Stevenson House

The Stevenson House belonged to Robert Louis Stevenson. He lived in the adobe home and bought it in 1879 for Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne. At the time she was his lover, but he did eventually marry her. While at the Stevenson House in Monterey, California he wrote The Old Capitol.

The actual house was built in the 1830s by Don Rafael Gonzalez. It was a two story structure with a sala and one large room upstairs. Girardin, a Swiss businessman, bought the house before Stevenson. He added on to the house with a Houston Street section. It was also The French Hotel for a short period.

The house has had many owners before and after Stevenson. In 1937 it was purchased by Edith C. van Antwerp and Mrs. C Tobin Clark. They saved the house from being torn down. Their work has made the home a Monterey State Historic Park and a place for RL Stevenson memorabilia. Furniture, books, keepsakes, personal belongings, and manuscripts of the writer can be found at the museum house. The house itself is located at 530 Houston Street. Tours are possible throughout the year; however, contacting the museum is best to obtain appropriate hours.