Built on the site of Calabasas, which was once inhabited by the Gabrielino Indians. The house was built in different stages and is unsure when this was. It is thought the main part of the house was built in 1844. Then in 1880 the building was extensively enlarged and remodelled by the then owner Miguel Leonis. Leonis, was a historical figure in Californian history, he was one of the early settlers and pioneers of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. He married an Indian widow, Espiritu Chijulla, he often treated her badly and would not let her son into the house. In 1889 Leonis was killed when his wagon overturned in Cahuenga Pass he died three days later of Peritonitiswhich was determined by a coroner's inquest. His estate was valued at $300,000 but he only left a small amount to Espiritu. In his will he stated that she was not entitled to his inheritance as she was his housekeeper. She went to court and eventually won her claim to one half of the estate. She lived in the Adobe until she died in 1909. Since 1931 the Adobe has been a restaurant and a retirement home. It then fell into disrepair before being refurbished. It is now a museum.
It is believed that Miguel and Espiritu haunt their former home, also many strange sounds have been heard and lights have been seen in one of the bedrooms.