Historic House Tour

In groups of seven, visitors on the Historic House Tour are taken on electric shuttles from Sunnylands Center & Gardens to the former winter home of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg.  A midcentury masterpiece with Mayan influences, the 25,000-square-foot residence was completed in 1966.  Famed architect A. Quincy Jones designed the home, which interior designers William Haines and Ted Graber decorated in the Hollywood Regency style. 

Guides on the 90-minute tour also inform guests about the rare paintings, sculptures and other works of art on display in the home, as well as the world-famous 20th-century entertainers and politicians who visited the estate.  It is recommended that visitors see the 20-minute movie, “A Place Called Sunnylands,” prior to going on the tour.  The movie is shown free to the public every hour and half hour at Sunnylands Center & Gardens. 

Sunnylands is now a high-level retreat center where global leaders and prominent experts meet to find solutions to real-world problems, promote peace, and better serve the public good. 

Plan Your Visit

Know Before You Go

• Sunnylands recommends that all tour guests arrive at least 45 minutes before their scheduled departure due to anticipated construction delays, programming, and peak season attendance; guests on early tours may arrive as early as 8:25 am when gates open.
• Sunnylands may cancel tours at any time due to internal programming or weather, with full refunds provided in such cases.
• Refunds are only provided in emergency situations.
• Missed tours will not be refunded.
• All tour guests must be 10 years of age or older.
• Tours depart on time, as scheduled. Late arrivals will be shuttled to meet their tour in progress. 
• Pets are not allowed. Service animals are permitted.
• Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Carpooling is encouraged. Charging stations are available.
• Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are not permitted on Sunnylands property.
• Photography is not permitted inside the historic house.
• Video and sound recording are not permitted at any time during the tour.
• Wheelchairs and walkers are available upon request. You may indicate the need for these under the special needs section when you purchase tickets.