Abbey San Encino

Was there in 1980 at a party. Most lovely surreal experience. I climbed up inside a loft area and explored the grounds. Unforgettable ????????????

A hidden gem in Highland Park that is a private residence but open for limited tours. I was able to see the inside of the home by attending the Highland Park Heritage Trust 35th Anniversary celebration.

In addition to the tour of the home, the event featured local artists, glass makers, blacksmiths, pottery, vegan edibles, a company that specializes in reproductions of vintage fixtures, as well as representatives from Ernest Debs Park and Heritage Square Museum. In attendance were people such as Suzanne Lummis (granddaughter of Charles Lummis), who spoke about her current print chap book project, and members of the Highland Park Neighborhood Council who were docents for the tour.

The residence/museum is cozy and full of history. It communicates quite well the ongoing work of Clyde Brown, printer/typographer and who worked for several California newspapers. His initial goal was to build an artist collective in the area. He renovated the home, and established a print shop, which was shut down after his death in 1942.

The home took several years to be completed, a process of using odds and ends, searching for stone and granite locally, and having individuals send stone and other elements from their journeys overseas. He modeled the home based on several different styles and influences, including Mary Queen of Scotts chapel at Holyrood Castle, a love of medieval things, and San Francisco and Carmel missions. Much of the stained glass came from Van Nuys Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, which closed as a result of Prohibition.

It is truly an amazing place to see. It is is need of some repairs, but the essence of the original vision and structure are still in tact. It has a beautiful yard that has been well maintained, and there are a lot of unique touches with stained glass throughout. Definitely worth the cost of the ticket to see the inside of this hidden gem and historical landmark.