Branciforte Adobe

Branciforte Adobe is an early colonial-era house with walls made of thick adobe mud and plastered, topped with a redwood shake roof, and featuring a front veranda at the corner of Branciforte Avenue. The structure shows building techniques from that time, with heavy walls for insulation and a simple, practical design.

The house was built between 1797 and 1821 and remains the only existing residence from the Villa de Branciforte settlement period in California. It stands as a silent witness to the early years of civilian settlement in this California region.

This house represents early California civilian settlements, standing apart from the military and religious structures that dominated Spanish colonial architecture in the region. It shows how ordinary families lived and made their homes during the colonial period.

The house is located at 1351 North Branciforte Avenue and functions as a private residence, so visitors can view the exterior and historical marker. It is best to observe the property from outside and explore the surrounding area to understand the historical context of the early settlement.

In 1848 Jose Lorenzana modified the building by creating a small bedroom from the main room to accommodate his family of 21 children. This unusual adaptation shows how creatively early residents worked with the house's limited space.

Location: Santa Cruz

GPS coordinates: 36.98944,-122.01083

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:40