Rosecroft, San Diego
historic place
Rosecroft is a historic estate located in San Diego's Point Loma neighborhood. The Italian Renaissance-style mansion was built in 1912 by architect Emmor Brooke Weaver for heiress Marion James Robinson and her husband, Alfred D. Robinson. Alfred Robinson, a self-taught horticulturist, became known for developing over one hundred new begonia varieties on the estate, with his work recognized internationally. After Alfred Robinson's death in 1942, the property opened to the public as the Rosecroft Begonia Gardens, which became a popular tourist attraction through the 1960s. Rosecroft was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The mansion also hosted significant events, including Ronald Reagan's 1966 announcement of his candidacy for California Governor. Today, Rosecroft remains a private residence, marked by a National Register plaque, preserving a part of San Diego's horticultural and social history.