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Believed established between 1817 and 1823. Est. c 1820
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Personal ObservationsOnce I learned of this Estancia, it took another two years before I could schedule a visit because of limited hours. The site and building are not large, but are located in a lovely park and worth a visit. |
Mission Art & Photo-Art |
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Estancia Diego Sepulveda (AKA: Costa Mesa Estancia or the Santa Ana Estancia) began on the banks of the Santa Ana River as a former Rancho of Mission San Juan Capistrano, then named Santiago de Santa Ana. Before that time, Native American had settled on this mesa, a part of the village they called Lukup. The site was only occasionally visited by the Padres. In the early 1800s Capistrano Mission cattle grazed in what is now Costa Mesa and some form of shelter was required for the herdsmen. The Estancia is six Spanish leagues northwest of Mission San Juan Capistrano which was founded in 1776. The exact date of the founding is not yet known, but some time between 1817 and 1823 but more likely between 1820 and 1823, a small adobe was built to house the majordomo and his men. The Majordomo was the ranch manager. The adobe bricks used in the missions were larger than those used later. These larger bricks still make up the east and south walls. After the Mission Period, the Estancia became the property of Don Diego Sepulveda, a former alcalde of the Pueblo de Los Angeles. It was Sepulveda who expanded the house to its current design and used the smaller bricks found in the rest of the building. After Sepulveda, ownership passed through Gabe Allen, his brother, Jesse Allen, the Allens, the Adams family, and the Estancia appears as the "Derby Ranch" on a 1939 map. After the first World War, Costa Mesa Post 455, American Legion, held its first meetings at the Estancia. The Segerstrom family purchased the property in 1940 and in 1963 gave the Estancia and the surrounding 5-acre site to the City of Costa Mesa. Until recently, a frame structure, built to the west, and a high peaked roof over the entire combined building sheltered the structure. The frame structure concealing the Adobe was destroyed by fire and the adobe Estancia restored. A special committee of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, which later became the Costa Mesa Historical Society, established a museum inside the building. The adobe is Costa Mesa's oldest structure.California State Historic Landmark 227 The Estancia is open to the public every month during limited hours. The adobe is open 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. Verify before visiting: 949 631-5918 Location: In Estancia Park in Costa Mesa. At the corner of Adams Avenue and Mesa Verde Dr. W. Enter on Boa Vista Dr. 1900 Adams Ave. Costa Mesa, CA 92626 949 631-5918 |
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| East side of the building as it exists today. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
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| East side of the building as it exists today. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
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| East side of the building as it exists today. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
 East side of the building. Photo date: 5-3-08. |
 North exterior of the building. Photo date: 5-3-08. |
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| Northeast exterior, front and side, of the adobe. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
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| Southeast exterior, side and back, of the adobe. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
 Southwest, back and side, of the adobe. Photo date: 5-3-08. |
 West, back, of of the adobe. |
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| An El Camino Real bell used as a marker to remind us of its Mission history. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
 Interior. Photo date: 5-3-08. |
 Bedroom. Photo date: 5-3-08. |
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| Kitchen. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
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| Living room. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
 Living room. Photo date: 5-3-08. |
 Exhibit. Photo date: 5-3-08. |
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| Back porch area with door and equipment. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
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| Back porch area with door and equipment. Photo date: 5-3-08. | |
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South to North
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