256 E 1st Avenue, Chico, CA 95926

$649,000

Step into a piece of Chico's vibrant history at 256 E. 1st Avenue, an iconic Victorian residence perched on a prominent corner lot of E. 1st Ave and Oleander, just one block from the Esplanade and minutes from Downtown Chico, Chico State, and Enloe Medical Center. Built in 1949, this… Read More distinguished 3-story, 8-bedroom, 4-bathroom home spans 2,993 sq. ft. and was once featured as the Decorator's Dream House in 1982. Each room was transformed by local designers with flair and creativity, a legacy the current owners have preserved and thoughtfully updated with curated touches from Chico artisans, blending historic charm with modern living. As you arrive, the welcoming covered front porch and classic double-entry doors offer just a hint of the character inside. Inside, you're greeted by a breathtaking grand staircase, 10.5-foot ceilings, transom windows, handcrafted wainscoting, and wood flooring throughout. The heart of the home, a large light-filled entry, is a true showstopper and sets the tone for the rest of the tour. The main floor hosts one of two private suites, complete with a full bathroom, kitchenette, and cozy living space. Upstairs, you'll find five additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms at the end of the hall. The top floor features a penthouse suite, an incredible private retreat with its own bathroom, living room, and kitchenette. One of the original bedrooms has been converted into a spacious laundry and lounge area for added comfort. The home also includes a large unfinished basement, offering ample storage or the potential for creative future use. Outside, the fenced backyard and side yard offer quiet retreat spaces, perfect for entertaining under the shaded pergola or relaxing around the fire pit. A gated off-street parking area easily fits three cars, with additional RV/Boat parking for added convenience. With strong income potential (the home is currently being used as an Airbnb), the benefit of the Mills Act tax reduction, and a location steeped in Chico's history, this rare Victorian gem is perfect for investors, multigenerational living, or those dreaming of a legacy home near the heart of it all. Opportunities to own a property list iconic and versatile don't come around often. Come experience the character, charm, and possibilities of 256 E. 1st Ave for yourself. Your next chapter starts here! Read Less

Listing Snapshot

Days Online

282

Last Updated

Apr 8, 2026

Property Type

SingleFamilyResidence

Beds

Full Baths

Square Ft.

2,994

Lot Size

0.19 Acres

Year Built

1949

MLS Number

SN25122758

Additional Details

Property Access

Frontage Type: CityStreet, Road Surface: Paved

Appliances & Equipment

Dishwasher, FreeStandingRange, Disposal, GasOven, GasRange, Microwave, Refrigerator, RangeHood, VentedExhaustFan, WaterHeater, Washer

Basement

Unfinished, Utility

Building

Built in 1949, Living area: 2994.0, Living area units: SquareFeet, 3 stories, Levels: ThreeOrMore, Entry level: 1, Entry location: 1, Construction Materials: WoodSiding

Community

Curbs, Gutters, StormDrains, StreetLights, Sidewalks

Cooling

CentralAir, WallWindowUnits

Doors

FrenchDoors

Accessibility Features

None

Exterior Features

Patio/Porch Features: Brick, Covered, FrontPorch, Open, Patio, Wood, WrapAround, Lighting

Fence

ChainLink, Partial, Wood

Fireplaces

FamilyRoom, WoodBurning

Floors

Tile, Wood

Foundation

ConcretePerimeter

Heating

Central, ForcedAir, Fireplaces

Home Owner's Association

Association Fee: $0

Interior Features

BuiltInFeatures, ChairRail, CeilingFans, SeparateFormalDiningRoom, EatInKitchen, HighCeilings, Pantry, PanelingWainscoting, BedroomOnMainLevel, EntranceFoyer, WalkInPantry

Laundry

ElectricDryerHookup, GasDryerHookup, Inside, LaundryRoom, Stacked, UpperLevel

Lot

0.19 acres, BackYard, CornerLot, DripIrrigationBubblers, FrontYard, SprinklersInRear, SprinklersInFront, Lawn, Landscaped, Level, NearPublicTransit, RectangularLot, SprinklersTimer, SprinklerSystem, StreetLevel, Trees, Yard

Parking

3 open parking spaces, 3 total parking spaces, DrivewayLevel, Driveway, Gravel, Gated, OnSite, Oversized, RvAccessParking, OneSpace

Pool

None

Property

Other structures: Gazebo, Neighborhood

Roof

Composition

Security Features

CarbonMonoxideDetectors, SmokeDetectors

Sewer

PublicSewer

Taxes

Additional parcels description:, Parcel Number: 003102015000, Tax Block: 49, Lot: 5, Zoning: RP

Utilities

ElectricityConnected, NaturalGasConnected, SewerConnected, WaterConnected, Water Source: Public, Volts220InLaundry

Windows

GardenWindows

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