For those of us in the LA area, the Santa Clarita valley is simply part of the vast suburban sprawl. Initially there was a route through the San Gabriel mountains either to the Silver mines in Cero Gordo or as a flatter road to Bakersfield and beyond. Eventually the movie industry discovered these hills, and many a western was filmed here. This is commemorated today with
a mural on the newly revamped Main st.
And plaques in the sidewalk honoring the many Western Stars who filmed here.
One man has much more than a plaque. William S. Hart , an actor that we have pretty much forgotten. A man who acted in theater and Vaudeville who at the age of 49 comes out to Hollywood and becomes a movie star in the silent movie era. One of the first stars of the gritty Westerns.
What prompted him to establish a working ranch and build a beautiful home out in the middle of nowhere ? My gaydar was clanging. Very handsome man, actor, great taste in design. I looked a little further, was married for a very short time (beard), had a son but no mention of any real relationship with him. Back in the 20s building a home in the San Fernando valley would have put you at the end of the world. So I asked some film buff friends – yeah, you won’t find it in any official biography, but my impression is probably the correct one.
His home La Loma de los Ventos was built in 1924 and he lived there until he died in 1946. At this time even the San Fernando Valley was a distant outpost. When he died at the ripe old age of 80 he bequeathed the home and ranch to the State with the stipulation that the home would become a free museum and that there always be animals on the property. today there is a lovely park and petting zoo right behind Main St. In order to get to the house, one needs to hike up the hill.
(There is a road, but it is only available for service vehicles. A beautiful home built in the Spanish revival style that was very popular in the 1920s. 
Beautiful painted word work.
Interesting metal work.
And a great weathervane.
Inside the house is very spacious and gracious. 
Looking back into the entry foyer. A wonderful round area.
The stairs and the circular landing are all created out of one block of concrete. The walls of the house are very thick, so that must be part of what supports this stairway. It’s a little hard to see but the circular roof is basically a very large wagon wheel.
The stained glass window at the top of the landing is made out of the bottoms of many glass bottles.
The large comfortable dining room. The railing was added to keep the visiting public out, that was not an original part of the house.
William LOVED animals, he had his favorite horse Fritz and a few great Danes who had their own bedroom. 
This wonderful beaded blanket was one of a pair of couch size dog beds. Maybe they didn’t sleep on these beds, since I would have expected most of the beads to be rubbed off.
The sign is here along the road, but the area is blocked off.
I could never live with this bear rug in my house. Not because I’m upset about hunting bears, I’m not. But the thought that I or anyone would slip and land on those teeth!! How to you explain that awful wound when you rush to the ER!
There are many wonderful examples of Excellent Western art, from Frederick Remington, Charles Russell and Joe de Yong. These names may not be familiar to the average person, but these are the biggest names in Western Art. Which may explain why this house/museum in under the auspices of the Natural History Museum.
No place is too boring or pedestrian. No matter where you are, do a little bit of research, you will be surprised by the hidden treasures that may be hidden in plain sight right behind the average looking suburban housing complex.
Leah