I haven't given much attention to the old adobe homes that are scattered up and down the state of California. Big mistake! We finally decided to visit one when we were in San Luis Obispo last week and it turned out to be the highlight of our two-day stay. This particular one was built in 1856 by Pierre Hypolite Dallidet. The gardens are exceptionally beautiful with some original trees and shrubs planted by the family. Their library off the small living room is filled with botany books.
A glimpse into an ordinary family from a century ago is more fascinating to me than touring a home of an important historical icon. Comparisons are made to your own life. Here was a man from France who sailed from Tahiti to California and fell in love with the daughter of the family he stayed with when he first arrived in San Luis Obispo. He had tried his luck gold mining before moving south and he eventually made his living by planting a vineyard and producing good quality wines.
He built this tiny adobe home with his wife Ascencion and raised seven children here. The house is filled with books, art, a piano and beautiful furnishings. They were known for their patronage of the arts and giving spirit. Their oldest daughter, Maria Ascencion, became an accomplished artist and many of her paintings are in the home and at the History Center. The garden is now a popular venue for weddings. The Dallidet family would have approved!
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