Golden Gate Villa

The Golden Gate Villa is a three-story mansion on 3rd Street featuring developed basements, an attic, and three distinctive towers rising prominently into the skyline. The building displays classic Queen Anne architectural elements with intricate facade patterns and varying roof forms that define its exterior.

The building was designed and erected in 1891 by San Francisco architect Thomas J. Welsh for Major Frank McLaughlin. The villa later received visits from prominent figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Edison, indicating its importance as a destination for dignitaries.

The residence displays the building style that wealthy Californians favored during the late 1800s, with ornate details reflecting the economic power of that era. The decorative features and prominent towers show how owners chose to display their wealth and status.

The location is easily accessible on foot and sits centrally in town, where the building is visible from the street. Visitors can admire the architecture from outside and explore the surroundings to get a sense of the historic neighborhood.

During the 1940s, the villa was converted into a restaurant called Palais Monte Carlo. This phase as a dining establishment shows how the building adapted to meet the needs of the era before returning to private residential use.

Location: Santa Cruz

GPS coordinates: 36.96722,-122.02167

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:43