Ravenswood Historical Site, a restored Victorian country estate, is operated by the Livermore Area Recreation Park & Park District (LARPD). It is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a State of California Point of Interest, and a City of Livermore Preservation Landmark Site. Ravenswood was built as a summer home for Christopher Buckley, Sr., the "Blind Boss," of early San Francisco politics. The 1885 cottage and the 1891 main house, a unique two-building arrangement, are Queen Anne/Eastlake architectural style: a tank house and unrestored carriage house are California Vernacular.
The Buckley family used their country vineyard as a summer home until 1920. In 1931, it was acquired by the Catholic order, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, known as the Redemptorists. Renamed "Villa San Clement" in honor of the order's founders, Saint Clement Hofbauer, the estate served as religious retreat for the next 34 years.
In 1968 the 100 acre property, including the deteriorating buildings, was purchased by a local developer, who gave the core 33 acres to Livermore. The Main House and the Tank House were architecturally restored by LARPD in 1979 and the Cottage in 1986.
In June, 1996, LARPD inaugurated Docent-led tours on the second Sunday of each month, allowing public access to the entire estate. The Ravenswood Volunteer Docents in 1890's costumes, give free guided tours beginning at 11.00 a.m. For information about reserved group tours or Docent appearances, contact LARPD at (510)373-5708.

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