Christmas at Rancho Los Alamitos
Well, Christmas is just around the corner. Where did the time go? Since this is the time of year to spend with family and friends I’m going to do just that and let this blog snooze a bit. I’ll be back in the new year with lots of fun things to share with you. Here’s to super duper fantastic 2014!
Before I go I want to share with you one last find for 2013 – Rancho Los Alamitos.
This historic home is tucked away inside a gated community next door to Cal State Long Beach. The rancho dates to 1790 when it given to Manuel Nieto for his service in the Portola expedition to California. He built an adobe on the land in the early 1800’s. In the late 1800’s it was purchased by the Bixby’s who would later become a prominent oil family in the area. Over the years the adobe was expanded upon and expanded upon until it because the large house it is today. But within the vast ranch house, the original adobe still exists.
During the holidays, Rancho Los Alamitos gets all dressed up for Christmas. This year’s theme was Christmas in the time of the Fred Bixby family, the last and most prominent owners. Think early to mid 20th Century. Unfortunately, interior photos were prohibited which is such a shame as it was truly beautiful. The rooms we visited were completely restored and filled with numerous treasures. Add to that a huge Christmas tree and decorations all over and it was the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
Since I can’t share any photos of the interior, I took lots of pics of the outside. Here’s my favorites.
Isn’t it so pretty? As you can see, there’s more than the ranch house on the property. There are several outbuildings and a few barn animals.
There’s also extensive gardens that I didn’t have time enough to explorer fully.
Rancho Los Alamitos was especially beautiful this Christmas but it’s a wonderful place to visit any time of year. It’s one of the hidden gems that makes Southern California so special.
6400 Bixby Hill Road
Long Beach, CA 90815
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You are right. The Rancho is a beautiful place to visit now and year ’round.