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Larkin House: A Window into Monterey's Past

Explore the meticulously preserved 1835 home of Thomas O. Larkin, a Monterey landmark showcasing Monterey Colonial architecture and offering a glimpse into California's past.

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Step back in time at the Larkin House, a beautifully preserved adobe home in Monterey, California. Built in 1835 by Thomas O. Larkin, a prominent figure in early California, the house showcases a unique blend of New England and Spanish Colonial architectural styles, known as Monterey Colonial. As the first two-story house and the first with a chimney in California, it represents a significant turning point in the region's architectural development. Explore the house's interior, filled with 19th-century antiques, and learn about Larkin's influence as a businessman, diplomat, and U.S. Consul to Mexican California. The Larkin House offers a captivating glimpse into the life and times of a pivotal figure in California's history, set within the charming Monterey State Historic Park.

A brief summary to Larkin House

Local tips

  • Check the Monterey State Historic Park website for the most up-to-date tour schedules, as they can vary seasonally.
  • Arrive a few minutes early for the guided tours, as space is limited to a small group of people.
  • Combine your visit to the Larkin House with a stroll through the Monterey State Historic Park and explore other historic adobes and gardens.
  • Take advantage of the free cell phone audio tour to learn more about the history of the park and its buildings.
  • Consider visiting during the Christmas in the Adobes event to see the Larkin House and other historic buildings decorated for the holidays.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Larkin House is centrally located in downtown Monterey and is easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions and hotels. From Fisherman's Wharf, walk south along Del Monte Avenue, then turn left onto Calle Principal. The Larkin House will be on your right, a few blocks down. From the Monterey Conference Center, head north on Calle Principal; the house will be on your left. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from either location.

  • Public Transport

    Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) provides bus service throughout Monterey. Several MST routes stop near the Larkin House. Check the MST website or use the Transit app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the Monterey Transit Plaza, walk north on Calle Principal. The Larkin House will be on your left. A single ride on MST costs $2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Monterey. A ride from Fisherman's Wharf or Cannery Row to the Larkin House typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, parking near the Larkin House can be challenging, especially during peak season. Limited street parking is available on Calle Principal and surrounding streets, but it is often metered. Several parking garages are located within walking distance, including the Custom House Garage and the Downtown Garage. Hourly rates typically range from $2 to $3, with daily maximums around $15 to $20. Check parking apps for real-time availability and pricing.

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Discover more about Larkin House

The Larkin House, located in the heart of Monterey, California, stands as a testament to a pivotal era in California's history and the life of one of its most influential figures, Thomas O. Larkin. Built in 1835, this National Historic Landmark offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of early California during the transition from Mexican rule to American statehood. Thomas O. Larkin, a native of Massachusetts, arrived in Monterey in 1832 and quickly became a successful merchant and a key player in the region's political and economic landscape. He served as the United States Consul to Mexican California from 1844 to 1846, a period of significant change and growing American influence. Larkin's home became a center of social and political life, where important decisions shaping California's future were often discussed and made. The Larkin House is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, known as Monterey Colonial. Larkin sought to build a house reminiscent of his New England roots, but adapted to the available materials and local building techniques. The result was a harmonious blend of New England frame construction with adobe walls, creating a lighter and more stable structure than traditional adobe buildings. The house is believed to be the first two-story residence in California and the first to feature an interior chimney, marking a turning point in the development of California architecture. The house's design incorporates several innovative features. The use of a wooden frame allowed for larger window openings than were typically found in Spanish Colonial architecture, bringing more light into the interior. The distinctive broad roof that overhangs the second floor and the second-story balcony provided shade and protection from the elements, becoming a hallmark of the Monterey Colonial style. The interior layout also reflected a blend of cultures, with interconnected rooms on the first floor, a departure from the traditional Spanish-Mexican adobes where rooms typically opened only onto a patio. The second floor, however, retained the traditional adobe floor plan, with access to the rooms only from the outside. Today, the Larkin House is part of Monterey State Historic Park, offering guided tours that provide insights into the life of Thomas O. Larkin and the history of California. The house is furnished with a collection of 19th-century antiques from around the world, creating an authentic and immersive experience for visitors. The rooms are arranged much as they were during the residency of Larkin's granddaughter, Alice Larkin Toulmin, offering a glimpse into the family's life and the changing times. The Larkin House garden, developed in the 1920s and 30s by Alice Larkin Toulmin, reflects a romanticized vision of early Mexican gardens. The garden features a variety of plants, trees, and meandering walkways, creating a tranquil and restful atmosphere. It provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city and a chance to connect with nature. Visiting the Larkin House is more than just a tour of an old building; it's an opportunity to engage with a crucial period in California's history and to understand the cultural exchange that shaped the region. It's a chance to learn about the visionaries and pioneers who helped build California and to appreciate the architectural legacy they left behind. The Larkin House stands as a symbol of innovation, adaptation, and the blending of cultures, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in California's rich and diverse heritage. The house is included in the Monterey Old Town Historic District, which is a part of Monterey State Historical Park. There are free guided tours available at the park. Visitors to Monterey State Historic Park may take a cell phone audio tour of historic buildings by dialing (831) 998-9458, followed by a Stop Number when prompted. Stop Numbers correspond to various Monterey State Historic Park adobes in the downtown area. Listeners receive a two-minute narration for each building. There is no charge for the cell phone tours, but callers will use cell minutes, according to their individual plan. Callers may also use land-based phones and will be charged based on normal land-based rates. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and enriching travel experience, the Larkin House offers something for everyone. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and immersive atmosphere make it a truly special place to visit. Take a step back in time and discover the story of Thomas O. Larkin and the legacy of the Larkin House in Monterey, California.

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