ABOUT THE
SWEETSER HOUSE
A Historic Landmark in Redondo Beach, California.
For more than a century, the Sweetser House has stood as one of the area’s most recognizable properties. Constructed in 1921, this beautifully preserved Colonial Revival home has witnessed the city’s transformation from a seaside resort into the thriving coastal community it is today. These days, it serves as the home of Navigoe, where history, community, and thoughtful planning continue to come together. Whether you discovered the Sweetser House through an interest in local history or simply happened upon this page, we’re glad you’re here.
The Sweetser House Through Time
1911
Chase and Lillian Sweetser relocate to Southern California, where Chase establishes himself as a local businessman, operating a grocery store and later serving on the board of directors of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Los Angeles.
1921
The Sweetser House is built by architect E.W. Stillwell in the Colonial Revival style, an uncommon architectural choice in Redondo Beach, where modest cottages and Spanish Colonial Revival homes were more typical.
1921–1989
The home remains in the Sweetser family for nearly seven decades, becoming a lasting symbol of Redondo Beach's growth from a seaside resort into a year-round community.
1984
The home is added to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its architectural and historical significance.
1989–1990s
The property enters a new chapter following the Sweetser family’s ownership. A proposal to redevelop the residence into a commercial complex sparks community debate over preservation.
2003
Scott and Mandi Leonard purchase the home and begin restoration, honoring its history while adapting it for modern use
Today
The Sweetser House serves as headquarters to the financial advisory firm Navigoe while its historic character is retained.
Why We Bought It
When we purchased the Sweetser House in 2003, we weren't simply buying a historic building. We were helping preserve an important piece of Redondo Beach history.
After years of uncertainty and redevelopment proposals that threatened to change the property's character, the home was in need of a new steward. Rather than pursuing more intensive commercial use, we committed to restoring the Sweetser House, carefully retaining its architecture while thoughtfully adapting it for modern use.
Today, the Sweetser House continues to serve the community as both Navigoe's headquarters and a lasting reminder that historic places can have vibrant futures.
Tour the Home
Take a closer look inside of one of Redondo Beach’s most treasured historic homes. Our guided video tour explores the architecture, craftsmanship, and stories that have shaped the Sweetser House over the past century.
What We Do Here Today
While the Sweetser House may draw people in with its history, its purpose now is helping individuals and families prepare for what’s ahead. From this historic home, the Navigoe team helps individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions through thoughtful planning and long-term guidance. It’s a place where conversations begin with clients’ goals, and planning for the future feels a little more personal.
History, Rumor, and Local Legend
Historic homes tend to collect stories over the years, and the Sweetser House is no exception.
Some tales are well documented, while others have been passed down from neighbor to neighbor for decades. While not supported by historical records, these stories have become part of the home’s local folklore and continue to spark curiosity among visitors.
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Depends on who you ask.
Visitors have occasionally claimed to hear footsteps, notice unexplained drafts, or catch a glimpse of someone in an upstairs window after hours. Whether that’s reality or imagination we’ll let you decide.
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Probably not.
Despite one of the area’s most persistent rumors, there’s no evidence the Sweetser House ever served as anything other than a private residence and now, a professional office.
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According to local legend, the so-called "Riggly family" owned the Sweetser House during one of its more colorful chapters. Depending on who's telling the story, they were eccentric recluses, colorful socialites, or the hosts of strange late-night gatherings and unusual visitors. While the documented history doesn't support those stories, the whispers have endured for decades, adding another layer of intrigue to one of Redondo Beach's most recognizable homes.
More Than a Historic Home
While the Sweetser House reflects Redondo Beach’s past, it’s also where Navigoe helps clients prepare for what’s next. If you’d like to learn more about our team or how we help individuals and families plan for the future, we’d love to welcome you inside.