A short history
Developer Abbot Kinney opened his “Venice of America” in 1905, complete with a network of canals. In 1929, many of the canals were filled in to create streets. The six that remain, Carroll, Linnie, Howland and Sherman running east-west and Eastern and Grand running north-south, form the Venice Canal Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The canals were restored and reopened in 1993.
What makes canal homes different
- Many homes face a walkway and the water rather than a street, so access, parking and deliveries work differently than on a typical block.
- Lots are often compact, and homes range from original cottages to dramatic modern rebuilds.
- Privacy, light and how a home relates to the walkway and bridges vary a lot from one address to the next.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What parking comes with the home, and where?
- What remodeling or rebuilding is possible? The canals sit in the Coastal Zone and a historic district, so confirm what is allowed with the City of Los Angeles before you plan changes.
- What do inspections show about the foundation, drainage and any waterside elements?
- Are there neighborhood or association guidelines that affect the property?
- How does the home feel at different times of day and on weekends?
How I help
I help you compare canal homes on what actually matters to you, ask the right questions early, and negotiate with a clear picture. When you are ready, start with a search or tell me what you are looking for.