560-Acre Retreat Surrounded by Forestry Land (SOLD)
Matilija Canyon Ranch, Ojai CA 93023 $5,995,000
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The Dent House:
Approximately 5,000-square-foot historic home Built in 1908 by local rancher, John Dent Ventura County Historical Landmark Permitted boarding house, licensed commercial kitchen Five bedrooms, five bathrooms Three fireplaces Formal dining room and butler's pantry Library or media room Laundry room and mud room En suite bathrooms in the four upstairs bathrooms Screened porches and balcony Wood floors and ceiling fans Claw foot bathtubs and high-tank toilets Additional Residences and Buildings: Two-bedroom, one-bathroom 1920s farmhouse 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with two fireplaces One-bedroom, one-bathroom wildlife refuge quarters Garage, workshop and covered equipment parking |
560+/- Acres
Surrounded by Los Padres National Forest Three parcels Lots of flat, usable land Miles of hiking and riding trails More than a mile of streams Hundreds of fruit trees River rock garden walls (locally sourced) Amazing mountain and valley views Seasonal waterfalls Two stream-fed ponds Currently a wildlife refuge Corral and pastures Outdoor entertaining areas Aviary Chicken coop Well and well house Creek-fed irrigation system for gardens and orchards Paved, gravel and dirt roads Approximately 10 miles to downtown Ojai Approximately 22 miles to the beach Approximately 85 miles to Burbank |
Experience unmatched country living on this 560+ acre ranch surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest.
Matilija Canyon Ranch offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history and enjoy country living surrounded by Los Padres National Forest.
Currently a private residence, boarding house and wildlife refuge, this 560+/- acre ranch has four dwellings, hiking trails, hundreds of fruit trees, a trout stream, two ponds, outdoor living areas, an aviary and fenced corrals.
Only about 90 minutes from LA, this exceptional property could be a weekend getaway, bed & breakfast or guest ranch.
Currently a private residence, boarding house and wildlife refuge, this 560+/- acre ranch has four dwellings, hiking trails, hundreds of fruit trees, a trout stream, two ponds, outdoor living areas, an aviary and fenced corrals.
Only about 90 minutes from LA, this exceptional property could be a weekend getaway, bed & breakfast or guest ranch.
The Dent House
The historic Dent House was built on Ventura Avenue in 1908 by English immigrant and local rancher, John Dent. Built as a home for his family, this approximately 5,000-square-foot, redwood, ranch-style Craftsman home has five spacious bedrooms, three fireplaces and several features that are not commonly found in modern homes.
Now permitted as a boarding house and listed as a Ventura County Historical Landmark, it was moved to Matilija Canyon Ranch and restored to its former glory -- with plenty of modern conveniences -- in the 1980s.
From the very first glimpse through the trees, it is apparent that this historic home is something special and that is filled with that particular charm only found in turn-of-the-last-century homes. Before you even set foot inside, the large, screened porch invites you to sit and stay a while, enjoying the breeze from the ceiling fans and reminiscing about a time when front porches were gathering places where neighbors stopped for coffee and gossip in the morning, and families came together to enjoy a warm, summer evening at the end of the day.
Stepping into a vestibule that is the perfect size for dropping off the mail and kicking off your shoes, you can feel the outside world slipping away as the second entry door beckons you to step inside and back in time. The spacious living room greets you with the warmth of a stone fireplace, wainscoting, wood floors and a paneled ceiling.
Now permitted as a boarding house and listed as a Ventura County Historical Landmark, it was moved to Matilija Canyon Ranch and restored to its former glory -- with plenty of modern conveniences -- in the 1980s.
From the very first glimpse through the trees, it is apparent that this historic home is something special and that is filled with that particular charm only found in turn-of-the-last-century homes. Before you even set foot inside, the large, screened porch invites you to sit and stay a while, enjoying the breeze from the ceiling fans and reminiscing about a time when front porches were gathering places where neighbors stopped for coffee and gossip in the morning, and families came together to enjoy a warm, summer evening at the end of the day.
Stepping into a vestibule that is the perfect size for dropping off the mail and kicking off your shoes, you can feel the outside world slipping away as the second entry door beckons you to step inside and back in time. The spacious living room greets you with the warmth of a stone fireplace, wainscoting, wood floors and a paneled ceiling.
This welcoming main room is open to the formal living room, where you will find wood floors, wainscoting and a built-in hutch with storage drawers and glass-front display areas for period pieces or special occasion dinnerware. Large windows bathe the room in natural light and allow guests to enjoy views of one of the lawn areas, the family orchard and outdoor entertaining areas.
Behind the dining room is the well-appointed kitchen, which is licensed for commercial use and has commercial equipment, such as a six-burner range and griddle with double ovens. There are two sinks in the kitchen and a stainless steel, three-section sink in the butler's pantry, which connects the kitchen to the laundry room. The butler's pantry also provides additional storage and work space for times when you are entertaining larger groups.
If you choose to use the Dent House as a boarding house, you will surely also appreciate the large laundry room behind the butler's pantry, which has a tile floor, storage cabinets and a door leading to one of the parking areas for easily transporting groceries to the kitchen.
Behind the dining room is the well-appointed kitchen, which is licensed for commercial use and has commercial equipment, such as a six-burner range and griddle with double ovens. There are two sinks in the kitchen and a stainless steel, three-section sink in the butler's pantry, which connects the kitchen to the laundry room. The butler's pantry also provides additional storage and work space for times when you are entertaining larger groups.
If you choose to use the Dent House as a boarding house, you will surely also appreciate the large laundry room behind the butler's pantry, which has a tile floor, storage cabinets and a door leading to one of the parking areas for easily transporting groceries to the kitchen.
A wide hallway with a wood floor can be accessed from the kitchen or the living room and leads to the other first-floor rooms, as well as the stairway to the quest quarters. The first room you come to has a built-in bookshelf and desk, noting its historical use as an office, as well as a stone fireplace, wood floor and large windows. Currently used as a bedroom, this space could be used as a cozy library, a home office or a sitting room.
The next room you come upon is currently being used as a media room and also has a wood floor and fireplace.
At the rear of the hallway, a beautiful door with a stained-glass window leads to a mud room with a closet and tile floor. From here, you can access the parking area behind the house and one of the home's hidden gems: a secluded, screened porch just begging to be your private reading retreat, writing room or yoga studio. Historically used as sleeping porches on hot, summer nights, these screened porches are now the perfect place to comfortably enjoy spending time outdoors any time of the day.
The next room you come upon is currently being used as a media room and also has a wood floor and fireplace.
At the rear of the hallway, a beautiful door with a stained-glass window leads to a mud room with a closet and tile floor. From here, you can access the parking area behind the house and one of the home's hidden gems: a secluded, screened porch just begging to be your private reading retreat, writing room or yoga studio. Historically used as sleeping porches on hot, summer nights, these screened porches are now the perfect place to comfortably enjoy spending time outdoors any time of the day.
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Upstairs, there are four spacious bedrooms, each of which has a ceiling fan and an en suite bathroom with period furnishings and fixtures, such as pedestal sinks, claw foot bathtubs, brass shower heads and high-tank toilets. Each of these rooms has views and something special to offer, making each of them a potential master bedroom or perfect for use as guest suites.
The first bedroom on the left is known as the Green Bedroom and, if you plan to make the Dent House your residence, may be the room you would choose as the master bedroom. As you pass through the door, you step into a separate sitting room that is connected to the bedroom by French doors.
The second room on the left is the Peach Bedroom, which has an alcove for a seating area or play area and French doors leading to a screened balcony. On the right, the first room is the White Bedroom, which has two pedestal sinks in its en suite bathroom. The second room on the right is the Rose Bedroom, which also has a seating area.
There is a linen closet in the large hallway and a screened balcony at the back of the house, which guests can use as a peaceful hideaway before retiring for the night.
All of this is surrounded by a park-like setting under the trees and just steps from expansive, grassy areas, the corral, the large family orchard, a built-in barbecue grill, a river rock patio and a wood deck built around heritage oak trees.
An easy walk delivers you or your guests to the creek, the pond and gazebo, miles of hiking trails and the other residences on the ranch. There is also a river rock walkway that leads past the outdoor entertaining areas to a guest parking area, the well house and the covered equipment storage area.
The first bedroom on the left is known as the Green Bedroom and, if you plan to make the Dent House your residence, may be the room you would choose as the master bedroom. As you pass through the door, you step into a separate sitting room that is connected to the bedroom by French doors.
The second room on the left is the Peach Bedroom, which has an alcove for a seating area or play area and French doors leading to a screened balcony. On the right, the first room is the White Bedroom, which has two pedestal sinks in its en suite bathroom. The second room on the right is the Rose Bedroom, which also has a seating area.
There is a linen closet in the large hallway and a screened balcony at the back of the house, which guests can use as a peaceful hideaway before retiring for the night.
All of this is surrounded by a park-like setting under the trees and just steps from expansive, grassy areas, the corral, the large family orchard, a built-in barbecue grill, a river rock patio and a wood deck built around heritage oak trees.
An easy walk delivers you or your guests to the creek, the pond and gazebo, miles of hiking trails and the other residences on the ranch. There is also a river rock walkway that leads past the outdoor entertaining areas to a guest parking area, the well house and the covered equipment storage area.
The Barns
The residence known as The Barns was completed in 2000 and is creatively constructed of three barns connected with a stairway and hallway to create an approximately 5,000-square-foot home. The period-appropriate design of The Barns is intended to pay homage to antique barns built in the late 19th century and early 20th century and compliments the architecture of the historic Dent House and The Farmhouse. While The Barns looks and feels as though it belongs on a quintessential early-20th century ranch, it offers the modern comforts and conveniences expected in contemporary homes.
A separate driveway and parking area serve this spacious dwelling, which is surrounded by mature trees and river rock garden walls and includes a large garage for additional parking or equipment storage, as well as a workshop.
River rock steps lead to the entry of the East Barn, which resembles a quaint, country cottage partially constructed of stone. This self-contained section of The Barns feels like a separate residence but is adjoined to the Middle Barn by a Dutch door leading to a common area with a connecting stairway.
Slate floors are found throughout the main level and a large picture window frames a beautiful mountain view while allowing natural light to bathe the living room. A wood-burning fireplace crafted of stone brings warmth to the main living area, which is separated from the kitchen by a breakfast bar. The main-floor master bedroom is off of the living room and has a slate, wood-burning fireplace, an exposed-beam ceiling, an exterior door to the front landing, two closets, and an en suite bathroom with charming wainscoting, tile and a pedestal sink.
A separate driveway and parking area serve this spacious dwelling, which is surrounded by mature trees and river rock garden walls and includes a large garage for additional parking or equipment storage, as well as a workshop.
River rock steps lead to the entry of the East Barn, which resembles a quaint, country cottage partially constructed of stone. This self-contained section of The Barns feels like a separate residence but is adjoined to the Middle Barn by a Dutch door leading to a common area with a connecting stairway.
Slate floors are found throughout the main level and a large picture window frames a beautiful mountain view while allowing natural light to bathe the living room. A wood-burning fireplace crafted of stone brings warmth to the main living area, which is separated from the kitchen by a breakfast bar. The main-floor master bedroom is off of the living room and has a slate, wood-burning fireplace, an exposed-beam ceiling, an exterior door to the front landing, two closets, and an en suite bathroom with charming wainscoting, tile and a pedestal sink.
A quaint reading nook with a storage cubby and built-in bookshelf greets you on the mid-level landing as you take the stairs to the second floor. The perfect place to steal away for a quiet moment or catch up on your summer reading, this small addition to the design adds a whimsical element as your guests retire to their rooms for the evening.
At the top of the stairs, there is a linen closet for additional storage and the guest bathroom, which has contemporary and period tile and mirrored dormer walls surrounding the pedestal sink. The two guest bedrooms have views of the ranch and mountains and ceiling fans to help maintain a comfortable temperature on warmer nights.
At the top of the stairs, there is a linen closet for additional storage and the guest bathroom, which has contemporary and period tile and mirrored dormer walls surrounding the pedestal sink. The two guest bedrooms have views of the ranch and mountains and ceiling fans to help maintain a comfortable temperature on warmer nights.
Of course, some of those warmer nights may be better spent on the screen porch at the back of the house where you can entertain guests while listening to the stream and gazing at the stars.
From this screen porch, you can also access the common area between East Barn and Middle Barn, which is where you will find the staircase leading to the Middle Barn's large entertaining space with a vaulted, exposed-beam ceiling, wood floor, two ceiling fans and a wet bar with a refrigerator.
This spacious room is connected to the West Barn by a wide hallway, and it is here that you will find a private suite of rooms with a separate entrance. In this section of The Barns, there is a large living space and two bedrooms with exposed-beam ceilings and ceiling fans, and a bathroom with a pedestal sink, tile floor, tile walls and a tile shower-bathtub surround. A balcony off of the living area has stairs leading to the landscaped grounds below and providing a separate entrance for this guest wing.
From this screen porch, you can also access the common area between East Barn and Middle Barn, which is where you will find the staircase leading to the Middle Barn's large entertaining space with a vaulted, exposed-beam ceiling, wood floor, two ceiling fans and a wet bar with a refrigerator.
This spacious room is connected to the West Barn by a wide hallway, and it is here that you will find a private suite of rooms with a separate entrance. In this section of The Barns, there is a large living space and two bedrooms with exposed-beam ceilings and ceiling fans, and a bathroom with a pedestal sink, tile floor, tile walls and a tile shower-bathtub surround. A balcony off of the living area has stairs leading to the landscaped grounds below and providing a separate entrance for this guest wing.
The Farmhouse
Built in the 1920s on the Dent Ranch in Ventura, the Farmhouse was moved to its current location on Matilija Canyon Ranch in 1983. This two-bedroom, one-bathroom home has approximately 1,200 square feet of living space and, while it is separate from the Barns and the Dent House, its central location just a short walk from the other residences makes it an ideal dwelling for a ranch manager or caretaker.
The wrap-around screen porch provides a cozy spot to plan your day over a cup of coffee as you take in the mountain views and listen to the stream babbling beyond the tree line, while the double swing just steps away is the perfect place to enjoy the quiet of the country as you indulge in fresh fruit just picked from the surrounding family orchard.
Inside, you are greeted by a wood floor in the living room and a full kitchen with a tile floor, a dining area and a door leading to the porch. Built-in shelves provide extra storage in the hallway, while ceiling fans and views of the ranch make each of the home's two bedrooms a comfortable retreat for the end of the day.
The wrap-around screen porch provides a cozy spot to plan your day over a cup of coffee as you take in the mountain views and listen to the stream babbling beyond the tree line, while the double swing just steps away is the perfect place to enjoy the quiet of the country as you indulge in fresh fruit just picked from the surrounding family orchard.
Inside, you are greeted by a wood floor in the living room and a full kitchen with a tile floor, a dining area and a door leading to the porch. Built-in shelves provide extra storage in the hallway, while ceiling fans and views of the ranch make each of the home's two bedrooms a comfortable retreat for the end of the day.
The Land
Matilija Canyon Ranch encompasses 560+/- acres in the Santa Ynez Mountains less than 15 minutes from the quaint village of Ojai. Part of the Transverse Ranges, the Santa Ynez Mountains lay in an east-west orientation, unlike most of the coastal ranges in California, which have a north-south orientation.
Adding to the geographical interest of the ranch and the land surrounding it, three canyons converge on the property, including Matilija Canyon (named after Chief Matilija of the Chumash people), Murrieta Canyon (named after the 19th century bandito, Joachim Murrieta) and Upper North Fork Canyon. The streams that run through each of these canyons are tributaries of Matilija Creek, which feeds into nearby Matilija Lake.
One of the many appealing features of Matilija Canyon Ranch is that it is surrounded by Los Padres National Forest, which includes approximately 1,760,000 acres of public land and is nearly 1,950,000 million acres when including the privately held inholdings within the forest boundaries.
Adding to the geographical interest of the ranch and the land surrounding it, three canyons converge on the property, including Matilija Canyon (named after Chief Matilija of the Chumash people), Murrieta Canyon (named after the 19th century bandito, Joachim Murrieta) and Upper North Fork Canyon. The streams that run through each of these canyons are tributaries of Matilija Creek, which feeds into nearby Matilija Lake.
One of the many appealing features of Matilija Canyon Ranch is that it is surrounded by Los Padres National Forest, which includes approximately 1,760,000 acres of public land and is nearly 1,950,000 million acres when including the privately held inholdings within the forest boundaries.
Historically, the earliest known use of the land that is now Matilija Canyon Ranch was by the Chumash people who considered part of the land to be sacred and came to the area for spiritual retreats and practices. It was later used by local ranchers for summer grazing until the early 20th century.
The famed, 19th century cowboy and bear hunter, Ramon Ortega, once had a ranch on this land, it is rumored that the notorious bandito, Joachim Murrieta (aka the Robin Hood of El Dorado), had a hideout here, and the remains of a stone bunkhouse dating back to the late 1800s still stand.
The topography of the ranch includes ample flat, usable land, mountains, slopes, creek beds and rock outcroppings. To complement the natural state and native vegetation found throughout the open land that makes up most of the ranch, the mature landscaping around the residences was designed to harmonize with the existing ecosystem.
The famed, 19th century cowboy and bear hunter, Ramon Ortega, once had a ranch on this land, it is rumored that the notorious bandito, Joachim Murrieta (aka the Robin Hood of El Dorado), had a hideout here, and the remains of a stone bunkhouse dating back to the late 1800s still stand.
The topography of the ranch includes ample flat, usable land, mountains, slopes, creek beds and rock outcroppings. To complement the natural state and native vegetation found throughout the open land that makes up most of the ranch, the mature landscaping around the residences was designed to harmonize with the existing ecosystem.
There is a pond with a small gazebo in the park-like setting near the Dent House, a corral and pasture behind the approximately 600-square-foot wildlife refuge building, and large, grassy areas around each dwelling for entertaining, special occasions or outdoor recreation. Between the awe-inspiring mountains, there is lots of flat, usable land that could be used for a variety of pursuits, as well as additional potential building sites for those who may want to build their dream home away from the current residences and look into transforming the current dwellings into a guest ranch.
Hundreds of fruit trees surround the residences in family orchards, allowing you and your guests to enjoy fresh produce and juices, including three types of oranges, two types of grapefruit, limes, three varieties of lemons, four types of avocados, three varieties of plums, two kinds of peaches, nectarines, four varieties of tangerines, seven types of apples, three varieties of Asian pears, three other types of pears, two kinds of cherries, wine and table grapes, kiwis, guavas, kumquats, tangelos, tangors, two types of persimmons, pomegranates and four kinds of apricots. There are also olive, walnut, pecan and almond trees, as well as patches of strawberries.
Hundreds of fruit trees surround the residences in family orchards, allowing you and your guests to enjoy fresh produce and juices, including three types of oranges, two types of grapefruit, limes, three varieties of lemons, four types of avocados, three varieties of plums, two kinds of peaches, nectarines, four varieties of tangerines, seven types of apples, three varieties of Asian pears, three other types of pears, two kinds of cherries, wine and table grapes, kiwis, guavas, kumquats, tangelos, tangors, two types of persimmons, pomegranates and four kinds of apricots. There are also olive, walnut, pecan and almond trees, as well as patches of strawberries.
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If you would like to compliment a breakfast of just-harvested fruits with fresh eggs, the large chicken coop is just steps away from the Dent House, the Farmhouse and the Barns. Adjacent to the chicken coop, there is a large aviary that is currently home to peacocks, peahens, chickens, ducks and other fowl.
Of course, domestic animals are not all that can be seen on this 560+/- acre ranch, which is one of the reasons the current owners pursued creating a wildlife refuge to benefit indigenous wildlife and protect the ecosystem. Wildlife native to the area that you may catch a glimpse of while hiking through the property include deer, rabbits, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, black bears, snakes, rainbow trout and several species of birds. Native flora includes oak, pine, willow, bay laurel, cottonwood and sycamore trees, as well as yuccas, coastal chaparral and seasonal wildflowers.
The current owners established the 501c3, not-for-profit Corporation known as the Matilija Canyon Wildlife Refuge and worked with several state agencies to develop a land management plan, which is implemented by this non-profit. Recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board, the Matilija Canyon Wildlife Refuge Corporation can potentially be acquired by the new owners, if they would like to continue this legacy of maintaining the land in a manner that benefits indigenous flora and fauna.
Of course, domestic animals are not all that can be seen on this 560+/- acre ranch, which is one of the reasons the current owners pursued creating a wildlife refuge to benefit indigenous wildlife and protect the ecosystem. Wildlife native to the area that you may catch a glimpse of while hiking through the property include deer, rabbits, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, black bears, snakes, rainbow trout and several species of birds. Native flora includes oak, pine, willow, bay laurel, cottonwood and sycamore trees, as well as yuccas, coastal chaparral and seasonal wildflowers.
The current owners established the 501c3, not-for-profit Corporation known as the Matilija Canyon Wildlife Refuge and worked with several state agencies to develop a land management plan, which is implemented by this non-profit. Recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board, the Matilija Canyon Wildlife Refuge Corporation can potentially be acquired by the new owners, if they would like to continue this legacy of maintaining the land in a manner that benefits indigenous flora and fauna.
This information was obtained from sources that The Davis Group and its agents, affiliates and/or data suppliers believe to be reliable. However, The Davis Group and its agents, affiliates and/or data suppliers do not guarantee the accuracy of this information, including pictures, videos or multimedia files. This information may change without notice. All references to square footage, year built, price, features or availability are approximations. You are advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.
