The Adamson House In Malibu

Posted on Sep 21, 2015 | 0 comments

We recently had an amazing staycation at The Malibu Beach Inn. Because I really like to incorporate some kind of learning experience into every trip, I had planned on visiting The Adamson House Museum and Gardens.

The Adamson House has been on my list of places I would like to check out for a while now and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

What is The Adamson House in Malibu?

The Adamson House is a historic house built by Rhoda Ringe Adamson (daughter of Frederick Hastings Ringe and Rhoda May Knight Rindge – the last owners of the Malibu Spanish Land Grant) and her husband Merritt Adamson in 1929.

The Ringes’ purchased 17,000 acres in 1892 in what is now Malibu. When their daughter married, they gave her 13 acres here of the most prime beachfront property to build a summer home on. It lasted as a summer home until the 1936 when the family moved in there full-time. You can read the full history here.

The house was designed by well-known architect Stiles Clements under the supervision of Rhoda and together they attended to every detail. Using locally made, gorgeous tiles, there are personal touches in every room and throughout the property.

The fireplaces are what caught my attention. They were unique in every room and well worth the visit just to see each design – sorry, they don’t allow pics inside so you will just have to book a trip to Malibu to see for yourself!

Where is the Adamson House in Malibu?

In between the PCH and Surfrider Beach in Malibu. Parking is limited or you can just take a short walk down the beach from the Malibu Pier or The Malibu Beach Inn.

When is the Adamson House in Malibu open?

The property is usually open for you to wander around outside. If you would like to check out the inside, and I recommend you do, guided tours are offered on Friday–Saturday from 11 am–3 pm, last tour begins at 2pm. It is a very informative tour and very much worth the price.

The cost is adults: $7; 6 to 16 years: $2; 5 years and under: free.

They only accept cash, so be forewarned!

How did the kids do at The Adamson House in Malibu?

I had a talk with my littles before we went in reminding them that this is a museum and we did not want to touch anything. I also had to remind them while inside once or twice to keep their hands to themselves, and our docent was very patient and kind with us. Other than that, they did great! Their attention was held.

The kids were fascinated by the intricate tile work and little details in each room and around the property. Here are some of our favorite pictures from this day:

While we were waiting for the tour to begin, we found this beautiful side patio with a fireplace – check out that tile above the door!

The original pool and pool house overlooking Surfrider Beach at The Adamson House, still perfectly maintained today!

A side door at The Adamson House with original Malibu Pottery Tile still in pristine condition!

The Green Man – a fountain designed for the God of Fertility, this beautiful work of art is still running and sparkling today on the side of The Adamson House

A house built for the son of the Adamsons’ behind the main house at The Adamson House in Malibu

How Long Should We Plan to Be at The Adamson House in Malibu?

Two hours should be more than enough time to budget for this outing. The tour takes about 45 minutes and then another 30 or 40 minutes to walk around the grounds – which are amazing so don’t miss them! The grounds are handicap and stroller friendly, the house is not.

The Adamson House is a uniquely beautiful mix of Spanish and Moorish influences with unbelievably intricate decorative tiles, hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, molded ceilings, distinctive cast ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows. No expense was spared in the making of this incredible home and the quality speaks for itself as it still is in mint condition nearly 100 years later!!

Malibu Mama Loves Xx

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