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Ravenswood Historic Site: A Victorian Gem

Discover Victorian elegance at Ravenswood Historic Site in Livermore, CA: tours, events, and a step back in time.

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Step back in time at Ravenswood Historic Site, a beautifully preserved Victorian estate in Livermore. Once the summer home of San Francisco's 'Blind Boss' Christopher Buckley, this site offers a glimpse into 19th-century life with its elegant main house, lush gardens, and historical charm.

A brief summary to Ravenswood Historic Site

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or fall for the best weather and to see the gardens in full bloom.
  • Check the LARPD website for special events and historical reenactments.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there are several paths to explore around the grounds.
  • Tours are offered on the second and fourth Sundays of each month (except the fourth Sunday in December) from noon to 4 p.m.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From central Livermore, head south on S Livermore Ave, then turn right onto Arroyo Rd. Continue for approximately 2 miles. Ravenswood Historic Site will be on your left at 2647 Arroyo Rd. Parking is available on-site. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station, take the Wheels 10R bus towards Livermore. Get off at the stop at 1st St & L St. From this stop, you can either walk or take a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. If walking, head south on L St, turn left onto 3rd St, and then right onto Arroyo Rd. Ravenswood Historic Site will be on your left. The bus fare is approximately $2.50.

Unlock the Best of Ravenswood Historic Site

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Discover more about Ravenswood Historic Site

Ravenswood Historic Site, nestled in Livermore, California, is a captivating journey into the past. This Victorian country estate, built in 1885, served as the summer home of Christopher Augustine Buckley Sr., a prominent San Francisco politician. Known as the 'Blind Boss' for his political influence despite his blindness, Buckley created Ravenswood as a rural retreat and a working vineyard. The estate spanned 100 acres, boasting a winery that produced 500,000 gallons annually. After the Buckley family, the property was acquired in 1931 by the Redemptorist Fathers, a Catholic order, who used it as a religious retreat for over 30 years, naming it 'Villa San Clemente'. In 1968, developer Masud Mehran purchased Ravenswood and generously donated 32.6 acres to the City of Livermore for use as a park. Today, the site is managed by the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD). The site features several meticulously restored buildings, including the 1891 Main House, the 1885 Tank House, and the 1885 Cottage. These structures showcase Queen Anne-style architecture and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the furnished cottage, wander through the gardens, and learn about the estate's rich history through docent-led tours. Ravenswood also hosts special events throughout the year, such as the Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social in August and the Victorian Yuletide in December.

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