation

Long Beach is dedicated
to the preservation of its rich history. In 2003, the city received an A on the
Los Angeles Conservancy’s report card for overall preservation. Long Beach was
one of only five cities to receive high marks out of 45 Southern California
locations. And in 2004 the Willmore City historic area won the Neighborhoods
USA Best Neighborhoods contest for social revitalization.

Individual Long Beach
California Real Estate qualifies for historic status when it:

• is historically significant
  
• is architecturally unique
  
• has retained its original style
  
• is built from original materials

A more
recently built structure may qualify for historic status when it is a well built
representation of a past architectural style. Want to know more about Long
Beach’s rich history? Visit the Long Beach Historical
Society.

Preserving the Past

If you love strong,
structurally sound, beautiful old homes…Come Home to Long Beach CA! Historic
districts here maintain or re-create an atmosphere of old Long Beach. Is your
Long Beach California Real
Estate in a potentially historic area?
If your community contains a high
concentration of intact and original vintage architectural styles, and property
owners want to protect the buildings as assets to the community…your
neighborhood may qualify for historic status.

Historic Status for Your Neighborhood

A
district may qualify for historic designation when:

• two-thirds or more of the structures in the area are 50 years old — or
  older
  
• buildings retain their original appearance
  
• buildings are constructed of original building
  materials

An area may be designated historic when structures together preserve the
visual qualities and ambiance of the past. Sometimes individual homes are
already designated historic — sometimes it’s the area itself that’s
notable.

Meeting the City’s Criteria

To gain
historic status for your neighborhood, contact the Long Beach Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC). You’ll provide specific information about your community
to the commission, who will conduct a cultural resources survey to determine if
the structures in your area meet the city’s criteria for historic designation.
The CHC makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission who drafts an
ordinance for City Council approval. This is the final step! Once the
ordinance is approved, your area is officially designated a historic
district.

A Valuable Asset

Your historic home is
more than a poignant reminder of a by-gone day. It is a glittering emblem of
community pride. It attracts tourists interested in viewing a piece of the
past. And historic neighborhoods enjoy increases in property values that exceed
similar non-designated neighborhoods. Whether you’re interested in revitalizing
a neighborhood, love vintage properties or are considering an investment in
Long Beach CA Real Estate…your historic home is a valuable
asset!

Saving Money with the Mills Act

Are you
concerned about how you’ll afford to maintain your historic Long Beach
California Real Estate? The Mills
Act makes preservation easy! This 10 year “endlessly renewable”
contract with the city provides tax incentives to owners of Long Beach
historic properties.

The Mills Act

Since 1972, The Mills Act has provided deep tax discounts to owners
of historic Long Beach California Real Estate. This legally
binding 10 year “endlessly renewable” contract helps homeowners afford
maintenance and restoration of historically and architecturally significant
properties.

• View the current inventory of Historic
  Districts
• Learn how to apply for Mills Act status
• To receive more information about the Mills Act and have a packet mailed to
  you, call 1-562-570-6864.

All
Qualified Historic Structures Benefit

In 1972, historian, writer
and statesman, Jim Mills, introduced this little known bill. It grants tax
discounts ranging from 24 to 60 percent to owners of qualified historic
structures. All designated historic buildings may apply! Whether you live in
your historic single family residence or use it as an income producing
commercial enterprise…you may qualify for tax benefits under the Mills
Act.

Good for You…Good for the
Community

Returning tax money to you benefits everyone. It
creates incentive to purchase and restore beautiful homes and neighborhoods
within the community. When you purchase restoration materials, local businesses
thrive. Property values go up! Neighborhoods are strengthened as standards of
living increase. And neighborhood enhancements stimulate community
pride.

Promising to Maintain and Preserve Your Historic
Property

When you sign a Mills Act contract, you are promising
to maintain and preserve your historic property following predetermined
standards. This is to protect the value of your investment while assuring the
community’s overall historic integrity. Modifications to your home or building
should respect the structure’s original historic and architectural
character…while changing it as little as possible!

Everyday
maintenance and General Repairs

Zoning requirements, building
codes, development and owner entitlements remain the same for all
neighborhoods. Everyday maintenance and general repairs that don’t affect your
home’s overall construction or design are not regulated.

Buying
or Selling a Mills Act Home

Are you buying or selling a home
that comes with an existing Mills Act contract? Lucky you! As a buyer, you’ll
assume the Mills Act contract along with purchase of your home — and benefit
from tax savings already in place. Selling a Mills Act home means increased
marketability of an already desirable property

Come Home to Long Beach

Are you buying or
selling historic Long Beach California Real Estate? Call
Laurie Manny, your Historic Homes Specialist, today at (562) 212-5420. Laurie is
a Top Long Beach Realtor.