The History of San Clemente Real Estate
The area on which San Clemente sits today was not inhabited until approximately 1776 when the Spanish Mission at San Juan Capistrano was founded by Father Serra. Both Indians and Spanish settlers began to build and inhabit villages in the locale.
Though San Clemente property exchanged hands on a number of occasions, not much building was done until after 1925. At this time, Ole Hanson, previous mayor of Seattle, bought vast tracks of San Clemente land for himself and anyone who cared to join him. He felt it was just the spot for those who yearned for the "country" and a slower pace of life. With a clear vision of a Spanish Village by the Sea, he named the area San Clemente after nearby San Clemente Island.
California's Spanish Village by the Sea
I vision a place where people can live together more pleasantly than any other place in America. I am going to build a beautiful city on the ocean where the city will be one great park; the architecture will be of all one type, and the homes will be located on sites where nearly everyone will have his wonderful view preserved forever. The whole picture is very clear before me. I can see hundreds of white walled homes bonneted with red tile, with trees, shrubs, hedges of hibiscus, palms, and geraniums lining the drives, and a profusion of flowers framing the patios and gardens. I can see gay sidewalks of red Spanish tile and streets curving picturesquely over the land. I want plazas, playgrounds, schools, clubs, swimming pools, a golf course, a fishing pier and a beach enlivened by people getting a healthy joy out of their life.
Ole Hanson
Hanson had all the buildings in the area use classic Spanish revival architecture, with adobe walls and classic red tile roofing. He completed his own magnificent Spanish Colonial Revival home in 1928 and named it Casa Romantica. He promoted the city, which he called "San Clemente by the Sea" successfully to many others who purchased properties here. The City was incorporated on 27 February 1928 and maintained its lifestyle and slower pace until an event occurred in 1969 that brought the area national attention. This was the year in which President Nixon purchased a mansion in town which he designated the "Western White House". The sudden rise to fame was great for growth but the small town atmosphere for which San Clemente has never changed. It continues to be a great place to live and raise a family: a stable, balanced community boasting much local pride and the "world's finest climate."
More About San Clemente
San Clemente is located on the Pacific coast about 60 miles from Los Angeles and 50 miles to San Diego. Visit the official City of San Clemente website to learn more.
Contact Us for more information about San Clemente real estate anytime. This beautiful city has been our home for years and we love it!