Welcome to the Chapman Estate, a truly iconic landmark in Pismo Beach, California. This stunning Tudor-style mansion perched above the Pacific Ocean offers breathtaking coastal views and is surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, a koi pond, a begonia house, a landmark windmill, and even a lighthouse. Inside, the Estate features an eclectic collection of sculptures, paintings, collectables and antiques gathered from around the globe, and antique furnishings preserved from the 1930s Tudor home on the property. Thanks to the generous donation of Clifford Chapman, this historic Estate is now open for public access and community use. 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 

The Chapman Estate Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit public- benefit corporation, supports the preservation of the Chapman Estate for public access and use, continuing Mr. Chapman’s philanthropic commitment to the arts and community. Throughout his life, Mr. Chapman hosted local artists, musicians, and writers, and created a hub for creative expression. He hosted events for the local opera and symphony, fundraisers for local charities, and opened his Estate to the community for “Celebrate America” afternoon events and festive Christmas Eve gatherings for friends and neighbors. In addition to his love for music, art, and collectables, he loved the serenity of his coastal estate, a true slice of coastal paradise, and he loved his garden. His particularly impressive collection of tuberous begonias continues to be maintained by volunteers of the Foundation and can still be experienced during the blooming season from June to October.

The windmill once pumped seawater to the swimming pool.

Foundation Mission

The Chapman Estate Foundation’s mission is to preserve the Estate for community access and use with gifts, grants, donations, tour and event fees, and to carry on Mr. Chapman’s philanthropic activities on the property. The Foundation offers Sunsets in the Gardens with live music, open gates access to community members and visitors for picnics, garden and house tours, and hosts an annual Swingin’ by the Sea Fundraiser each September with all proceeds going towards the maintenance and operations of the Estate. Continuing the legacy of community, preservation of the coastal environment, sharing local history through Estate tours, and hosting artists, musicians, garden, community and charitable events at the Estate is the key mission of the Chapman Estate Foundation, preserving this one-of-a-kind coastal jewel of the Central Coast Estate for all to experience and enjoy.

Support 

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

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

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 private event 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 helping you plan your special event at the Chapman Estate!

Annual Swinging by the Sea Fundraiser

Visit the Estate for a wonderful afternoon of wine and food, music, ocean vistas and sea breezes - Saturday September 20, 2025, 1:30 - 5:00 pm. Silent and Live auctions. Tickets are $150/person and they go on sale July 1st. Watch this website for ticket information!

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 (approximately 35 minutes) are offered for an additional $5/person. 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. Docent-led garden tours are offered for $5/person.

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!)

Purchase an individual season pass for $25 here.

Purchase a family pass, which covers entries for up to four family members, for $50 here.

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 (approximately 1.5 hrs) $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.You can also check ou Facebook page for latest updates.

The original name of the house was Artede

Origins

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.

Clifford's Wishes

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.

City of Pismo Beach Liaisons

Here's a sneak peek inside the Chapman Estate!

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!

Event Volunteers

Volunteers are also needed for Open Gates Season, the annual “Swingin’ by the Sea” fundraiser event held each September and dinners, BBQs, free neighborhood events, and other special events that may be scheduled at the Estate.

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

ChapmanEstateFoundation@Gmail.com