James Lick Mansion
A privately owned 19th-century Italianate Victorian redwood mansion, a significant but inaccessible historical landmark in San Jose.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for exterior photos
James Lick Mansion
Best Time
Best for exterior photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A privately owned 19th-century Italianate Victorian redwood mansion, a significant but inaccessible historical landmark in San Jose.
"It's a difficult place to appreciate. It's stuck in an apartment complex that's gates, so getting in is not simple."
🤫 Respect Private Property
The mansion is within a gated community. Always be respectful of residents and their privacy when viewing from outside.
📸 Exterior Photo Ops
On a bright day, the mansion offers nice setups for exterior photographs. Capture its Victorian charm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exterior Architecture
Gated apartment community
Admire the 19th-century Italianate Victorian redwood mansion from the exterior. A beautiful sight on a bright day for photos.
Historical Significance
Exterior view
Appreciate the legacy of James Lick, a key figure in the Bay Area's 1800s development, through this historic site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Mansion
Preservation Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What are your favorite San Jose landmarks??? I've been illustrating maps of cities and want to do San Jose next, but I'm not SUPER familiar with the city. Attached some of my maps as references. Thanks in advance!!!
🤫 Respect Private Property
The mansion is within a gated community. Always be respectful of residents and their privacy when viewing from outside.
📸 Exterior Photo Ops
On a bright day, the mansion offers nice setups for exterior photographs. Capture its Victorian charm.
San Jose Landmarks
🧐 Inquire for Access
If you're keen on getting closer, politely ask residents if they can grant you access to the grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Respect Private Property
The mansion is within a gated community. Always be respectful of residents and their privacy when viewing from outside.
📸 Exterior Photo Ops
On a bright day, the mansion offers nice setups for exterior photographs. Capture its Victorian charm.
🧐 Inquire for Access
If you're keen on getting closer, politely ask residents if they can grant you access to the grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The James Lick Mansion is a historically significant 19th-century redwood mansion, admired for its exterior architecture. However, its private ownership and location within a gated apartment community severely limit public access, leading to disappointment regarding its inaccessible and reportedly dilapidated interior.
"This is a nice historic mansion located within an apartment community. Nobody specifically looking for it will find it ever. However for people living in the community its a sight. You get to live around a 1800's mansion.
Nice setup for some pictures on a bright day!!
Edit (Nov 2018): As this is privately owned, it is now up for sale for less than $3M. 😊"
Jeeten S
"I want to rate this place both 5 stars and 1 star.
It's a difficult place to appreciate. It's stuck in an apartment complex that's gates, so getting in is not simple. Furthermore, the building just sits there. In my opinion it is a very significant, if not one of the most significant, historic sites in San Jose. This home and the property not only has historical value, bit who loved here and his bay area influence is immense. Yet the house just sits here. Hidden. And inaccessible. It's disappointing."
Gregory Pickering
"I cannot even begin to express my disbelief at how little fanfare this mansion has. Its literally cramped on all sides by apartments, and is no longer open to the public. If you look through the windows you can see that the inside is a wreck: ripped up carpet, holes in the walls, I even saw a door off of its hinges. The only things commemorating James Lick and his beautiful house were two plaques, one in front of the house and one in front of the remains of the mill across the street. I asked a person at the apartment leasing offices if she had any information on what the hell happened to the house, but all she told me was that it was now private property and was closed to the public. Even looking online for any more information about the house proves futile, its like somebody doesn't want anyone to know the house even exists. You would think that considering James Lick was one of the most influential people of the Santa Clara county in the 1800's that his house would get a little more respect."
Icyndragon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The James Lick Mansion is located within a gated apartment community. You'll need to enter the community to see the mansion from the outside. Access can be tricky as it's private property.
Parking is generally available within the apartment community, but it is intended for residents. Be mindful of parking regulations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Unfortunately, the James Lick Mansion is privately owned and not open to the public for interior tours. The inside is reported to be in disrepair.
Access to the grounds is restricted as it's within a gated apartment complex. You may need to be accompanied by a resident or get permission from the leasing office.
As it's not a public attraction, there are no official visiting hours. You can view the exterior from the community grounds, but be respectful of residents' privacy.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the exterior of the James Lick Mansion can be quite picturesque for photos, especially on a bright, sunny day. Capture its Victorian architecture.
Daytime with good natural light will offer the best conditions for photographing the mansion's exterior details.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
James Lick was a significant figure in the 1800s Bay Area, involved in various enterprises. His mansion is a testament to his influence.
The mansion is considered a significant historic site in San Jose, representing the architectural style and historical context of the 19th century.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Architecture Enthusiasts
Be prepared for the fact that the mansion is situated within a private apartment complex. Your viewing will be limited to the exterior, and access to the grounds may require permission or accompaniment by a resident. Despite these limitations, the mansion's unique historical presence makes it a point of interest for those passionate about historical buildings.
Local History Buffs
Many locals and visitors express a desire for greater preservation and public acknowledgment of the mansion's importance. Understanding the context of James Lick's life and contributions to the region can deepen your appreciation for the site, even if you can only view it from the outside.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Access and Preservation
Despite its current condition and limited accessibility, the mansion remains a significant piece of San Jose's history. It was built by James Lick, a prominent figure in the Bay Area during the 1800s. The Italianate Victorian architecture, constructed from redwood, is a notable example of the era's building styles. Enthusiasts of architecture and local history often express a desire for better preservation and public engagement with this landmark.
For those interested in seeing the mansion, the primary method is to view it from the exterior within the apartment complex. Some visitors have suggested politely asking residents for access, though this is not guaranteed. The surrounding community has also been noted as a pleasant place for exterior photography on a clear day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit