Harwood House: A unique, new space to gather and create
By CLARA BEARD
Dana Point’s newest gathering space is meant to be more than just a coffee shop, restaurant, art studio or retail store.
Harwood House, which opened July 11, blends it all together in one space where people can work, create art, share a meal, attend a workshop or simply hang out.
Click on photo for a larger image
Photo by Clara Beard
Harwood House Owner and Creative Director Nicole Harwood (right) and Assistant Manager Helena Weissenberger
Owner and creative director Nicole Harwood said her idea to open the space grew from a desire to create a welcoming “third space.”
“I really just felt like there was a need for a place where people could come together, gather, slow down, create, build community,” Harwood said. “We’re kind of a little bit of everything, but we really want to be a melting pot for the community.”
Harwood House’s tagline, “Come to the table,” mirrors that sentiment, literally.
Long communal tables create a more social experience than a traditional grab-and-go café. Harwood said she wanted the space to feel like a house, where people are seen, cared for and safe.
The new space has already attracted Dana Hills students looking to study and journal, as well as residents and professionals looking for a place to work or hold an informal meeting. Harwood House offers free Wi-Fi and a more private seating area for small groups.
Another unique feature at Harwood House is the Art Café, where guests can pick a hands-on project from a set menu, with all supplies included. Current options include watercolor painting, clay projects, pot painting and seashell decoupage.
Harwood said the Art Café has been especially popular since the business opened during the busy summer season. Because of its growing popularity, workshops and group gatherings require advance registration. The business also offers reserved tables for groups of up to 10 people, while larger parties can be accommodated through private-event bookings.
Harwood House serves a selection of coffee and food, with dinner offered Thursday through Saturday. Chef Craig Whittaker, who appeared on two seasons of Chopped, is in charge of the kitchen.
The space also includes a variety of items for purchase, like stationery and games, with a gift-wrapping service planned for October. Harwood House is also joining the Sunday Letter Project, an international letter-writing initiative. There’s even a house mailbox.
Supporting local artists is another part of Harwood’s vision. Work by photographer Sharon Williams and artist Ethan Espinosa is displayed inside and available for purchase.
Harwood said she hopes to continue bringing in local artists to lead classes and is planning a fall event inviting South Orange County creatives to apply to display and sell their work.
Before opening Harwood House, Harwood worked in community outreach and event planning at Harbor Point Church in San Juan Capistrano. She said that background helped prepare her for this latest undertaking.
“We just want to grow right now with excellence in all the ways that we’re able to serve people,” Harwood said.
Harwood House is located at 34200 Street of the Amber Lantern and is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Monday. For events, Art Café offerings and more information, visit www.harwoodhouseoc.com.
