An Old Ranch House with an Iberian-Style Makeover
This bright and deeply personal home was created by a Northern Californian interiors photographer in love with Portuguese architecture and design. She found a rundown ranch house in the hills northwest of Los Angeles and made an Iberian-inspired home with a uniquely Californian spin.
The house she found is located in the leafy, rural neighborhood of Meiners Oaks, just outside of Ojai, a boho enclave an hour or so from LA. She gutted the structure, raised the ceilings to full height, widened the hallways, and installed maple flooring. The new home is a blend of local SoCal architecture and Iberian style, and it's all about white stone, plaster, curves and arches.
The little details are what make this home so personal and so special. Take the sink in the master bathroom, which is a vintage Gabriella Crespi reed dresser topped with terrazzo. We love the Dutch door that opens in parts, the cooling terrazzo floor tiles in the main bedroom that are echoed in the kitchen counters, the culinary cabinets inspired by Brutalist fluted concrete panels, and the sensual white arches, nooks and alcoves that pop up around the house.
The owner has updated the mechanics of the house completely, so it's thoroughly modern in function. Plus, she added plenty of eco credentials, including drought tolerant landscaping and solar power, with outdoor water features (a plunge pool and outdoor shower) that also irrigate the plant life.
This vacation home for rent in California is available for monthly rentals, making it a great location for remote working or long-term escapes.
Around
The house is located in the middle of the Meiners Oak neighborhood, within walking distance of the river and hiking trails, as well as the Farmer and the Cook restaurant and other eateries. It's in the hills northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County, just west of Ojai, which makes it an interesting alternative to the beach or desert scene.
Ojai is known for hiking and spiritual retreats, as well as a bustling farmers' market and local organic produce. There are plenty of great restaurants and art galleries to explore, both on the main street and beyond. A very browsable little bookstore called Bart's Books has been around since 1964 and carries a fine selection of used books in a fun indoor-outdoor space. The trolley to downtown Ojai is one block from the house.
The well-known Ojai Music Festival happens the first weekend after Memorial Day, and the town also hosts a wine festival, a bicycle race and a tennis tournament. Los Padres National Forest is located to the north of the town, with Matilija Creek a popular spot for hiking.
Location
Meiners Oak, Ojai, California. Nearest airports: Santa Barbara Municipal (34 miles); Los Angeles International (59 miles).
Best time to visit
The SoCal climate makes this vacation home for rent in California a great year-round destination, particularly in spring and fall.
