During Nordic Impact Week, my visit to Casa Carolina reminded me powerfully that impact is often rooted in place. It is also rooted in history and human intention.
We organized a decompression activity at Casa Carolina in Yucaipa. Many participants from the Nordic Impact Week in San Francisco traveled to Los Angeles. Then, they went on a drive about 1 and a half hours outside to historic Yucaipa and Casa Carolina.
This enchanted hacienda was built by hand in 1945 as a labor of love. It embodies resilience, creativity, and harmony with nature. These qualities existed long before sustainability became a global agenda.
Casa Carolina was shaped by artists, diplomats, gardeners, and visionaries. It has evolved into a soulful oasis. Architecture, landscape, and human spirit meet there.
High-resolution photos on FLICKR.
Today, it stands not only as a historic landmark. It also serves as a future-facing platform for creativity, healing, and community-driven impact. It is perfectly aligned with Nordic Impact Week’s mission to bridge legacy and innovation.
Casa Carolina invites us to imagine how heritage spaces can serve new purposes. They can be hubs for art and dialogue. They can also promote environmental stewardship and regenerative thinking. These ideas are locally rooted and globally relevant.
High-resolution photos on FLICKR.
You can read the short story by the owners of Casa Carolina, David Schmidt and Susan Huntington, on Medium here.
Download the story below and support David and Susan with ideas for Casa Carolina.
© 2016-2026 Lars Ling / CleanTech Region Group / Nordic Impact Week / Casa Carolina. All rights reserved.