Slice of Shangri-La in Ojai - Page 2

The Grand home was built in 1949, Peralta says, and there's a strong possibility that a notable architect was behind the design.

"In Ojai's east end, there are [architect] Wallace Neff, Chalfant Head, as well as Richard Neutra properties, so it's definitely possible, though we don't have that [architect's identity] on record."

One of the Grand property's special features is its large land parcel—three acres in Ojai's highly desirable east end. "That's unique for this area," says Peralta. "It's common to get one acre, but it's really unique to get three to five acres here."

Loaded with mid-century modern allure, this 2,293-square-foot home invites us to decompress and simply enjoy nature. Textures and transitions lend themselves to an indoor-outdoor connection that makes it easy to imagine relaxing under naturally illuminated skylights, and warmed by a quarried stone fireplace.

Stepping onto original stone floors, we find wood and rock interior accents, period accents, and natural light streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows. French doors lead out to a rough-hewn stone patio with a tiled fountain where guests can enjoy evenings dining under the stars, away from city lights.

A carefully updated kitchen merges modern appliances with vintage cabinetry, equipped with modern conveniences. Three bedrooms and two baths offer bands of windows, a walk-in closet, and other amenities.

In Ojai, Peralta says, visitors can find other wonderful architectural homes: four examples of architect Chalfant Head's homes on Carne Street; a Wallace Neff on McNell Road; plus two designed by Kazumi Adachi, also on McNell.

"There's a Richard Neutra very close to the Kazumi homes that is just spectacular," says Peralta—the Bald house, built in 1941. Neutra's 1952 Moore house is also in the area. "These homes are very private—you don't get to see them very often," but there are occasional tours.

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