Helena Modjeska, a world-renowned Shakespearean actress, found her haven in the canyons of Southern California. While not on tour, she spent her days at Arden, affectionately named for the forest in As You Like It. Madame Modjeska immigrated to California in 1876. She was already a successful actress in Poland, and was lured by the idea of a relaxing farm life in Anaheim, and performing Shakespeare’s plays in his native language. She owned over 13,000 acres of the area known today as Modjeska Canyon. In 1888, using a design by Architect Stanford White, she transformed the existing cottage into her beautiful ranch home. Helena and her husband never managed to turn Arden into a profitable ranch. However the home was famous and featured on postcards and in magazines. As a 19th century icon, she was influential in bringing people to California and shaping Orange County. The house is still nestled against a hillside under the shade of towering old oaks. Free tours available by appointment.