A Special House for Sale

17 comments:

"The oaks grow uncrowded and invite the sunshine to play among their leaves"




This wonderful little home is a classic intact example of the authentic Spanish architecture of early California

It happens to be on the same street that I live on but is up the road a way. 
I have walked by it many times and sighed because it has fallen in to a bit of disrepair,
but I love it none the less. 

And yes...its for sale!


It sits across the road from the Libby Stables.  
A renovation documented by designer Kathryn Ireland in her wonderful book 
Creating A Home.  
That amazing house, shown below, is now the vacation home of actress Reese Witherspoon and her children.



This little house, not quite as grand, has all of the details of a 1920's ranch home that make it great project for the preservationist or perhaps a crazy person...like me...who loves a challenge

The house was built in 1917 by Edward Drummond Libby for his Chauffeur.

It is nestled among the 100 year old oaks and is a small and simple house with 
 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.  The architecture is not all that remarkable but I would suspect that Wallace Neff had a hand in the construction, because he was designing properties all over Ojai for Mr Libby



The barrel tile roof and the thick hand made brick walls are just wonderful.

There is something about the simple single story house that is so pretty on a large lot like this one.

It is hard to capture the romance of  this little house and the stillness that surrounds you when you stand under these huge old trees

Time stands still

One of the things I noticed about this house the first time I walked by, is the heart shaped cutout of the shutters. 
 Above is the little guest house.  
Look at the size of the big rocks around the porch!

I would suspect the green trim was more of a turquoise than this darker color when the house was first built
The original entrance is still here and is as charming as it must have been in the 1920's



 Stone patios and off kilter raised beds are very typical of what you see in most of the historic homes in the Ojai Valley
Every thing was built right on site with stone quarried from around the property.  
It has a few citrus but is generally sort of a hog pog of vegetation with lots of old succulents and cactus


The hand hewn front porch timbers are still  intact as are most of the casement windows and doors.


This is a humble home, to be sure, but the potential is amazing...
You can view more details here

And Hey.... we could be neighbors!


I will be looking at this home myself in a week or so and will share more then!

The Libby Estate, designed by architect Myron Hunt  in 1908  is for sale as well.
You can view that home here
It is truly a work of art

Have a wonderful and restful Labor Day
Hope you enjoyed the tour

~kelley~



17 comments:
  1. I think you should make an offer so we can see you transform it!

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  2. I love the Spanish architecture. It would be interesting to see how this home is transformed...

    The Spanish influence in Tampa (FL) is great. Even the interstate around Ybor City (the old Spanish area of town) reflects this. Most of the Spanish homes are 2 stories and compact...rather than the sprawling ranch homes you show. However, there are a some gorgeous estates still around. Even some of the new architecture captures the beauty of the old Spanish homes.
    Jane (artfully graced)

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  3. Oh, I would love to buy this house! I love the architecture and history. Maybe you should buy it, then I can live precariously through your renovation!

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  4. I loved that home tour. I can see how wonderful this house can be. It just needs a little love. I hope someone buys it and gives it all the love it needs. Please post pictures if someone does. I see there are no photos of the inside. I'd love to see the inside too. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Well...I bet you would not be surprised if I told you that it is being discussed this weekend!

    I wanted to add too that this is a nice large parcel of land at just over two acres....but needs lots of lovin'

    : ) kelley

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  6. oh my gosh...the potential there!! can't wait to see more of it. i agree, you should buy it and work your magic on it!! the trees are amazing.
    happy labor day weekend to you,
    erin

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  7. I love that sweet place! The potential is off the charts. Mmmm those trees.
    Maybe we'll be neighbors! I wish :)
    xo Isa

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  8. Hi Kelley,
    So much potential here...hope you guys buy it!!!! Happy weekend and Labour day to you!
    Take care
    Janine
    XXOO
    Tasmania, Australia

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  9. hey doobie girl,

    i'll take it! can i borrow some money?
    we'd be great neighbors.

    ~janet

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  10. The real issue with all of these historic homes is the MONEY issue,

    We all love them and want them...but one must have some time and some coin to make them right.

    I am not sure this is the right project for me, having just spent 18 months on my own project/yard with no end in sight...but

    I will update you...at least we will get some good photos!! xxoo kelley

    PS how do you spell hodge podge? I'm such a looser

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  11. Oh My Gosh! I would love to get my hands on that place! What fun that would be! Would I be...Could I be...Would You Want Me For Your Neighbor? (Sung to the tune of Mr. Rogers song). Thanks for the lovely post! Diana

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  12. I love something with charm and character....major potential here.....
    I would LOVE to see you transform it!!!
    If I could move to Calif. and had loads of money, I would be there this wknd to see!
    We spent way too much time & money on the last 2 houses, so lately we say we'll never redo again.....but never say "never". I just know from experience that redo's are always more money than we estimate. I'm still trying to recoup so I can buy new furniture here! whah!!
    However, I would LOVE to see YOU take on this project b/c it does have wonderful potential..omg, the interiors and exteriors you could create!!
    Can't wait to see more pics & have fun on the tour!!....
    have a great weekend....
    xoxoxo

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  13. Love your posts! Finally put your blog on my blogroll. Have a great weekend!

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  14. In my next life I am coming back to live in that house.

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  15. I am a bit late to the party here as I am catching up on my blog reading but I will say about that great little house as I like to say about all of those kind of houses.....That's five years "hard time" and a lotta money!

    can't wait to see inside!

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  16. What did it end up looking like inside?

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