About 745 California Avenue, Reno, Nevada, 89509
Make Reno's history into your future at 745 California Avenue, a 7,722 sq ft, 6 bd/5.5 bath English Tudor Revival home. Known as the Payne House and designed in the late 1930s, it features a 20-foot circular entry hall connecting formal and cozy living areas. Its prime location offers stunning views of the Truckee River and downtown Reno through expansive windows, a terraced yard, and a gazebo. With its rich history, detailed restoration, and modern amenities, this house is ready for its next era and owner. Discover a distinctive property that blends architecture and history on Reno's iconic bluff overlooking the Truckee River at 745 California Avenue. This 7,722 sq ft English Tudor Revival estate was designed in the late 1930s by famed Nevada architect Edward Parsons, who called it "rather a thrill." The home makes a lasting impression with decorative brickwork, half-timbering, steeply pitched symmetrical gables, leaded glass windows, and massive chimneys. Its form is most striking from above, where terraced gardens and mature trees blend seamlessly into the home's architecture, offering privacy, beauty, and a deep sense of permanence. More than 50 years after its construction, the Payne House's current owner undertook a thoughtful restoration. Key original features—hardwood flooring, hand-finished brickwork, and bespoke architectural details—were preserved. Modern upgrades include central air conditioning, forced-air gas heating, updated plumbing and electrical systems, and security. A restored vintage elevator provides convenient access across all levels of the home. The home includes 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The primary suite features a vintage fireplace, mountain views, dual vanities, a jetted soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and a spacious closet. The kitchen pairs classic charm with modern function, with built-in appliances and a garden-view breakfast nook. The formal dining room features oversized windows that frame panoramic views of the Truckee River and Sierra foothills. A painted ceiling mural floats above the living and game room. Wood-burning and freestanding fireplaces add warmth and character throughout the home. Additional rooms include a library, office, bonus space, and a fully finished walk-out basement with its own recreation area and workshop. The finished basement opens to the yard and adds flexible space for hobbies, guests, or extra living. The 0.79-acre lot includes a custom stone wall along California Avenue, a private driveway, a detached two-car garage, and a playhouse designed to echo the main residence. A tranquil pond anchors the front yard, while the terraced backyard unfolds to a deck, patio, and a gazebo perched above the river—perfect for gatherings, balloon watching, or quiet river moments. Located about a mile from downtown Reno, the home offers convenient access to parks, schools, and cultural venues. The Newlands Historic District is known for its concentration of other historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a landscape shaped by the City Beautiful movement. The Payne House offers more than architectural beauty—it holds a story. From its distinguished origins to its careful restoration, this home reflects vision, character, and legacy. It's ready for its next era—and for someone who values history, design, and the timeless experience of living in a truly remarkable place.
Utilities : Cable Available, Electricity Connected, Natural Gas Connected, Phone Available, Sewer Connected, Water Connected, Cellular Coverage, Internet Available, Water Meter Installed
Water Source : Public
Sewer Source : Public Sewer
Parking Features: Attached, Garage, Garage Door Opener, Additional Parking
Parking Total: 210
2 Garage Spaces
Fencing : Full
Exterior Features: Built-in Barbecue, Rain Gutters, Water Feature
Lot Features : Landscaped, Level, Sloped Down, Sprinklers In Front, Sprinklers In Rear
Patio And Porch Features : Deck, Patio
Road Frontage Type : City Street
Zoning: SF5
Cooling: Attic Fan, Central Air, Electric
Heating : Forced Air
Construction Materials: Brick, Brick Veneer, Stone, Steel Frame, Stucco, Stone Veneer, Wood Siding
Interior Features: High Ceilings, Elevator
Fireplace Features: Wood Burning, Living Room, Family Room, Primary Bedroom, Bedroom, Basement
Fireplaces Total : 6
Appliances : Dryer, Disposal, Dishwasher, Electric Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, Self Cleaning Oven, Washer, Additional Refrigerator(s), Oven, Electric Cooktop
Windows Features: Drapes, Double Pane Windows, Skylight(s), Wood Frames
Flooring : Carpet, Ceramic Tile, Tile, Wood
Levels : Two
LaundryFeatures : Washer Hookup, Laundry Room, Cabinets, Electric Dryer Hookup
Other Structures: Gazebo, Workshop, Pergola
Water BodyName: Truckee River
Utilities : Cable Available, Electricity Connected, Natural Gas Connected, Phone Available, Sewer Connected, Water Connected, Cellular Coverage, Internet Available, Water Meter Installed
Water Source : Public
Sewer Source : Public Sewer
Parking Features: Attached, Garage, Garage Door Opener, Additional Parking
Parking Total: 210
2 Garage Spaces
Fencing : Full
Exterior Features: Built-in Barbecue, Rain Gutters, Water Feature
Lot Features : Landscaped, Level, Sloped Down, Sprinklers In Front, Sprinklers In Rear
Patio And Porch Features : Deck, Patio
Road Frontage Type : City Street
Zoning: SF5
Cooling: Attic Fan, Central Air, Electric
Heating : Forced Air
Construction Materials: Brick, Brick Veneer, Stone, Steel Frame, Stucco, Stone Veneer, Wood Siding
Interior Features: High Ceilings, Elevator
Fireplace Features: Wood Burning, Living Room, Family Room, Primary Bedroom, Bedroom, Basement
Fireplaces Total : 6
Appliances : Dryer, Disposal, Dishwasher, Electric Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator, Self Cleaning Oven, Washer, Additional Refrigerator(s), Oven, Electric Cooktop
Windows Features: Drapes, Double Pane Windows, Skylight(s), Wood Frames
Flooring : Carpet, Ceramic Tile, Tile, Wood
Levels : Two
LaundryFeatures : Washer Hookup, Laundry Room, Cabinets, Electric Dryer Hookup
Other Structures: Gazebo, Workshop, Pergola
Water BodyName: Truckee River

Street Address: 745 California Avenue
City: Reno
State: Nevada
Postal Code: 89509
County: Washoe

Property Information :
Listing Status: Active
Size: 7,722 Sqft
Lot Size: 0.79 Acres
MLS #: 250050671
Bedrooms: 6 bd
Bathrooms: 5.5 ba
Price: $4,100,000
Tax Amount: 9384.7
Construction Status: Built in 1939
Last Modified : Jun 2 2026 11:55AM

Courtesy of: Joseph Wieczorek, Dickson Realty - Downtown (MLS# 1961)
Source MLS: Northern Nevada Regional MLS