When droughts consistently destroyed crops, the farmers fled, and the New York firm waited it out until the droughts had passed to dump their investment on a British firm that had similar plans. The British built a larger mill, a shipping dock and even a customs house. They fared no better than the Americans had, and they eventually abandoned the area as well. Some of the remnants of that time still exist.
Present signs indicate the present owners wish to sell the house and let someone else deal with it.
I don't know, but the loss of this house would indeed be a tragedy. The area here is mostly agricultural, and generally not much more than a stop along the highway for most. Hunters and fishermen however find this area to be a small Mecca for their endeavors. News reports in Southern California throughout 1999 indicate that plans are underway for a major resort development near the coast and bay here. The cleanest of the choices in town.