Graves/Top Gun House

250 North Pacific Street, Oceanside, CA

The Graves House was built in 1887 as a vacation home for Dr. Henry Graves. It is a prime example of oceanfront Folk Victorian architecture and is one of the oldest surviving houses in Oceanside. In 1985 the house was used as a filming location for the blockbuster movie Top Gun. Ever since, the house has been affectionally referred to as the “Top Gun House.”

The Graves House was located within a two-block area that was to developed into a new resort with an underground parking structure designed by lead architect Delawie. The scope for this project included the relocation of the house one block to the north and full exterior restoration.

The restoration included construction of a new foundation, restoration of the front and side porches, reconstruction of the rear porch, reconstruction of the chimney, and restoration of the double-hung wood windows. Much of the Victorian detailing was also carefully recreated, including the intricate porch railings, overhead spindle-work, ornate column brackets, porch stairs and railings, eave brackets, and ridge cresting. The Graves House, now a pastry shop, is much beloved by the community and with this relocation and restoration project, it remains a high-profile landmark for locals and tourists to appreciate and enjoy.