By Keldine Hull
Tobacco magnate and multi-millionaire Abbot Kinney furrowed the first canals in the untapped areas to the west of Los Angeles and created a “Venice of the West.” When Venice, California opened in 1905 as a beach resort town, people from all over the country couldn’t resist visiting a piece of Italy on the heels of the Pacific Ocean. Over a century and change later, the beachfront craftsman Kinney and his family called home during Venice’s infant years is on the market again.
Located at 16 Park Avenue, just a stone’s throw away from the ocean, the front house of the property was built in 1906 by Kinney with unparalleled views of the Pacific and Venice Beach. Featured on Showtime’s “Californication” starring David Duchovny, the historic property also includes a large rooftop deck, built in BBQ, loft, office and patios connected to the master and guest suites.
A newly constructed two-story back house built by Venice architect Michael Hricak and designed to match the historic nature of the original home, sits atop a 4- car garage and includes 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. With the back house included, the 4,428-square foot property totals 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Other features include oak floors, built-in seating and shelving, and marble countertops. Currently one of the oldest properties in Venice, asking price for Abbot Kinney’s original home is a little under $6.3 million.
