Mission Hills rolls out red tile carpet for historic home tour

San Diego’s Mission Hills is rolling out the red tile carpet! Mission Hills Heritage’s 18th Annual Historic Home Tour, happening Sept. 26–27, is back—and this year, the weekend kicks off with a brand-new Friday night gala.

The theme, “Spanish Architectural Styles of Mission Hills,” highlights homes inspired by early 20th-century Spanish Revival design—a first in more than a decade for the tour.

The weekend opens Friday, Sept. 26, with A Night in España, an elegant evening soiree hosted at a 1927 Spanish Eclectic home not included in the Saturday tour. Guests will enjoy an exclusive viewing of the home, sip Spanish wines and signature cocktails, and take in live Spanish guitar music.

The evening also features a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, and a gourmet charcuterie spread from the chef collective Oliver & Rose, including Adriana Sanchez, Isabel Cruz, and Tami Ratliffe. The gala is presented in partnership with local gourmet shop Lewis & Fay.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, attendees can enjoy a self-paced, docent-led walking tour of several Spanish-style homes built by Master Builders such as Pear Pearson and William Wahrenberger, and Master Architect Richard Requa. Many homes were inspired by the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, featuring white stucco facades, red tile roofs, wrought iron details, colorful tiles, and arched doorways, according to a news release.

Tour-day amenities include a coffee truck, pastries from Sissy’s Sourdough, and a refreshment stop at Mission Hills Financial, housed in a beautifully preserved Prairie-style building on West Lewis Street.

MHH President Rob Jassoy noted the gala’s importance. “Our board is working hard to secure national historic recognition for Mission Hills. With up to 10 potential districts, the costs ahead far exceed our usual fundraising capabilities,” he said.

Event sponsors include Chism Bros. Painting; Heartwood Restoration; Heritage Architecture & Planning; Jackson Design & Remodeling; Lewis & Fay; Mission Hills Financial; and Sandbox Investments + Advisory.

For more information and tickets, visit www.missionhillsheritage.org/upcoming-events/