DAY TRIP Adamson House

The Adamson house was built in 1930 for Rhoda Ringe and Merritt Adamson, founders of the Adohr Stock Farms in 1916 (Adohr is Rhoda backward), which was an established and successful dairy. Rhoda and Merritt met shortly after Merritt took over the superintendent’s role at the Malibu Ranch property. Rhoda was a successful business woman, much like her mother, both of whom continued their success despite the loss of their husbands.

The home was designed by Stiles Oliver Clements in 1929 and built next to the beach so it could overlook the ocean. The Ringe family was a staple in the foundation of Malibu, as Rhoda’s father, Frederick Ringe, purchased the 13,000 acre Malibu Ranch property in 1892 for $10 an acre. Frederick and his wife, Rhoda May Knight, were the last owners of the Malibu Spanish Land Grant.

The State of California purchased the property in 1968. In an effort to preserve the historical importance of the property, Pepperdine University’s president moved into the home in 1971 and stayed there until it could be properly restored. In 1981, the Malibu Lagoon Interpretive Association was formed in 1981 and opened the home as a museum in 1983.

GETTING THERE

Take the I-405 north for more than 40 miles. Exit onto the I-10 west for a short distance before continuing onto the CA-1 north. Follow the CA-1 for about 12 miles and turn left at Cross Creek Road. Make a U-turn at the first available opportunity. Turn right at Pacific Coast Highway.

HOURS

The Adamson house is open for tours Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but the last tour leaves at 2 p.m. The house is open Tuesdays to bus tours only. The house tour walks through the home looking at architecture, original furnishings and decorations as well as following the history of the family who created the home and lived in it for numerous years.

ADMISSION

Cost is $5 for those 17 and older, $2 for ages 6 to 16, and free for children 5 and younger. The house only accepts cash for entrance. If you attend to visit with a group of 12 or more, make reservations prior to your visit. The house is also open to hosting weddings. If you are interested in having your wedding at the Adamson house, call (310) 457-8185.

MALIBU TILES

A highlight of the house is the beauty of the Malibu tiles produced for the home in the late ’20s and early ’30s from Malibu Potteries, which was founded by Rhoda. The decorative tile follows the style of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture using the natural clays and water of the area to create colors and finishes. Rufus Bradley Keeler was the ceramist and manager of the Malibu Potteries responsible for the production of the artistic home decor.

MALIBU LAGOON MUSEUM

The museum adjoins the Adamson house with a collection of artifacts, photographs and documents about Malibu. The tour depicts the history of the area through the Chumash Indian era and the Spanish California culture. Other facets of the history explored are the Malibu Railroad, the 50-room Castle on the Hill, the legal battle of Malibu highway which involved Rhoda Adamson and more. Admission to the museum is free.

— Daniel Tedford