Orchard House Property
The Orchard House Property is a 1.5 acre estate situated on Rio Road between the Mission and Larson Field. It is commonly known as the Orchard House built for the Mission's orchardist to watch over the Pear orchard, which is now Larson baseball field. It covers 58,457 square feet and includes the small adobe Orchard House built between 1776 and 1812, the Machado farmhouse built in 1881 with a second floor added in 1883, other minor structures, patios, gardens, and a pool added in the mid 1900's. The historic adobe has the original unglazed windows and shutters fitted with rawhide hinges and wood grating. There are two historic pear trees remaining from the orchard, that still bloom annually.
The Orchard house property has undergone many transformations in its 210 year history. In order to raise fund for mission restoration, the Diocese sold the property in the 1920's. The First owners set it up as a tea house open to the Carmel public and then transferred to a private estate from 1930's - until 2011. The Property was returned back to the Diocese in 2012 and has remained unoccupied and in need of repair.
Today the property's adobe, masonry, plaster, and wood elements all require major restoration. Insect and moisture damage is threatening the integrity of the wood structure and building. The foundation of the Machado farmhouse built in 1881 is also in need major of repair, and the downstairs bathroom added during the Great Depression is still missing the entire floor.
