Rice’s row houses featured on tour
The Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society took the public on a tour of some of the village’s most historical abodes during their row house tour May 23.
The tour was the first time all four houses have been opened to the public, according to society board member Sue Bartow.
The tour featured the Moore Rowhouse, also known as Casa Blanca, the Baker-Megre Rowhouse, the Newson Rowhouse and live mariachis.
In addition to the tour, visitors enjoyed a gourmet catered lunch of early California fare, beer, wine and festive music for entertainment.
Rice built the homes in 1926 as places for Santa Fe Land Improvement Co. workers to live; they needed homes located near the center of town.
Each one was sold prior to construction so Rice was able to custom-design each to suit the owners’ needs.
All of the homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and all but one have been completely remodeled.