Los Angeles history is rich and eclectic, filled with stories that might sound unbelievable, but are 100% real. Born from a melting pot of cultures, the city’s hallmark is being just as unique as every one of its corners. And that’s exactly what we see in today’s hidden gem.
While the oldest house in the city is the Ávila Adobe, there’s actually a home in L.A. County that predates it and is still standing. Casa de Rancho San Antonio, also known as the Gage Mansion (not to be confused with the B&B in Pennsylvania), began construction in 1795 by Francisco Salvador Lugo and his son, Antonio María Lugo. At the time, Antonio served as the Alcalde (Mayor) of Los Angeles.
After California became part of the U.S. in 1850, Antonio María Lugo and his family gradually lost most of their land to new Anglo settlers, though they kept the original adobe ranch house. By 1865, the land was sold off cheaply, but the house remained with the family. In 1880, Henry Gage married Lugo’s great-granddaughter and received the adobe as a dowry, renaming it the Gage Mansion.
Gage restored the home, became governor of California (1899–1903), and later served briefly as U.S. Minister to Portugal. He lived in the mansion until his death in 1924. By the 1980s, the mansion was the only remnant of the original rancho. In 1983, a mobile home park cooperative bought the property but couldn’t maintain the historic house which, according to online sources, hasn’t been well-preserved throughout the years.
Unfortunately, since the site is now private property, it’s not open or accessible to the public… But you can always drive by and sneak a quick peek from the street!
📍 Location: 7000 E Gage Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201