Casa Romantica, Spanish Colonial Revival building in San Clemente, California, United States.
Casa Romantica is a seven-bedroom house built in 1927–1928 by architect Carl Lindbom for Ole Hanson, who co-founded San Clemente. It stands on a hilltop above the Pacific, a white stucco building with a red clay tile roof, a low horizontal form with a central section flanked by wings, and a small tower with an open arched top above the roofline. The main entrance takes the form of a moon gate, and an octagonal tower served as Hanson's study.
Ole Hanson, former Seattle mayor and founder of San Clemente, constructed this seven-bedroom house between 1927 and 1928 as part of his vision for a Spanish village settlement. The building emerged during a period of rapid coastal development in Southern California.
The gardens hold some of Ole Hanson's original 1927 plantings alongside a display of native plants used by the Acjachmen people. The center, a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2002 by city charter, runs more than 60 concerts, workshops, recitals and lectures a year, including a Classical Music Festival and Academy and a commissioned version of Hamlet. Weddings and photo shoots are also held here.
Visitors can take guided tours of the house and gardens, and the site often hosts events and programs throughout the year. It is helpful to check ahead for current hours and availability, since the property is also used for private functions.
An octagonal study tower offers 360-degree views of the coastline and was designed as a personal retreat for the original owner. The handcrafted tiles from Mexico and Italy are visible throughout every room and demonstrate the careful attention to detail in the original design.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,632 contributors worldwide.