Welcome

The original name of the house was Artede.

Welcome to the Chapman Estate,, a truly iconic landmark in Pismo Beach, California. This stunning Tudor-style mansion perched on a bluff offers breathtaking coastal views and is surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, a koi pond, a landmark windmill, and even a lighthouse. Inside, the Estate features an eclectic collection of sculptures, paintings, and antique furnishings gathered from around the globe. Thanks to the generous donation of Clifford Chapman, this historic Estate is now open for public access and community use. Clifford Chapman’s bequest ensures that the Estate remains a place for everyone to enjoy.

The Chapman Estate Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit public- benefit corporation, preserves the Estate for public access and use, continuing Mr. Chapman’s commitment to the arts, community engagement, and the natural beauty of the gardens. Throughout his life, Mr. Chapman hosted events for local artists, musicians, and writers and created a hub for creative expression. He hosted events for the local opera, symphony, fundraisers for local charities, and opened his Estate for “Celebrate America” afternoon events and festive Christmas Eve gatherings for his neighbors and friends from around the County. In addition to his love for music and art, he loved his garden, and his particularly impressive collection of tuberous begonias can still be experienced during the blooming season from June to October. Visitors to the Estate can explore the gardens, admire the unique architecture, and enjoy the art collection, all while honoring Mr. Chapman’s legacy.

The Chapman Estate Foundation supports its mission of preserving the Estate for community access and use with gifts, grants, donations, tour and event fees. It hosts an annual Swingin’ by the Sea Fundraiser each September with all proceeds going to the maintenance and operations of the Estate. Garden tours and "Glimpse of the Chapman House" interior tours are also available. And every April through October, the Foundation hosts Open Gates from 11 am to 2 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 5 pm to sunset on Friday evenings with music.

The windmill once pumped seawater to the swimming pool.

Scheduling Your Visit: Whether you're planning a private event, a family photo session, or simply a visit to explore and enjoy the serenity of the property, the Chapman Estate welcomes you. To schedule a tour, inquire about booking opportunities, or to obtain more information about upcoming events at the Estate, watch this website or reach out to the Chapman Estate Foundation via email at chapmanestatefoundation@gmail.com

Sign up for upcoming Tours: [insert links if possible] We look forward to hosting you on your next visit - please join us in experiencing the legacy of Clifford Chapman in one of the most picturesque spots in California!

Donations to the Chapman Estate Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.  All donations are used to support the public access, public use, and maintenance of the Estate home and gardens.  Your support can make all the difference in preserving this coastal gem for the community and the visitors of Pismo Beach.

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Mission

The driveway would later become the main entry.

The mission of the Chapman Estate Foundation is to preserve and maintain the Estate, its gardens, the unique Tudor home and the art collections inside, and the amazing coastal views for the residents and visitors of Pismo Beach to access and enjoy, honoring Clifford Chapman’s legacy and intentions of sharing this beautiful property with the community.

The Chapman Estate Foundation supports its mission with gifts, grants, donations, and tour and event fees. It hosts an annual Swinging by the Sea Fundraiser each September, including silent and live auctions, with all proceeds going to the maintenance and operations of the Estate. Garden and "Glimpse of the Chapman House" interior tours are also available (see below for details), and from April to October, the Estate hosts Open Gates from 11 am -2 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 5 pm to sunset on Friday evenings.

The Chapman Estate Foundation supports cultural experiences and provides for the preservation of the estate while honoring Clifford Chapman’s legacy.

 

 

Access

One of the many unique architectural features on display at the estate.

OPEN GATES SEASON

Open Gates Season is April-October and gates are open to the Garden Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am - 2 pm. Feel free to bring a box lunch and enjoy strolling through the gardens and take in the serene coastal views. $5 entrance fee per person. Docent-led garden tours (apx 35 minutes) are offered for an additional $5/person. Cash or check only. Pay at the gate. No advance reservations needed.

SUNSET IN THE GARDEN 

Friday nights from 5 - 7:30, gates are open with live music in the garden. Just $5/person entry. Come enjoy the music and views! Tables and chairs are available, or bring a blanket to throw on the grass. You are welcome to bring a picnic basket or box dinner. Food vendors and musicians for each week are posted on our Facebook page: Facebook 

OPEN GATES SEASON PASSES

Open Gates season passes may be purchased for the Open Gates Season, including Friday Sunsets in the Garden, for just $25 for individuals, $50 for family pass (up to 4 can enter as a group all season long!)

You can purchase an individual Season Pass here:  

Open Gates 2025 Individual Season Pass $25

You can purchase a Family Pass, which covers entries for up to 4 family members, here: 

Open Gates 2025 Family Season Pass $50

GLIMPSE OF THE CHAPMAN HOUSE TOURS

The Chapman Estate Foundation is now also offering small group Docent-led Glimpse of the Chapman House Tours that include a full property history tour with garden and a portion of the interior first floor level (apx 1.5 hr) $30/person House only tours for those who have already taken the Garden tour can be scheduled at $25/person. Please contact us at chapmanestatefoundation@gmail.com to add your name to a reservation list for future tour dates. Provide your preferred tour dates and group size in your message.

Events

Whether you're planning a private event, a family photo session, or simply a visit to explore and enjoy the serenity of the property, the Chapman Estate welcomes you. To schedule a tour, inquire about booking opportunities, or to obtain more information about upcoming events at the Estate, watch this website or reach out to the Chapman Estate Foundation via email at chapmanestatefoundation@gmail.com

We look forward to hosting you on your next visit - please join us in experiencing the legacy of Clifford Chapman in one of the most picturesque spots in California!

History

The original name of the house was Artede

The Tudor-style home on the Chapman Estate was constructed in 1930 by Arthur and Celia Rogers. The Guest House, known as the Gull Cottage, has a questionable history. It is believed it is one of the first structures built in the area, around 1914. The Rogers purchased it from Shell Beach resident, Henrietta Fletcher, around 1936.

Mr. Rogers, an oil man from the Bakersfield area, purchased the first 3 lots for $10.00 in 1929 and gradually purchased additional lots along the blufftop, until they owned twelve lots. It is reported that the additional lots were purchased for $100 each.

The Rogers completed the original home, an English Tudor mansion designed by local architect Charles Maino, formerly known as Artede, in 1930 and during their ownership, made improvements to the Estate. The Rogers visited on weekends and moved to Shell Beach permanently in 1946. Before their passing, the Rogers started to sell back off some of the parcels they had acquired. After Celia’s death in 1962, Parcels 3-7 were sold to Rose and Clifford Chapman. Later, in 1967, Rose and Clifford also acquired lots 8 and 9, creating the Chapman Estate property as we know it today.

Chapman purchased the estate in 1962. As a young child, traveling with his father along the coast, Clifford would often see the house. It came to have great meaning for him. Chapman and his longtime partner Don Shidler “got together on August 28th, 1964” according to an interview with Shidler. Don attended Cal Poly and received a B.S. in English. He later taught English in Santa Maria.

In the trust, Clifford Chapman gifted his estate to the City of Pismo Beach and in December of 2013 the City accepted the property (click here to read the eulogy given by Clayton Marsh for Clifford Chapman). Per Clifford’s directives, the Estate will be open for neighborhood gatherings, private occasions and other activities as well as to the designated non-profit organizations.

 

 

Foundation Board

Kathy Teufel - President, CEO
Brad Bilsten - Treasurer
Lillian Jewell - Secretary
Rena Dambly - Director of Gardening
Alan Bond - Director
Laura Ochoa - Director
Monica Rejniak - Director
Laurel Stjern - Director
Susan Rohan - Emerita

City of Pismo Beach Liaisons

Gordon Jackson - Conference and Visitors’ Bureau Executive Director
Mary Ann Reiss - Mayor Pro Tem

See Inside

Here's a sneak peek inside the Chapman Estate!

Volunteer

Photo Credit: Amy Joseph

Docent Opportunities 

The Foundation staffs volunteer docents for garden and house tours during “Open Gates”, Saturday morning tours, and for private group events. Training is available. Docents are knowledgeable about the history of the Estate and its structures such as the Windmill, Begonia House, and Lighthouse.

Gardening Club

 Gardeners meet on Monday morning at the Estate for pruning, planting, weeding and various garden projects on the estate that keep the Estate beautiful all year round. The Gardening group also helps with Holiday decorations and other general Estate grounds maintenance. It’s a gorgeous place to get your gardening fix!

Begonia Club  

The famous tuberous begonias are maintained by begonia experts Paul and Laurel Carlisle to keep those colorful blooms coming year after year. If you’d like to learn about how they do it and help care for the begonias, we’ve got a job for you! EventVolunteers: Volunteers are also needed for the annual, “Swingin’ by the Sea” fundraiser event held each Septemberand dinners, BBQs, free neighborhood events, and other special events that may be scheduled on the Estate.

Please complete the form at this link and a board member will contact you shortly.

 

 

Gallery

The Pavilion of 1000 Moons was constructed in 2001 to shelter the koi from birds in search of a meal. Photo: Blake Andrews | SLOtography Marshall’s stained glass window showcases Rose Chapman’s prize-winning begonias. Photo: Blake Andrews | SLOtography Refectory: Originally there was a fireplace where the window overlooks the Pacific. Photo: Blake Andrews | SLOtography The windmill is the feature that identifies the Estate from the neighborhood and for boats and kayaks on the ocean. Photo: Blake Andrews | SLOtography Swingin' by the Sea 2017: Listening to Café Musique. Photo: Blake Andrews | SLOtography Lighthouse with Avila Beach in the background. Photo: Blake Andrews | SLOtography Through generous donations of time, materials and 130 new begonia tubors, the Begonia House came alive with blooms again in 2017.  While the tubors slept this winter, the Chapman House Foundation has worked with volunteers and donors to repair and update the Begonia House for 2018.  Thanks to our many volunteers and donors, the Begonia House will be even better this year with even more blooms. Through generous donations of time, materials and 130 new begonia tubors, the Begonia House came alive with blooms again in 2017.  While the tubors slept this winter, the Chapman House Foundation has worked with volunteers and donors to repair and update the Begonia House for 2018.  Thanks to our many volunteers and donors, the Begonia House will be even better this year with even more blooms. Through generous donations of time, materials and 130 new begonia tubors, the Begonia House came alive with blooms again in 2017.  While the tubors slept this winter, the Chapman House Foundation has worked with volunteers and donors to repair and update the Begonia House for 2018.  Thanks to our many volunteers and donors, the Begonia House will be even better this year with even more blooms. Through generous donations of time, materials and 130 new begonia tubors, the Begonia House came alive with blooms again in 2017.  While the tubors slept this winter, the Chapman House Foundation has worked with volunteers and donors to repair and update the Begonia House for 2018.  Thanks to our many volunteers and donors, the Begonia House will be even better this year with even more blooms. Through generous donations of time, materials and 130 new begonia tubors, the Begonia House came alive with blooms again in 2017.  While the tubors slept this winter, the Chapman House Foundation has worked with volunteers and donors to repair and update the Begonia House for 2018.  Thanks to our many volunteers and donors, the Begonia House will be even better this year with even more blooms. Through generous donations of time, materials and 130 new begonia tubors, the Begonia House came alive with blooms again in 2017.  While the tubors slept this winter, the Chapman House Foundation has worked with volunteers and donors to repair and update the Begonia House for 2018.  Thanks to our many volunteers and donors, the Begonia House will be even better this year with even more blooms.

Contact


ChapmanEstateFoundation@Gmail.com