10 Adobe Haciendas: [Home Edition]

History lives in old houses, and in Southern California that old house is often a gracious adobe hacienda. Still being used in many countries, adobe is one of the oldest building materials in the world. It's cheap, warm in winter, deliciously cool in summer and very soundproof. Most of the well-known adobes date from the colorful rancho days, but the youngest was built during the 1920s. All are open to the public, offering a rare opportunity to slip back into California's romantic past.

Palomares Adobe, 491 E. Arrow Highway, Pomona, [phone]. Many of the furnishings here are original, brought to California by covered wagon. Built in 1854, this rambling adobe was once the scene of fiestas and festive barbecues. The gardens are lovely, all kept as they were when the Palomares family was in residence more than a century ago. Open daily except Mondays and major holidays, 2-5 p.m. Free admission. Ample street parking.

Andres Pico Adobe, 10940 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, [phone]. This was once the residence of the family of Andres Pico, cattle rancher and the brother of Pio Pico, California's last Mexican governor. Touring here is informal and fun. There are no velvet restraining ropes, and you are encouraged to sit in the chairs and even play a tune on the antique square piano, circa 1880. The docents refer to this house as a living museum. Children get to grind acorns and corn on metates (grinding stones) and will enjoy the well-stocked fish pond. This is the oldest adobe home in the San Fernando Valley and the second oldest in Los Angeles. This adobe is open Wednesday-Sunday 1-4 p.m. Visitors are welcome to picnic on the lawn; no tables provided. Free admission and parking.

Casa de Adobe, 4605 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, [phone]. This charming casa was a creation of the flamboyant Charles Lummis, founder of the Southwest...