Purchased in 1881 by George Chaffey Jr., the Chaffey-Garcia House (chaffey.org) included the first electric light in California, as well as a telephone. This Victorian home's front parlor is divided by a sliding door from a family parlor, and the dining room includes a door leading to the fields. Chaffey added windowed alcoves in the parlors. The barn is a reconstruction of the original while the grounds feature rose gardens, vines and trees. As of May 2011, tours are held on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Former cattle driver John Rains invested in cattle ranches, acquired wealth and political influence and then build the John Rains House (sbcounty.gov/museum/branches/rains.htm) for his family in 1858. The home sits on 160 acres of vineyards that produced wine and brandy. The original home featured an entry hall, a parlor, three bedrooms, a patio area, a dining room, a kitchen and two guest rooms. As of May 2011, the house is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is closed Christmas, New Year's Day and Thanksgiving Day.
The Maloof Foundation Historic Residence (malooffoundation.org) was built by leading California woodworker Sam Maloof, a proponent of the modern arts movement. Maloof filled the home with his own furniture, and he and his wife, artist Alfreda Maloof, established an art collection with works by Maria Martinez, Millard Sheets, Hamson McIntosh, Paul Soldna and Kay Sekimachi. Visitors can stroll in the native California plant garden, which also includes benches, sculpture and quiet spots for meditation. As of May 2011, tours are held on Thursday and Saturday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., and admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+) and $5 for students over 14.
The historic Graber Olive House (graberolives.com) was originally built in 1894 in Ontario, California, by the Graber family, who continue to produce olives. As of May 2011, tours are available daily from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and in the fall, guests are able to view activities such as grading, curing and canning of olives. Shops offer products such as home-grown olives, olive oil, almonds and wine separately or in gift baskets.
