Juan de Anza House

The Juan de Anza House is an adobe building in San Juan Bautista with thick walls made of mud bricks, wooden structural supports, and lime plaster finish. The roof has a gentle slope and extends over an open veranda that frames the entrance.

The building was constructed in 1830 as a family residence. It was converted into a cantina in the 1870s under new ownership, marking a shift from private home to public meeting place.

The house reflects how residents lived during the Mexican period of California, with building methods that show the craftsmanship and daily practices of that era. Visitors can see the way people adapted their homes to the local climate and available materials.

The house is located downtown at the intersection of Franklin and Third streets, making it easy to find and visit. Inside, five rooms with redwood flooring from the 1800s show how people lived and organized their domestic space.

The adobe construction naturally keeps the interior cool in summer and warm in winter without any mechanical systems. This traditional building method was a practical solution for the climate long before modern utilities existed.

Location: San Juan Bautista

Inception: 1830

Address: Franklin and 3rd Streets

GPS coordinates: 36.84362,-121.53558

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44