Visit Casa Romantica - San Clemente’s Cultural Center
Every community needs a heart,
a vital place to gather, to grow and
to celebrate the richness of its
culture, history, and people.
South Orange County historic treasure,
Casa Romantica is that place. “
(In 1969, an event occurred which accelerated the growth and reputation of San Clemente. In that year former President Nixon purchased a Spanish mansion in the southern part of town that Hamilton Cotton had built in 1927.
This “Western White House” became the site of numerous historical meetings. However, that home is in private hands now and has nothing to do with the Casa Romantica.)
The Casa Romantica home is primarily historic because it was the home of Ole Hanson, the founder of San Clemente circa early 1920s. He is revered here, was a former Mayor of Seatle, and a very sharp dude, though he won and lost several fortunes. Still, he was blessed with incredible vision.
In 1927, Hanson built the Casa Romantica as his family home, and expression of his version of the California dream. The seven-bedroom, seven-bath house was designed by Carl Lindbom, who also designed La Casa Pacifica (the former Western White House).
The villa sat vacant for years, crumbling.
Then, a few years ago, when some firm wanted to turn it into YET ANOTHER Mexican Restaurant, concerned citizens in the city went nuts and said NO!
My good friend, the Mayor Emeritus and current city councilman,Wayne Eggleston, plus Guy Varianno, and a big bunch of others in the community got busy.
Minor early roles were played by me, Realtor Debbie Ferrari and my husband, Marketing and Publicity Consultant, Bill Koelzer—-We went out and started raising money,
($1 million was anonymously donated by someone, too) to start the refurbishing project.
Now the renovation is well underway after many more citizen donations, with more coming every day.
Wayne headed the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation which had a lot to do with the preservation and renovation of the Casa Romantica Villa as an historical home and cultural center instead of becoming “Taco Romantica”.
The Foundation STILL raises funds for the Casa as well as for the Marine Monument project’s maintenance at Park Semper Fi. Wayne was the visionary leader for that beautiful park and statue just down the cliff from Casa Romantica, a tribute to Marines and our armed forces everywhere.Â
(Donate to the Marine Monument Project HERE)
Interior courtyard:
Perfect for lectures, seminars, etc. Many big mfg firms rent it for client/customer meetings
A look at the back of the casa, above the ocean:
A dozen rooms inside lend themselves to exhibits of all kinds, many national ones from famous NYC or DC museums:
Cute little courtyards are everywhere:
There are many flying verandas overlooking the sea:
And even the surrounding grounds were improved:
See how the rooms and alcoves come off the main courtyard:
Perfect for presentations:
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