For those who have visited or heard of the beautiful, seaside town of Cambria, many images spring to mind. The magnificent Hearst Castle, stunning Moonstone Beach and Leffingwell Landing, the famous restaurants offering mouth watering cuisine, San Simeon Elephant Seal colony, picturesque hiking trails such as Fiscalini Ranch..........but a historical landmark constructed entirely of sculpted junk and recycled materials???
Though not Cambria's most well known attraction, the three story monolith of recycled materials that is Nitt Witt Ridge, is well worth a visit. Nitt Witt Ridge, which locals often refer to as "poor man's Hearst Castle", is the end product of an obsession. Carefully constructed over 50 years, Nitt Witt Ridge is the three story fantasy home of now deceased local, Arthur Harold Beal. Commonly referred to as Art Beal, Captain Nitt Witt or Der Tinkerpaw, this eccentric local first began construction of his home in 1928. Hollowing out a 2.5 acre hillside in Cambria with shovel and pickaxe, Beal used all manner of materials to construct his house. Car parts, abolone shells, mismatched pieces of wood and timber, old stoves, washer drums, stones, toilets and beer cans are just some of the construction materials. To compliment his house, Beal also constructed an intricate network of walkways, terraced gardens, fountains and stone archways.
The 50 year construction period aided Beal in the collection of building materials, as did his position as a local trash hauler in the 1940's and 1950's during which time he hoarded the discarded items of his Cambria neighbours. For some time, Beal also worked as a labourer at Hearst Castle where it is alledged he took items from the castle to add to his own.
 In 1981, Nitt Witt Ridge was recognized as a Californian Historical Landmark. The featured plaque reads: "Nitt Witt Ridge, one of California's remarkable twentieth-century folk-art environments, is the creation of Arthur Harold Beal (Der Tinkerpaw, or Capt. Nitt Witt), a Cambria Pines pioneer who sculpted the land using hand tools and indigenous materials, inventiveness and self-taught skills. A blend of native materials and contemporary elements, impressive in its sheer mass and meticulous placement, it is a revealing memorial to Art's cosmic humor and zest for life. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 939. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation for saving and preserving arts and cultural environments with the Art Beal Foundation, non-profit and educational corporation. June 26, 1986."
In 1992, at the age of 96, Henry Arthur Beal passed away. His ashes were spread on the property around his favorite Redwood. Nowdays, Michael and Stacey O'Malley are the owners of Nitt Witt Ridge. Since they aquired the property in 1999, Michael and Stacey have repaired and maintained the house and gardens, as well as established guided tours. Tours are led by Michael and include a 4 minute video. Nitt Witt Ridge merchandise (such as coffee cups and business card fridge magnets) is also on offer.
For tour reservations call (805) 927 2690.
Nitt Witt Ridge is located at 881 Hillcrest Drive in Cambria, CA.
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