Modjeska House, Historic Victorian residence in Modjeska Canyon, California.
Modjeska House is a white wooden mansion in Queen Anne style positioned above Santiago Creek, featuring steep roofs, decorative trim, and multiple balconies. The rooms are arranged with windows that frame views of the surrounding canyon woodland.
The mansion was designed in 1888 by architect Stanford White for Polish actress Helena Modjeska and her husband Count Karol Chlapowski as their American country retreat. It served the couple as a private refuge away from the theater stage.
The estate takes its name Arden from the forest in Shakespeare's As You Like It, reflecting Modjeska's career in classical theater productions. Visitors can still see how the theatrical backdrop influenced the design of the surrounding landscape today.
The residence can only be visited with advance reservations arranged through the Orange County Parks Department for guided tours. Check the Parks Department website ahead of time and book early, as tour availability varies by season.
The original house was built without indoor plumbing or electricity, preserving the everyday challenges of rural life in the 1800s. Visitors can still see traces of this simpler original setup during their visit.
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