Intrigued by whispers of a hidden coastal haven? You have arrived at Saint Malo Beach. It is a place steeped in history and mystery. This isn’t just any beach. Saint Malo Beach is a portal to a unique story.
Saint Malo Beach holds the distinction of being San Diego’s first private gated community. Imagine that. The concept began to materialize in the late 1920s. Kenyon and Louise Keith, a Pasadena couple, spearheaded the development. They envisioned custom homes reminiscent of a French fishing village. They were inspired by Saint Malo in Brittany, France.
Residency here was by invitation only. It was limited to family and hand-selected friends. This created an exclusive enclave. The St. Malo Subdivision starts at Eaton and South Pacific Streets. It extends along the 2000 block of South Pacific Street. Homes constructed here adhered to strict architectural standards. Materials were chosen and weathered to evoke a sense of timelessness.
The St. Malo Gate, designed by architect William McCay, served as an imposing entrance. Kenyon Keith sought to create a strong “sense of place” with this design. These weren’t mere weekend retreats. Saint Malo homes became havens for wealthy families seeking to escape city life. Owners often brought full staff, including maids and cooks. Many homes had servant’s quarters. Homes were described as “storybook cottages” or “chalets”. Saint Malo earned the nickname “Pasadena on the Rocks”.
A private beach offered respite. There were also playgrounds, tennis courts, a volleyball court, and a clubhouse cabana. Exclusive cocktail parties, barbecues, and trips to the Del Mar Races were common. Close friends could rent or borrow houses. Oceanside residents were not always aware of the happenings. But, the Los Angeles Times society pages chronicled the activities. Headlines boasted of St. Malo’s exclusivity. They named the socialites and families who frequented the area. They hinted that St. Malo parties surpassed even those in Hollywood.
Some articles placed Saint Malo near locales like La Jolla or Del Mar. In 1950, the City of Oceanside annexed the St. Malo subdivision. At that time, it had grown to 24 homes. This annexation occurred at the owners’ request. The heyday of Saint Malo spanned the 1930s to 1960s. Owners included mining engineers, surgeons, lumber magnates, attorneys, and writers. There were also film producers and even a mayor of Beverly Hills. Alice Pillsbury Forsman, daughter of the Pillsbury Mills co-founder, resided here. For many, St. Malo was more than just a home. Even obituaries noted their affection for their St. Malo home away from home.
Film director Jason S. Joy and author Ben Hecht were notable residents. Joy’s home, “La Garde Joyeuse,” featured an outdoor bowling alley and volleyball court. Hecht, author of “Scarface,” bought his St. Malo home in 1950. He wrote a children’s book about an Oceanside cat. He often wrote from his den overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
In the 1940s, homes sold for $57,000 and up. Ownership depended on “membership” and Kenyon Keith’s approval. Over the years, visitors included Harpo Marx and James Maytag. Prince Phillip and Princess Anne stayed here during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Today, Saint Malo isn’t quite as exclusive. Established residents mingle with new families. While no longer a secret, it remains private. Homes behind the gate evoke a sense of mystery. Houses here all share slanted wood-shingled roofs. Redbrick chimneys rise above them. Animal-shaped weather vanes add a touch of whimsy.
The Saint Malo community also owns part of the Buena Vista Lagoon. In the early 1940s, homeowners placed a small dam to keep the ocean out. This decision turned the area into a freshwater lagoon. This choice has sparked some controversy over time.
As you stand here, take in the blend of French-inspired architecture. It mixes seamlessly with the California coastline. Consider the generations who sought refuge in this exclusive community. Saint Malo Beach is more than just sand and sea. It is a testament to a vision. It is a place where dreams of a European escape took root in Southern California soil.