James Johnston House

The James Johnston House is a two-story wooden structure featuring the characteristic roof design of saltbox architecture, where a long sloping roof extends over the back section. The building shows typical craftsmanship from the 1850s with carefully joined wooden beams and traditional construction methods.

The house was built between 1853 and 1855, making it the first wood-framed structure on the San Mateo County coast. Its construction during California's settlement expansion marks an important moment in how Europeans began establishing permanent communities along this coastline.

The house combines New England architectural elements with Spanish influences, showing how different building styles mixed together in early California settlements. You can see this blend reflected in the exterior details and interior layout.

The house is easiest to visit on weekend days when tours with dressed interpreters are available. It sits in a readily accessible location within Half Moon Bay, and it is best to check beforehand if special events or weather conditions might affect access.

Inside, hand-hewn redwood timbers are joined using mortise and tenon methods, a joinery technique that shows how artisans of the 1850s actually worked. Such hand-cut and fitted timbers are rarely seen today and reveal the patience and skill that early builders required.

Location: Half Moon Bay

Inception: 1853

Architectural style: saltbox

Address: 110 Higgins Canyon Road

Website: http://johnstonhouse.org

GPS coordinates: 37.45011,-122.42532

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03