In 1925, the former Mayor of Seattle, Ole Hanson purchased and designed a 2,000 acre community, halfway between Los Angeles, and San Diego, believing that the area’s pleasant climate, beautiful beaches and fertile soil would serve as a haven to Californians who were tired of "the big city". He named the City "San Clemente" after San Clemente Island. The island was named by the Spanish explorer Vizcaino on November 23, 1602, the day of Vizcaino’s arrival on the island. He named if after Saint Clement of Rome, whose feast day is November 23.
                                                                               
      Hanson succeeded in promoting the new area and selling property to interested buyers. His "San Clemente by the Sea" was to consist of buildings built in the classic Spanish style with red tile roofs. He built public structures such as the Beach Club, the Community Center, the pier and Max Berg Plaza Park, which were later donated to the City. The area was officially incorporated as a City on February 27, 1928.
       In 1969, an event occurred which accelerated the growth and reputation of San Clemente. In that year former President Nixon purchased a Spanish mansion in the southern part of town that Hamilton Cotton (Yes, Cotton!) had built in 1927. This "Western White House" became the site of numerous historical meetings. Hamilton Cotton was Ole Hanson's partner in his San Clemente project. We own one of the original "Spanish bungalows", built in 1929.

Ole Hanson San Clemente homes FOR SALE                 See a picture of our little Spanish hideaway.