Ravenswood Historical Site

Ravenswood was designed between 1870s and 1880s by Christopher A. Buckley Sr., known as San Francisco “blind boss” in politics. It was also one of the larger fruits of the Livermore Valley with 100 acres of grapes and wine growing 500,000 gallons annually, while being a summer home for the Buckley family between 1885 and 1920. In 1931 the house, the Redemptorist Fathers, was purchased by a Catholic order. Ravenswood was renamed by the priests 'Villa San Clemente,' and served for more than 30 years as their religious retreat. The developer Masud Mehran acquired Ravenswood in 1968, offering 32,6 acres as a park.

​

The Buckleys were considered one of Livermore's first families at the turn of the century, generous gifts to local charities. Chris Sr. may have been known in San Francisco as the Blind Manager, but he was also called the Livermore Lord in the valley.

​

In 1979 LARPD restored the 1891 Main House and 1885 Tank House. The house was renovated in 1885 in 1986. The Ravenswood is a Historic Point of Interest of the state of California and a Historic Preservation Site of the city of Livermore. Free tour of the public is provided by costumed teachers from noon until 16 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Ravenswood holds two annual group events: The Old Mode Ice Cream Social on August 's second Sunday and Yuletide on December 's second Sunday.

 

Things To Do and Events

 

• Both second and fourth Sundays of the month there will be free tours, except the Fourth Sunday of December, from midday to 4 p.m. The tours start every 20 minutes and the last tour begins at 15 p.m. for around an hour. The 1885 Cottage, Main House 1891 and beautifully landscaped landscapes all include each tour.

• If you want a private guided group tour, the price for private guided group tours is $5 per person. Both buildings are accessible for disabilities and public toilets are available on site.

• The Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social on the second Sunday in August 

• The Victorian Yuletide on the second Sunday in December.