Tour the Rispin Mansion in Capitola

Perched above the western bank of Soquel Creek, the historic Rispin Mansion was built between 1919 and 1921 and still stands as a testament to early 20th-century architecture and the ambitious vision of its original owner, Henry Allen Rispin.  Envisioning Capitola as a premier seaside resort, Rispin invested heavily in the area, including the creation of this 22-room Spanish Colonial Revival mansion. The mansion served multiple purposes: it was a personal residence and a showcase property to attract potential investors to the burgeoning community.

Despite Rispin’s ambitious plans, the economic downturn of the late 1920s led to financial difficulties, and he lost the mansion to foreclosure in 1929. Subsequently, the property changed hands several times, serving as a convent for the Oblates of St. Joseph from 1941 to 1959. After the nuns vacated, the mansion remained unoccupied, succumbing to vandalism and neglect. In 1985, the City of Capitola acquired the property with intentions of redevelopment, but various challenges, including environmental concerns and structural deterioration, hindered progress.

Architectural Details of Rispin Mansion

The Rispin Mansion, designed by architect George McCrea, spans four levels and is approximately 7,100 square feet, featuring 22 rooms. While the Rispin Mansion is now a decaying shell of its former self, its original architecture still hints at the grand vision Henry Allen Rispin had for it in the 1920s. Designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, the mansion featured a blend of Spanish and Italian influences, popular in California during the early 20th century.

The stucco exterior and red-tiled roof were characteristic of Mediterranean-style estates, giving the mansion an old-world elegance that fit perfectly into the lush, tree-lined setting along Soquel Creek. The building itself spans four stories, with multiple large windows, many of which were once arched, allowing natural light to flood the interior. The mansion’s layout was asymmetrical, with sprawling wings and open terraces designed for entertaining.

At the heart of the home was a grand central staircase, likely made of dark wood or stone, which connected the floors and served as a dramatic focal point. Inside, the mansion would have featured high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, another hallmark of the Mediterranean style. Fireplaces were likely key features in the main rooms, adorned with intricate tilework or ornate mantelpieces that reflected the craftsmanship of the era.

Though now heavily deteriorated, remnants of decorative wrought-iron railings and balconies can still be seen in some areas, adding to its once-romantic aesthetic. The grounds originally included formal gardens and walking paths, designed to complement the mansion’s luxury appeal. Given its location near Soquel Creek, it’s possible that at one time, a courtyard or outdoor entertaining space provided a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.

One of the mansion’s more unique features was its hidden passageways and service areas, which might have been designed for house staff to move discreetly through the home. While no confirmed blueprints remain, rumors persist of a network of underground tunnels—though these could just be part of the legend surrounding the property.

The grounds originally boasted a concrete pool, fountain, rock walls, and steps, enhancing the estate’s grandeur. Notably, the mansion’s chimney contains six flues, despite there being only five fireplaces, leading to speculation about a hidden room in the basement possibly used during the Prohibition era. Over the years, the interior has suffered significant damage due to vandalism and a major fire in 2009, resulting in the loss of many original features. However, efforts are underway to restore and preserve the surrounding grounds, transforming them into a public park that highlights the site’s historical and architectural significance.

Today, the mansion is in an advanced state of disrepair. Much of its original plasterwork has crumbled, and the interior walls, once covered in rich textures, have been stripped down to exposed brick and wood. Despite this, Rispin Mansion still carries a certain haunting beauty, a reminder of the grand ambitions that built it and the mystery that surrounds it today.

The Park at Rispin Mansion

The Rispin Mansion Park is a 5.7-acre parcel located along the western bank of Soquel Creek in Capitola, California. The property, characterized by mature trees and riparian habitats, offers access from Wharf Road to the west and a pedestrian/bicycle bridge connecting to the Nob Hill Foods parking lot to the east. After acquiring the property in the 1980s, the City of Capitola faced challenges in developing the site due to environmental concerns and structural deterioration.

In 2014, the city received a $383,000 grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development to transform the grounds into a community park. The park’s design focuses on passive recreational opportunities while highlighting the site’s cultural and historical significance. Planned restorations include historic features such as the entry staircase, grand staircase, reflection pool, sundial, fountain, arbor, and interior walls.

New amenities will encompass an amphitheater, bocce ball court, children’s nature play area, chess tables, ADA-compliant pathways, and demonstration gardens featuring native oaks and Monarch butterfly habitats. Construction had been anticipated to begin in spring 2023, with completion expected in summer 2024, but those dates have slipped. These developments aim to provide a serene environment for visitors to appreciate both the natural beauty and historical essence of the Rispin Mansion site. 

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The Rispin Mansion Fire of 2009

In May 2009, the Rispin Mansion suffered a significant fire that caused extensive damage to the structure. The blaze destroyed approximately 75% of the mansion, including the tile ceiling, wood floors, and wooden supports. The cause of the fire was deemed “suspicious,” but specific details regarding its origin were not disclosed. Prior to the fire, there were plans to renovate the mansion into a boutique hotel; however, the damage led to reconsideration of these plans. There is reason to believe that the fire was caused by arson, with the goal of stoping the development of the hotel which had just been approved by the Capitola city council.

In 2011, the City of Capitola undertook efforts to stabilize and secure the building by reconstructing the fire-damaged roof and flooring and sealing all openings to prevent further vandalism. As of 2025, the mansion remains sealed and unoccupied.

The Haunted History of Rispin Mansion

For as long as it’s been empty, people have whispered about strange happenings at the mansion. Some claim to see glowing orbs drifting through the windows at night, while others describe dark shadowy figures lurking in the corners of the property. Visitors who got too close have reported an overwhelming sense of unease, sudden drops in temperature, or the unmistakable feeling of being watched. And then there are the voices—disembodied whispers, phantom footsteps, and distant murmurs that seem to come from nowhere.

The rumors surrounding Rispin Mansion have taken on a life of their own. One of the most persistent myths is that the mansion was once a monastery, where secret rituals took place, leaving behind a residual energy that still lingers today. In reality, the house was never anything more than a failed real estate venture, but that hasn’t stopped the stories from spreading. Another widely believed legend claims the mansion was a brothel and that a woman was murdered inside, her spirit forever trapped within its walls. There’s no historical evidence to support this, but the image of a sorrowful ghost—often described as a woman in white—has become part of local lore.

Some believe that Henry Rispin himself haunts the property, unable to move on after his financial downfall. Others point to the fact that the mansion was once a refuge for the homeless and speculate that spirits of those who met unfortunate ends there still linger. Paranormal investigators have attempted to document the activity, with reports of flickering lights, malfunctioning electronics, and strange anomalies captured in photos and audio recordings.

Despite its eerie reputation, Rispin Mansion remains off-limits to the public, fenced off due to safety concerns. Over the years, thrill-seekers and ghost hunters have trespassed in search of evidence, but the city has cracked down on unauthorized visits. While the mansion itself is closed, the surrounding park and trails remain open, and even from a distance, people still report strange encounters. Whether it’s lingering spirits or just the power of suggestion, Rispin Mansion continues to be one of Capitola’s most talked-about landmarks.

Visiting Information

The Rispin Mansion and Park, located along Wharf Road in Capitola (across the street from the Capitola Library), offers visitors a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. While the mansion itself will remain closed to the public  for the foreseeable future due to safety and preservation concerns, the surrounding park is expected to open in 2025 and will be a serene environment for passive recreation and exploration.

Access and Parking

Visitors can access the park from Wharf Road to the west or via a pedestrian/bicycle bridge connecting to the Nob Hill Foods parking lot to the east. It may also be possibel to park across the street in the Capitola Library parking lot. Limited parking is available near the park entrances; however, visitors are encouraged to utilize public transportation or nearby public parking facilities, especially during peak hours.

Visitor Guidelines

• Mansion Access: For safety reasons, the Rispin Mansion itself is sealed and not open for interior tours. Visitors are requested to respect all barriers and signage.
• Park Hours: The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitors are encouraged to check the City of Capitola’s official website for any updates or changes to operating hours.
• Amenities Use: Facilities such as the amphitheater and bocce ball court are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Organized groups wishing to use these spaces should contact the City of Capitola for potential reservations.
• Preservation Efforts: To maintain the park’s beauty and historical elements, visitors are asked to stay on designated pathways, dispose of trash in provided receptacles, and refrain from disturbing plants or wildlife.

Rispin Mansion Photo Gallery

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