Just a short drive from downtown Ojai and even closer to the eclectic village of Meiners Oaks, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for rent is a perfect country getaway to retreat to at the end of the day.
 
Tucked amongst orchards and mature oak trees behind a gated entry, this home has much to offer if you are looking for an Ojai home for rent in a country setting. There is plenty of parking, a fenced backyard with grass, a storage shed, and, of course, mountain views.
 
Inside, wood-look, easy-care flooring is found throughout the common areas, while the bedrooms all have cozy carpet. The kitchen has a laundry area, small breakfast nook, and a door to the backyard. Enjoy mountain and orchard views from the living room and dining area, as well as all three of the bedrooms. There are also two linen closets and a coat closet for extra storage.

Features include:

Three bedrooms
Two bathrooms
Wood-look, easy-care floor
Laundry area in kitchen
Coat closet and two linen closets
Breakfast nook
En suite bathroom in primary bedroom
Gated entry
Fenced yard with grass
Mature trees
Storage shed
Orchard setting
Mountain views
Water, trash, and landscape maintenance included

Rent: $3,000
Security Deposit: $4,500
Small pet considered with additional pet fee.
 
This one is sure to rent quickly, so contact us today if you would like an application.

Our latest heat wave may have you thinking otherwise, but fall has arrived and the weather should soon be cooling off enough for us to finally enjoy our outdoor fire features. Fire pits and fireplaces are some of the most sought-after additions to outdoor living spaces, particularly in areas like Ojai where we can entertain under the stars any month of the year.
 
Aside from providing warmth, fire features create a more intimate atmosphere for social gatherings and provide a visually appealing focal point around which your guests can gather while enjoying a cocktail or telling tall tales.
 
Here are seven safety tips to help you more fully enjoy your fire pit this fall and winter while keeping you and your guests safe:
 
1. Keep It Clean - Before your first autumn soiree, make sure your fire pit and screen are clean and in good repair. If your fire pit has a drain or vents, make sure they are not clogged with ashes.
 
2. Clear the Area - Make sure your fire pit and the area around it are free of flammable debris, such as dry leaves.
 
3. Burn the Right Fuel - Propane and natural gas fire pits are better for the environment, but wood-burning pits are still the most popular. Always use dry, seasoned firewood for a safer fire, or opt for eco-friendlier manufactured logs. Avoid using lighter fluid, which can cause flare-ups, and never use wood that has been stained, painted or chemically treated.
 
4. Start Your Fire Safely - It is best to start small and build your fire slowly. It may be tempting to add crumbled paper in with your kindling, but burning paper may be blown out of the bowl and could start an unwanted fire elsewhere in your yard. It is best to use safer fire starters you can make beforehand or purchase at the store. Always use wood that fits completely into your fire pit and does not protrude out of or lean against the side of the bowl.
 
5. Use the Right Accessories - Always use a screen to keep embers and sparks under control. If your party plans include roasting marshmallows, make sure you use outdoor cookware designed for use over an open flame to avoid accidents or burns. If you will be grilling food, use only a properly fitting grill designed for use with your fire pit.
 
6. Keep Your Distance - Gathering around the fire is part of the fun but, even with a screen and proper fire tending, sparks may fly. Keep your seating at a safe distance to avoid your guests or favorite patio cushions being burned.
 
7. Properly Extinguish Your Fire - Letting your fire burn out unattended while you bid your guests good night may be tempting, but that is a habit best avoided. Dumping water on the flames and leaving your fire to die alone isn't such a great idea either, since it could result in dangerous flare-ups.
 
Once your fire has mostly burned out, spread the ashes to allow them to cool. Once cooled, slowly add water to dowse hidden embers. Alternate spreading the ashes and adding water until steam stops rising.

This four-bedroom 1920s farmhouse is set on a .43-acre lot in downtown Ojai.

From here, you can walk or bike to the weekly farmers market, Libbey Bowl, shops, restaurants, galleries, parks, wine tasting, and all that the charming village of Ojai has to offer.

When you are not meeting friends for dinner or teeing up at one of Ojai’s popular golf courses, enjoy your morning coffee on the covered front porch, yoga on the covered back porch, or spending time working in your garden and enjoying Ojai’s great weather.

Features include a brick fireplace, built-in buffet in the dining room, ceiling fans, gated parking, and a detached, two-car garage.

Mature landscaping and a large backyard offer great opportunities for outdoor entertaining, while the versatile spaces inside allow you to customize this home to fit your needs and lifestyle.

The family who originally built this home completed several permitted upgrades over the years and is now offering it for sale for the first time.

To learn more about this downtown Ojai home for sale, visit the property information page or contact Nora today.

Right about now, you are likely harvesting the last of your spring and summer garden goodness and deciding what to plant next now that the temperature is dropping. To help you decide, here are four options that are easy to grow and do not take up much space.
 
1. Radishes
The weather is finally cooling off enough to get radishes in the ground. Radishes are incredibly easy to grow and reach maturity in as little as 30 days, so this is a great vegetable for beginner gardeners. You will want to use succession planting so that you can enjoy radishes throughout winter, so plant one row now, another row in a week or two, and another row a week or two after that. Keep that up to extend your harvest through winter and into spring. To plant, push seeds about one-half inch into the soil about one inch apart in rows that are about three inches apart. Once your radishes begin to sprout, thin them out to about two to three inches apart.
 
2. Lettuces
Lettuces are easy to grow and are the perfect addition to fall and winter salads. They do not take up much space, and you can extend your harvest by sowing seeds every two weeks. Lettuce seeds are tiny and need sun to sprout, so you will push these seeds just under the soil about one-quarter inch or less in rows that are about 12 inches apart. Lettuce requires regular watering and a sunny spot, but that is about it. You can plant it pretty close together to save space and crowd out weeds and can harvest leaves as they mature. 
 
3. Spinach
If you have limited space, I would recommend growing spinach over growing lettuces. Spinach is higher in nutrition than most lettuces and is much more versatile for salads, soups, pastas, sauces, and side dishes. It is also easy to grow, easy to harvest, and an easy way to cut down on plastic packaging if you are growing your own rather than buying it in clamshells. Bolting is an issue with spinach, so look for a bolt-resistant variety or make sure it is getting enough water and not too much heat or sun. To plant, push seeds about one-half inch into the soil a few inches apart in rows that are about 12 inches apart. To enjoy spinach throughout winter, practice succession planting by planting some of your seeds every two weeks. Harvest and enjoy as the leaves reach maturity.
 
4. Beets
Every fall garden needs at least a row or two of beets. This is another root vegetable that is easy to grow and does not take long to mature. Sow the seeds about two inches apart and one-half inch deep in rows that are about 12 inches apart. Once they start to sprout, thin each row so that the remaining sprouts are about four inches apart. Plant seeds every two weeks to extend your harvest. Be sure to harvest your beets before they get too big, since bigger beets can be woody. Also, don’t forget that beet greens are tasty and nutrition, so harvest them as well for use in side dishes, salads, and soups.
 
Once you have your fall garden squared away, don’t forget to change your HVAC filters and clean your gutters now that we are moving into the rainy season. If you prefer the help of a professional, support the local economy buy hiring local contractors.

Rent: $8,500 per month
Deposit: $12,750
Date available: Now

Features include:

Four bedrooms + two offices
Three full bathrooms, two half bathrooms
Approximately 4,200+ square feet of living space
Vaulted ceiling and brick fireplace in great room
Formal living room with fireplace
Remodeled kitchen with breakfast bar, Wolf range
Separate Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer
Wine refrigerator
Formal dining room
Soaking tub, walk-in closet in master bedroom
Laundry and mudroom with office area
Central vacuum system
Soft water system and carbon filtration system
Ample space to spread out and enjoy country living
Security system 
Located on 16+ acres
Gated entry
Approximately 1,000-square-foot, attached garage
Car lift
Tennis court refinished in 2020
Balcony with views off master bedroom
Spacious entertaining deck with amazing views
Covered patio with outdoor kitchen
Fountain with brick walkway
Lush lawn and well-manicured landscaping
2020 roof and gutters
Short drive to shops, restaurants, and farmers market
Short drive to Lake Casitas

This upscale Ojai home for rent is shown only by appointment. To schedule a viewing or request an application, contact Nora Davis.