Rancho Guajome Adobe

Rancho Guajome Adobe is a Spanish Colonial ranch house with roughly 28 rooms, two courtyards, and an original adobe veranda built in the 1850s. The structure displays typical features of early California rancho architecture with thick adobe walls and traditional construction methods.

The land was granted in 1851 by Abel Stearns to Ysidora Bandini as a wedding gift, and her husband Lieutenant Cave Johnson Couts built the house that followed. The property reflects the business ties and family connections that shaped early California society.

The name Guajome comes from the Luiseño word 'wakhavumi', meaning frog pond, reflecting the property's connection to the original wetlands. Visitors can see how this Native American heritage shaped the identity of the place.

Guided tours walk visitors through the interior rooms and historical features of the property with knowledgeable staff. Plan to arrive with enough time to explore at a comfortable pace and ask questions during your visit.

The property sits within a 112-acre wetland that serves as a natural habitat for raccoons, pheasants, and several bird species including white-tailed kites. This ecological setting makes it a place where history and living nature intersect.

Location: Vista

Website: http://historyandculture.com/guajome

GPS coordinates: 33.23322,-117.25401

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:04