1104 Foothill Road, Ojai, CA
Foothill Farms - A Historic Ojai Estate
A storybook sanctuary in a storybook California hamlet, Foothill Farms is nestled peacefully on an esteemed country road; the picture-perfect location for this magical Ojai estate. Its ambiance of casual sophistication is a result of masterfully combining modern conveniences with rich history and undeniable character, thanks to a substantial remodel that prioritized the integrity of the original design.
Designated a Historic Landmark, the Ojai estate enjoys roots dating back to the 1920’s thanks to its architect, William Albert Edwards, and the renowned landscape designer Lockwood de Forest. Today, an impeccably preserved and embellished main residence, guest cottage, and detached studio stand on over an acre of beautiful grounds.
The main residence showcases stunning details, soaring cathedral ceilings, authentic oak floors, and sun-soaked rooms. The grounds feature a serene pool with a surrounding red brick terrace, a charming chicken coop, a lavender field, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, a dining and entertainment veranda, and multiple additional terraces.
Located in the heart of Ojai, a delightful town set in a valley whose backdrop is the Topatopa Mountains, Foothill Farms maintains a prime location convenient to downtown Ojai and its delightful array of eateries, taprooms, wine tasting rooms and boutiques. The estate is a quick drive to the esteemed Ojai Valley Inn.
ENTRY | LIVING SPACES
The warm ambiance of the main residence is instantly felt in the entry hall, with its open timber lintel and high ceiling, polished oak floor, and Tudor arches to the office/study, living and sitting rooms. The living room, with its stone fireplace surround and hearth, and its towering open beam, rafter and plank cathedral ceiling, is bathed in the glow provided by a large bay window, as French doors open to a veranda, perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining.
The sitting room hosts its own vaulted and raftered ceiling, a nearly full wall of glass panes in doors and windows, and a lovely open staircase to the home’s upper level. The result is a room radiating an air of spaciousness and light.
KITCHEN | DINING
Pocket doors from living room to formal dining room are an Old World tradition carried forward in this beautiful Ojai estate. Fitting, then, that culinary access, as is custom, is via the butler’s pantry. Expansive windows offer a view dominated by a majestic oak.
The kitchen abides in tradition as well. Abundant farm-style bottle green cabinetry, a farm sink, and a classic black AGA Cooker create an inviting, chef-friendly space anchored by an expansive and versatile center island with room to accommodate six family members or guests for informal repasts. French doors open to the spacious veranda.
PRIMARY SUITE
A private sanctuary tucked away off of the first floor sitting room, the primary bedroom suite evokes ultimate privacy and serenity. The bedroom itself is open to its own intimate sunroom; its bow of multi-pane windows looking out to the beguiling natural landscape. The luxurious primary bath features dual sinks with marble countertop, a freestanding farm-style soaking tub flanked by sizable windows, and French doors to the grounds. From the bath, an expansive walk-in closet hosts abundant cabinetry, including a center island with plentiful storage. An absolutely captivating custom chandelier illuminates the space. A secondary bath is also provided in the primary suite.
GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS | OFFICE/STUDY
The office/study, always de rigueur for any luxury home, has become even more desired of late. Here, this welcomed space is convenient to the home’s entry and public spaces, and also to the primary suite. It seems more intimate than the home’s nearby public rooms, although it, too, has multiple windows, while its handsomely finished built-in custom cabinetry dominates two walls.
Upstairs, two comfortable guest rooms and a bath, all with vaulted ceilings, rest at the end of a gallery hallway.
GUEST COTTAGE | STUDIO
Like a fashionable “cabin in the woods,” the estate’s amiable guest cottage is a tranquil presence down a meandering path from the primary residence, past a stately oak and fanciful chicken coop, and surrounded by hedges and mature trees. Its welcoming veranda is the perfect spot for enjoying a warm summer’s eve, while, inside, the stone fireplace warms winter’s chill. White beadboard paneling and shiplap ceilings enhance the abundance of natural light throughout the living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath. Whether used as a retreat for family or extended family, or for the most discerning guests, this charming cottage is always a favored spot at Foothill Farms.
With its gambrel-style roof and soaring vaulted ceiling, multiple French doors and large clerestory windows, the studio provides a light-filled haven for relaxation, recreation, or as a splendid space for the practice of art or yoga.
GROUNDS
In a word, the Foothill Farms grounds are enchanting. Tasteful landscaping, much of it planted in drought-tolerant flora, includes a significant lavender field, citrus trees, and raised vegetable beds. The main residence, guest cottage, studio, ancillary structures, and the picturesque pool and its surrounding terrace are thoughtfully spaced throughout the domain. Gravel paths bordered with native stone wind their way throughout.
One can stroll the paths, swim, relax and read on the veranda, or simply find a spot to pause, peruse the gardens and views, or contemplate one’s good fortune owning this entrancing estate that is Foothill Farms.