The Dudley House: A Victorian Farmhouse Museum
Experience Victorian life at Ventura's Dudley House, a beautifully preserved farmhouse museum showcasing local history and agricultural heritage.
The Dudley House, completed in 1892, stands as a testament to Ventura's rich agricultural past. Designed by local architect Selwyn Shaw, this Queen Anne-style farmhouse was home to five generations of the Dudley family. Benjamin Wells (B.W.) Dudley, a pioneer lima bean and walnut rancher, built the house after discovering that lima beans thrived in the area. By the 1890s, Ventura County became the world's largest producer of lima beans. The house features five bedrooms and is filled with original Dudley family furniture, photographs, and artifacts, offering an intimate glimpse into their daily lives. B.W. Dudley was a prominent civic leader, even holding court in the parlor of the Dudley House. In 1977, the house was moved to its current location at the corner of N. Ashwood and Loma Vista to save it from demolition. Today, the Dudley House operates as a museum, meticulously restored to reflect life between 1895 and 1925. Visitors can explore the fully furnished rooms and gardens, experiencing the formal aspects of Victorian life in the parlor and the culinary practices of the time in the kitchen. The house is open for tours on the first Sunday of each month, with special tours available for schools and groups.
Local tips
- Visit during the monthly open house on the first Sunday of the month for a guided tour and to experience the house's living history.
- Explore the gardens surrounding the house, featuring a lavender garden with over 20 varieties.
- Check the Dudley House website for special events, workshops, and educational programs.
A brief summary to The Dudley House
- 197 N Ashwood Ave, Ventura, California, 93003, US
- +1805-642-3345
Getting There
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Walking
From the intersection of Main Street and Ashwood Avenue, walk north on Ashwood Avenue for approximately 0.2 miles. The Dudley House will be on your left at the corner of Ashwood Avenue and Loma Vista Road. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. Sidewalks are available along Ashwood Avenue. There is no cost for walking.
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Public Transport
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) provides bus service in the city of Ventura. Check the GCTD website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From a GCTD bus stop, walk along Ashwood Avenue to Loma Vista Road. A single ride fare is $2 for adults. Youth 18 and under and those enrolled in high school can ride any public transit bus in Ventura County for free, anytime, anywhere.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Request a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to 197 N Ashwood Ave, Ventura, CA 93003. From downtown Ventura, a ride-share will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on demand.
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Driving
From US-101, exit onto Main Street and head east. Turn north onto Ashwood Avenue. The Dudley House is located at the corner of Ashwood Avenue and Loma Vista Road. Limited street parking is available near the Dudley House. Parking is free.
