The charming town of Ojai, located northwest of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara, is nestled in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains. It’s known for its artful, health- and ecology-focused culture, as well as popular annual music and wine festivals. A recently listed midcentury home in the town’s exclusive East End provides a relaxing base for enjoying all the area has to offer.
Shaded by trees, this remodeled 1960s home in Ojai fits perfectly with the area’s laid-back vibe. The single-story home was carefully restored by its current owners to celebrate midcentury modern design.
The three-bedroom, two-bath property is located just minutes from Ojai’s quaint boutiques and organic cafes. The home is a lush oasis within the desert landscape—and it comes with a detached studio and a shimmering backyard pool with a spa.
The current owners, an actor and a director, lovingly embraced many of the home’s period details during renovation work—including the extensive redwood paneling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and architectural cinderblock screens.
The Aurora Orange front door makes a classic midcentury statement. Clad in vertically laid wooden slats, the exterior previews details found throughout the interior.
Designed in 1960 by noted local firm Chalfant Head & Associates, the square-shaped structure is surrounded by a series of rounded patios, decks, and landscaped areas. Throughout the .75-acre lot, stone and gravel hardscapes mix with lush plantings and grassy areas. Keep scrolling to see more of this midcentury retreat in the Ojai Valley, currently listed for $2,882,000.
The front door opens to reveal redwood paneling and a slatted ceiling. The property was once part of a compound designed for the architect’s family.
The large living and dining room features a dramatic central beam that slopes downward from the northeast corner of the home.
The redwood paneling contrasts with the granite fireplace. Clean vertical and horizontal lines define and accentuate the structural skeleton.
The home’s galley kitchen has a much more contemporary look, with crisp white cabinetry, stainless-steel shelving, and professional-grade appliances. The space also offers lots of storage, as well as direct access to the backyard.
In the large master bedroom, the ceiling slopes to meet a clerestory window above the bed. A sliding door provides access to the circular patio.
This bathroom is renovated in the same style as the kitchen. Crisp white cabinetry and subway tile provide a clean look, contrasting nicely with the original redwood ceiling.
A look at one of the home’s other bedrooms, which is clad almost entirely in wood paneling.
The remaining bedroom is currently set up as a home office and lounge area. Large sliding doors fill the space with natural light and provide easy access to the patio.
Located adjacent to the detached studio and grilling area, this seating area is one of several scattered throughout the backyard.
Inside the studio, a large open room provides an additional living area or guest quarters. A workspace around the corner offers built-in shelving and a large desk, while large windows and sliding glass doors look out onto the shimmering pool.
Lush landscaping fills the backyard, which is planted with large native trees and fruit trees. A circular concrete patio and flower bed encircle the home.
A lush green lawn surrounds the sunken pool area, which is bordered by a stone retaining wall and hedges.
At night, the almost kite-like structure appears to glide toward the sky as it glows from within.