Historic California adobe for sale for $3,350,000
An historic California Adobe recently hit the market for sale. It was built in the 1830s when Monterey was the capital of Alta California Mexico. Over the last 90 years, countless festive parties, gatherings, and historical events have occurred at and or been celebrated at the Stokes Adobe at 500 Hartnell St., Monterey. The property is listed for $3,350,000.
Set on a half-acre sanctuary in the heart of downtown Monterey. A Redwood tree towers over the outdoor dining area while a nationally significant California Oak believed to have been planted by Fr. Junipero Serra during his journey to found the string of California Missions, rustles in the wind over guests entering the bar, fire pits dance below the tallest palm tree in Monterey County.
The former location of restaurant 1833 found its beginnings as an elegant home and setting for Monterey’s active social life. Socialite Hattie Gragg lived in the house from 1890-1948. In fact, many say she still resides here as her friendly but ghostly presence is often felt in the front upstairs room.
California’s first newspaper was published from this site and the first day’s headlines announced the Mexican American war. Monterey’s first bakery and pottery kiln were established on this property.
In 1950, Gallatin Powers transformed the house into a restaurant that was to become the nationally famous Gallatin’s. Featured on television as a haunted Restaurant and tourist attraction. Ghost enthusiast tours also visit the property. Hoge and Benjamin built this historic building in the 1830s for Ambrose Tomlinson, Monterey locals and visitors know this landmark property as a restaurant.
This downtown Monterey location is steps from Fisherman’s Wharf, City Hall, the Monterey Harbor, and beaches. The Monterey convention center and nearly 1000 hotel rooms are also nearby.
The building is named after its former occupant James Stokes, a British sailor who claimed to be a doctor. The counterfeit physician was later discovered to be a fraud and a murderer. During his years in business, many of Dr. Stokes’ patients died under his care including California’s Governor José Figueroa’s but that didn’t seem to have bothered anyone. Dr. Stokes married his previous patient’s widow who owned this property and had four kids, and they later had two more of their own. They expanded the home in a manner that complimented its brilliant architecture. The building’s super-thick adobe walls with deeply recessed doors, windows, and compelling walk-throughs make a visit like stepping back in time.
For those seeking ghosts, clouds of “fog” were discovered in Hattie’s room by a team of paranormal experts. Many visitors are interested in employees and guests’ firsthand experiences claiming to have seen her ghost in the upper dining room, which was Hattie’s bedroom. The ghost of Dr. Stokes is also said to be wandering about.
Today, the property is for sale and ready to start the next chapter in its famous career. Office, residential and retail is permitted. The current owners have remodeled and updated the building considerably. With a state-of-the-art kitchen, enviable bar and each of the seven unique dining areas have been designed to pay homage to the building’s unique history and colorful occupants.
The outdoor patio with a bar, fire pits, and a lot of private parking for Monterey. The dining room is rimmed with windows; The different areas each have their own special ambiance. Before deciding to sell the property and retire restaurant 1833 the property earned a 4-star award from the SF Chronicle – French Laundry in Napa is one of the few restaurants that have also earned this exclusive rating for decor. 1833 Was also nominated as a James Beard semifinalist. Other accolades include Fodors choice award and the Sf gate top ten best new restaurants of 2012.
The adobe is listed on the Pre-California National & California Historic Registry. Most recently the HBO series Big Little Lies (starring Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Reese Witherspoon) was so taken with Restaurant 1833’s atmospheric outdoor space that it inspired the show’s Side Door Cafe set.
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