Orange County's history buffs rejoice, as the venerable Pleasants Stone House nestled within Modjeska Canyon has just swung its doors open to the public, courtesy of OC Parks. The grand dame of stone, originally erected in the 1870s by homesteaders Joseph Pleasants and Mary Refugio Carpenter, once served as a modest larder for the couple, ensuring their supplies stayed cool amidst the California heat. Fast forward to 1888, and the property caught the eye of Helena Modjeska, acclaimed Polish actress of the Shakespearean stage, transforming the space as part of her pastoral retreat known as Arden, according to the official county announcement.
The refurbishment campaign has not only polished the house's stone façade but also, granted access to its second floor – once home to Modjeska's hard-working gardener Theodore Payne, who happens to be quite the environmental trailblazer with his embrace of native Californian flora. In a statement obtained by OC Parks, Chairman Donald P. Wagner of the Orange County Board of Supervisors extolled, "The Pleasants Stone House is an important part of Orange County's history." His praise didn't end there, with Wagner painting a vision of the Stone House as an enduring treasure for Orange County's progeny.
The comeback of this heritage haunt was made viable thanks to a generous “Save America’s Treasures” grant from the good old National Park Service, under the U.S. Department of Interior's wing. The project took nine months of sweat and precision, honing in on renovating the intricate second-floor details that whisper tales of yesteryears. This meticulous attention to antiquity has not only buffed the house's historic charm but has also reinforced its structural integrity for future generations to admire.
The Stone House, officially part of the Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens, now stands as a beacon of the past in a modern wilderness, declared a National Historic Landmark in 1990. Orange County's history enthusiasts and curious visitors now have the privilege to nip up to the second floor, with the promise of experiencing more of this site's storied ambiance. Wheeling in enthusiasts Wednesdays and Saturdays for guided tours at 10 a.m., advance registration is recommended, the estate also opens its grounds for the self-guided tour types from Wednesday through Saturday betwixt the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., OC Parks adds.
For those keen on dabbling in a slice of Orange County's illustrious past, all roads lead to the OC Parks website where Arden and its architectural gems await. Old-world charm, curated by modern restorative arts, is a sight to behold, indeed.
