Adamson House - Malibu, CA

This week we’re visiting a beautiful beachfront property in Malibu, California, the historic Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum. This structure is situated on the American Riviera adjacent to Surfrider Beach and the Malibu Pier. It is rich in local history and natural beauty.

History

The Adamson House site was originally home to the Chumash until the late 18th Century. The US-Mexican War brought government to California and the U.S. Land Commission held hearings to determine future land ownership. Frederick Hastings Rindge was the last owner of the Malibu Spanish Land Grant, and his daughter (Rhoda) was gifted with 13 acres of pristine beachfront land. Here the opulent house was built by Rhoda and Merritt Adamson. The Adamsons used prominent architect, Stiles O. Clements, to design their dream home. Construction began in 1929 and it took 1 1/2 years to complete.

Beachfront gardens at the Adamson House in Malibu, CA

House & Grounds

This beach cottage was the Adamsons’ Summer home until 1937 when they moved here permanently. The 5,000 square foot two story house features 5 bedrooms (each with its own bathroom), multiple fireplaces, private patios and balconies, plus two servants’ bedrooms and a separate servants’ dining area. The grounds here are certainly worth a stroll, and are home to dozens of trees, bushes, and flowers. Multiple fountains as well as the lovely pool and bathhouse are extensively decorated with ornate Malibu tile.

The pool at the Adamson House with the Malibu Pier in the distance

Malibu Potteries

California had an abundance of tile producing companies in the 1920s, but Malibu Potteries was known for producing the most beautiful work of that era…and the Adamson House is one of the most famous and ornate examples of their ceramic tile work. This local manufacture was founded in 1926 and specialized in geometric designs. After the stock market crash of 1929, the pottery house briefly closed its doors and then re-opened…however, a devastating fire destroyed the entire facility for good in 1931. Malibu pottery style work can be seen everywhere in the Adamson House and throughout the grounds. An exquisite 60 foot simulated Persian carpet made of nearly 700 individual tiles complete with fringe detail is displayed inside, and multiple tiered fountains flow throughout the grounds…even the outdoor dog bath is exquisitely tiled!

Tile work and the dog bath at the Adamson House in Malibu, CA

Know Before You Go

• The house and museum are part of California State Parks System. Grounds are open daily from 8 am to sunset. 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA, 90265

• House and garden tours are offered Wed-Sat (Edit: 2021 tours are currently on pause: visit adamsonhouse.org for specific details.)

• Onsite parking is not currently permitted, but handicapped drop-off is available in front of the house. Paid parking is available at the nearby county beach lot and the Malibu Lagoon Lot at Crook Creek.

• Adamson House is a designated National Historic Site and a California Historic Landmark.

• The visitor center has a gift shop offering many keepsakes, including rare original Malibu Potteries tiles. The Malibu Lagoon Museum adjoins the Adamson House with artifacts & photographs that offer a unique look at Malibu’s history.

Malibu Points of Interest:

• El Matador Beach

• Paramount Ranch

• Malibu Pier

• Getty Villa Museum

• Calamigos Ranch

• Point Mugu Beach

• Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

• Venice Canals Historic District

Views of the Malibu Pier and a surfer at Surfrider Beach from the Adamson House

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks for joining me in Malibu today! For a virtual visit see my Behind the Blog YouTube video below…and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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