ECV1850 Plaque:
Chateau Liberté

CHATEAU LIBERTÉ
Originally built by Wells Fargo in 1865, this redwood lodge served as the stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Monterey. By the late 1800s, rail travel was the preferred method of traveling these rugged mountains. Horse-drawn wagons picked up travelers from nearby stations and shuttled them here, then a resort called "The Anchorage." By 1900, the lodge and several cabins had fallen into disrepair, and outlaws were known to hide out here. In 1920, Ferdinand Boussy bought the property, renaming it "Le Chateau Boussy," From 1929 to 1934, it was known to be a speakeasy and brothel. After prohibition and the Great Depression, Boussy transformed the lodge into a French restaurant with farm-to-table meals and fine wines. The Santa Cruz Mountains were pioneering in the 1960s counterculture movement. By 1965, this was a celebrated live music venue and hippie commune called "Chateau Regis." Major rock bands and artists lived and performed here. The Doobie Brothers band began their celebrated career by performing here on stage inside the lodge. The legendary Hells Angels Motorcycle Club was often present at these events. In 1971, it was aptly named "CHATEAU LIBERTÉ." By 1980, the "CHATEAU LIBERTÉ was abandoned, and the structue remained in ruins. In addition, the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 brought down the iconic granite rock fireplace. Regardless, the property was purchased in 1996 by local resident and architect George Rabe. George and his son Dustin, had a vision to restore The Chateau as it was in 1890. This project was completed in the year 2000 using materials and milled redwood from the property.
Dedicated October 20, 2022 by Branciforte Chapter No.1797 Mountain Charlie Chapter No.1850 E Clampus Vitus.

CHATEAU LIBERTÉ

Originally built by Wells Fargo in 1865, this redwood lodge served
as the stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Monterey. By the
late 1800s, rail travel was the preferred method of traveling these
rugged mountains. Horse-drawn wagons picked up travelers from
nearby stations and shuttled them here, then a resort called "The
Anchorage."

By 1900, the lodge and several cabins had fallen into disrepair, and
outlaws were known to hide out here. In 1920, Ferdinand Boussy
bought the property, renaming it "Le Chateau Boussy," From 1929 to
1934, it was known to be a speakeasy and brothel. After prohibition
and the Great Depression, Boussy transformed the lodge into a
French restaurant with farm-to-table meals and fine wines.

The Santa Cruz Mountains were pioneering in the 1960s
counterculture movement. By 1965, this was a celebrated live music
venue and hippie commune called "Chateau Regis." Major rock
bands and artists lived and performed here. The Doobie Brothers
band began their celebrated career by performing here on stage
inside the lodge. The legendary Hells Angels Motorcycle Club was
often present at these events. In 1971, it was aptly named
"CHATEAU LIBERTÉ."

By 1980, the "CHATEAU LIBERTÉ was abandoned, and the
structue remained in ruins. In addition, the Loma Prieta
earthquake of 1989 brought down the iconic granite rock fireplace.
Regardless, the property was purchased in 1996 by local resident
and architect George Rabe. George and his son Dustin, had a vision
to restore The Chateau as it was in 1890. This project was completed
in the year 2000 using materials and milled redwood from the
property.

Dedicated October 20, 2022
by Branciforte Chapter No.1797
Mountain Charlie Chapter No.1850
E Clampus Vitus.

This plaque is located at the entrance to
Chateau Liberté
22700 Old Santa Cruz Highway
Los Gatos, CA 95033
in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Santa Clara County

GPS Chateau Liberté Entrance (Approximate)
WGS84 Datum
37.141603° N.
-121.968061° W.

Look for the 22700 mailbox.

Chateau Liberte Map

Interactive Google Map showing Entrance Driveway

ECV1850 Plaque: Chateau Liberté

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ECV1850 Plaque:
Chateau Liberté

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