Sunday Northbound Cali

You really have to see this place! It is definitely unique and worthy of a look see!

Some history, born in Oakland, California in 1896, Arthur 'Art' Harold Beal, spent his adolescence in an orphanage, worked vaudeville,0 and in the steel industry, was a merchant seaman, and an accomplished long-distance swimmer.

In 1928 he purchased 2.5 acres of hillside property in Cambria, and began to construct a series of buildings. His one rule was not to pay for anything except cement! So his home was adorned with sea shells, wood, and broken plates. He made up of soda cans, toilet seats, scrap metal, glass, industrial discards, and anything else he collected from the city dump. BTW, he worked as the City of Cambria garbage collector too! Using only hand tools, Art worked on his project for over 50 years.

In 1981 the site awarded the home as a California Historical Landmark status. Art continued to live on the property until 1989 until he moved into a nursing home. He died in 1992.

It's hard to describe this house based on the current condition of this landmark. You could easily walk pass it and believe it's scheduled for tear down. Thanks to Michael and Stacey O'Malley, since 1999 they have owned the home, and worked to clean up the property and protect this unusual landmark!

Take the Anti Hearst Castle tour (Art used Hearst Castle discards in his house too) and see what this house is all about. You will walk away slightly inspired!Read more