Rancho Guajome Adobe

1. Rancho Guajome Adobe 2210 North Santa Fe Avenue Vista, CA 92083

2. Rancho Guajome was originally land granted to two Luiseno Indian brothers Andres and Jose Manuel by Mexican governor Pio Pico in 1845. The brothers farmed the land for several years before selling it to a Los Angeles business man Abel Stearns. Abel later gave the land to his sister in law Ysidora upon her marriage to Cave Couts in 1851. Cave began constructing the ranch he used 300 Indian workers to build the 28 room Ranch. He designed it using Anglo- Hispanic design and abode bricks. He built the ranch house for safety, water, and sunlight.

3. Rancho Guajome was built using materials from the abandoned Mission San Luis Rey. Cave Couts was able to use roofing tiles, floor tiles, bricks, and wooden beams. The rest of the materials used came from 2200 acres he owned. Pictured is the original kitchen that has bricks, wood beams and floor tiles that came from the Mission.

4. 1833-34 The missions were mostly abandoned. Mission San Luis Rey was not remolded until the early 1900’s. Cave Couts and his wife had ten children only 8 survived. He asked the Vatican for permission to build a church. They gave him permission and the locals attended church here until St. Frances was built in Vista. The pews were added in 1920. He also built a school room with quarters for the teacher to stay that locals sent their children too.

5. Courtyards provided a place to entertain. Ranch Guajome was a popular place for social and political gatherings. The Couts family were very hospitable. Now the adobe is used for special events, weddings, and graduation ceremonies.

6. Construction of Rancho Guajome adobe started in 1853. Cave Couts used 300 local Luiseno Indians to help build the adobe. During this time the area was growing slowly. Cave Couts was a business man and entrepreneur. He saw a need in the community and built it. He built the church, school room, and even a store that sold supplies to the locals. He was not with out his faults. He was accused of murder 3 different times but never convicted. He was good friends with the Judge.