Finca

A study in historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, Finca bridges Paso Robles’ ranching lineage to its modern evolution as one of Central California’s tastemaking destinations.

Built in 1890 by John Van Wormer, Finca’s architecturally significant Victorian home is Paso’s crowning example of the “Carpenter Gothic” style. For over 30 years it was known as the community nursery where its lush grounds grew year-round. While beloved by the community, the building sat vacant and in disrepair for another decade until we were brought in to preserve and elevate its legacy.

We first lifted the home from its decaying base and moved it onto a proper foundation. Then we went about the methodical work of restoring the home’s original elegance, carefully refurbishing the crown and base molding as well as all original windows within, and the decorative eave treatments and craftsmanship of the façade. We adapted the bay window into a takeout service counter to keep Finca open during the pandemic. Our greatest challenge was inserting a full commercial kitchen into its interior while maintaining the welcoming residential feel within its cheerful ground-level dining room. Maximizing back and front of house spaces to serve diners both inside and out, our thoughtful design-driven interiors reassert Finca’s bright future as a vibrant part of Paso’s daily life.