Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens   

San Clemente is one of the first master-planned cities in California. City co-founder Ole Hanson discovered the site and was inspired to create his ideal community, a Spanish Village by the Sea. Casa Romantica was built in 1927 as Hanson's family home. The house was designed by Carl Lindbom, who also designed La Casa Pacifica, known to many as the "Western White House". The Casa represented Hanson’s expression of the California dream. Over the years, the home passed through several owners, including the family of Hollywood entertainer and orchestra leader Fred Waring. The San Clemente Redevelopment Agency purchased the property in 1989. In 1991, it was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The City of San Clemente, its Redevelopment Agency, and the Casa Romantica Founding Board elected to renovate Casa Romantica to use it as a cultural center and garden for the community to enjoy. In early 2003, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens opened to the public as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and has become a premier southern California cultural center and garden destination. Experiences and program offerings at Casa Romantica include tours of the historic buildings which include Casa Romantica's permanent collection of art and antiques, rotating art exhibits, public hours to enjoy the gardens, and a robust performing arts schedule. In addition, Casa Romantica provides educational experiences for children and adults.