Johnston House Foundation, Inc.

Walking through the front door of the James Johnston House immerses you into the 1850s.  Perched on a prominent hill south of town, it is commonly referred to as the "White House".  Docents will greet you in their historic period clothing to bring to life the story of the family and house.  Interiors are richly decorated with era-appropriate furnishings including original pieces made available by Petra Johnston Cooper, James Johnston's granddaughter.

This house was derelict and abandoned until the Johnston House Foundation was founded in September 1972 to restore, preserve and exhibit.  Fundraising support is maintained by this volunteer organization.

Come visit with free tours offered from 11am-3pm every third Saturday January through September.

All donations are appreciated to support this unique living history experience on the coast.

Testimonials

"We have an historical treasure that represents the diversity of our Coastside from the mid 1800's.  Many locals have yet to visit, yet the house has welcomed thousands from all over the world.  Free tours each month so please come." - Adora Palmer

"The story of the Johnston family is as important as the house itself, attributable to Camelot.  For one brief shining moment they were one of the focal points of Northern California and a model for the future of California, multicultural and magnanimous." - Douglas Waterman

"The Johnston House is a step back in time, when families opened their home to travelers passing through, and hundreds of acres of dairy cows covered the coastside.  When you visit the house, costumed docents will lead you through not only the history of the house, but also share the fascinating story of it's original family: the Johnston family." - Teri Mallon

"The Johnston House is both a local and a national treasure.  When visitors come, they often say 'I've driven past this house a hundred times, but this is the first time I've come to tour it' - and they love the house, its views, and learning about James Johnston, Petra Johnston, and the extended family who called the White House home." - Sherry Booth

"When I look at our beautiful white saltbox on the hill, I think of how much the coastside has changed since it was built.  I so enjoy showing people what life was like when the Johnstons lived in that house.  It is a treasure far too few of our neighbors have ever seen.  If I could do it, I would like to have more of our locals come see and appreciate the house." - Joan Tatman

"The Johnston House is an inspiration as it catches your eye, the majestic white saltbox-shape house up on the hill overlooking the fields out to the ocean shore.  Venturing inside during an open-house tour, you will find warm greetings, delightfully furnished cozy as well as elegant rooms and a sense of what it might have been like to experience life from the perspective in the late 1800s." - Gail Stevens