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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Adamson House Malibu Lagoon
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As part
of the National Register of Historic Places, the Adamson
house ranks among some of the most magnificent homes in
California—a mini Hearst Castle, Los Angeles style.
One of the first quintessential Californian
style houses, this quasi-mansion was originally constructed
for the Rindge--Adamson family, who owned and operated
the well-known Malibu Potteries. The property was the
last to be part of the Malibu Spanish grant and contains
excellent examples of early California tile, giving
guests a sense of the period when all the Spanish revival
homes were being built in and around the area.
This architectural marvel is covered
in thousands of ornate tiles, and is perfectly situated
on two acres of prime southern California real estate
placed on a sandy lagoon that sits adjacent to Surfrider
Beach, and Malibu Lagoon, as well as the Malibu bird
sanctuary, where more than 200 species stop each year
during their annual migrations.
Flagstone pathways weave their way through
beautiful landscape adorned with well-manicured trees,
native shrubs, and flowers of just about every variety
and hue. There are several sparkling fountains on the
property, and a pool with adjoining bathhouse, all decorated
with magnificent Malibu tile. It’s a great place
to bring a blanket, picnic and soak in the nature.
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Adamson House Pool Malibu Beach |
In order to
see the interior of the home, there is a half-hour-long,
docent-led tour that gives visitors some California social
history, art history as well as an account about the property
itself.
It’s well worth it, as even from inside, the views
are breathtaking, all designed to provide spectacular
views of the Pacific Ocean from more one wall in almost
every room.
While roaming the interior of the house, don't forget
to look for common household items made entirely from
tile, the most famous being the Persian rug and the kitchen
clock. So much attention to detail in every area of the
property from ceiling to baseboards has been taken, as
the original owners, the Adamson’s and the Rindge
families really outdid themselves when it came to decorating
their home. There is even a fancy dog's bath, yes, covered
in Malibu tile.
Also on the property is the Malibu Lagoon Museum adjacent
to the Adamson House.
The museum contains a collection of artifacts, rare
photographs and documents depicting the colorful history
of Malibu, and takes visitors on a journey from the early
Chumash Indian era through the Spanish California culture.
Both the house and the museum are open
from Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Admission to the museum is free. There's also a unique
little gift shop where you can purchase some reproduction
Malibu tiles, because after walking around for a couple
of hours, you will want to redecorate your own humble
abode.
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Adamson House Malibu Beach |
Adamson House |
The Adamson House itself
has a refreshing uniqueness about it, and doesn’t
feel like some of the other stuffier historic homes one
might tour in other places. It definitely has that typical
laid back southern California feel to it, transporting guests
back to a time before Malibu became a trendy spot for celebrities
and the rich and famous.
Taking photos or video inside of the building is off
limits, but there are plenty of opportunities to take
pictures of the exterior of the house, the gardens, and
also pictures of the Malibu Lagoon and Surfrider beach,
too.
While it’s free to wander the grounds,
guided tours of the Adamson House are $7.00 (last tour
starts at 2:00pm), and parking is $6.00. You can also
park for free beside Pacific Coast Highway. Article
by Matthew Martz
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Point
Dume One of the most picturesque places
in Southern California. Spectacular
views. |
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Cornell
Winery Taste
local wines grown in Santa Monica Mountain vineyards. |
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Malibu
Beach offers
some of the world’s most spectacular beaches
along its coast. |
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