See Spreckels Mansion, Coronado, California

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Local businessman and developer John D. Spreckels presented the Beach House as a wedding gift to his son Claus, and daughter-in-law Ellis Moon, in 1910. The Spreckels’ Beach House was designed in an Italian Renaissance Revival style and is notable for Harrison Albright’s use of steel-reinforced concrete, an innovative architectural method of the time. The house also enjoys the influence of a second renowned architect, Richard Requa, who designed the home’s guesthouse and influenced the design of the rear of the main house. The current owner has restored the home to its original design by removing a pitched, red-tiled roof that was added by Mrs. Ellis Moon Spreckels. More than 100 years later, the home — which has since been expanded to nine bedrooms plus a guest house — was the scene of a tragic, fatal accident and a second, mysterious death. In July 2011, then-owner Jonathan Shacknai’s son, six-year-old Max, fell down the stairs and, four days later, died of his injuries. In the meantime, two days before young Max died of brain damage, the wealthy pharmaceutical executive’s girlfriend, Rebecca Zahau, was found nude and hanging by a rope around her neck from a second-story balcony overlooking the interior courtyard. Authorities ruled her death a suicide. Her family disagreed and filed a wrongful death suit. In the civil action, Jonah’s brother, Adam Shacknai, who found Zahau’s body, was found responsible. But the case was dismissed when Zahau’s family reached a settlement with Adam Shacknai’s insurance company. How you can help protect this wonder: Because this is a private home, enjoy it from the front sidewalk. Be respectful of privacy when taking photos. Parking can be difficult in this area, plan on walking or bicycling to this landmark.

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