Set against the rolling slope of a canyon in San Diego’s historic Mission Hills district, a striking residence known as Villa K has been placed on the market for the first time. The property occupies just under a quarter-acre of verdant terrain, where a series of interlocking stucco and stone pavilions frame a central courtyard that boasts floating stone steps and a gently circulating water feature.
The house was conceived and built in 2013 as the private home of architect Patrick McInerney, a former apprentice of the celebrated London designer David Chipperfield. McInerney’s vision was to create an environment devoid of visual clutter, embracing a disappearing design philosophy that tucks switches, outlets and hardware seamlessly into the architecture.
Location and architectural concept
Mission Hills, known for its eclectic mix of historic bungalows and modernist landmarks, provides a fitting backdrop for the villa’s ultra-minimalist language. The steel-frame skeleton supports smooth light-gray stucco walls punctuated by natural stone, producing an angular silhouette that feels simultaneously grounded and sculptural. A courtyard at the heart of the layout serves as a private oasis, with a water element that reflects the sky and reinforces the sense of tranquility that McInerney sought.
Layout, finishes and amenities
The interior spans roughly 3,500 square feet and is organized into two distinct zones: a public entertaining wing and a secluded family wing. The public side features a combined living-and-dining volume anchored by a minimalist fireplace and custom built-in shelving that emerges from a hand-finished white plaster wall. Retractable Fleetwood glass doors slide open to the courtyard, blurring the boundary between inside and outside.
At the heart of the entertaining area lies an Arclinea kitchen distinguished by matte mint-green cabinetry, a marble-topped island and integrated Gaggenau and Miele appliances. A casual breakfast nook overlooks the courtyard, while the kitchen’s clean lines echo the overall hyper-minimalist aesthetic of the home.
The private wing houses two guest bedrooms and a master suite that reads like a contemporary retreat. The primary bathroom showcases polished chrome fixtures, an arrangement of circular mirrors of varying diameters, and a meditation garden equipped with a hot tub for private relaxation. Additional spaces include a separate office with its own entrance, an exercise room, a cozy den, and a subterranean multi-car garage carved into the hillside.
Throughout the residence, finishes such as Cantera stone flooring and 12-foot ceilings reinforce the luxurious yet understated tone. The use of light-colored plaster and natural stone creates a seamless visual flow that aligns with McInerney’s desire for structural serenity.
Market positioning and listing details
Represented by Jenna Hoyas, Kristina Quesada and Nicole Meacham-Hazelton of The Yost Quesada Team at Douglas Elliman, Villa K is now offered at $3.495 million. The price reflects the home’s unique architectural pedigree, its prime Mission Hills location, and the high-end finishes that distinguish it from more conventional luxury properties in the region.
Since its debut in Architectural Digest shortly after completion, the villa has been admired for its commitment to a clean, clutter-free environment and for the way it integrates indoor and outdoor living. Prospective buyers seeking a residence that marries avant-garde design with California’s relaxed lifestyle will find this property a rare opportunity.
