The Colony House

The Society owns an original 1919 Colony Home and maintains the Hattie Prather Rose Garden. When Atascadero was founded in 1913, and home construction began two years later, the Arts and Crafts movement was a fresh new design for homes in the United States. Many of the bungalows in Atascadero were of the Arts and Crafts style, as well as some with a Spanish/Mediterranean influence and many other architectural styles as well. The Historical Society encourages the renovation of those Colony Homes, of which approximately 300 remain today: and has an extensive photographic record of many of these homes on file and available for review by the public.

In 1965 the Society was given a 1919 Colony Home, which was originally located on the State Highway (El Camino Real). Through the efforts of many talented volunteers and donations, the House was relocated to its present location, restored inside and out, and surrounded by an elaborate demonstration garden showing water efficient landscaping, hardscapes and drought tolerant plants. The garden was a cooperative effort between the Society and the Atascadero Mutual Water Company.