1950s Ranch House by Chalfant Head in Ventura County Asks $1.2 Million

About an hour's drive from Downtown Los Angeles, midway between Santa Clarita and Ojai in Ventura County, sits the town of Fillmore, population 16,419, according to the 2020 U.S. census. When it was founded in 1887 following the arrival of the Southern Pacific Rail line, the city's primary industry was agriculture, with a specific focus on oranges, lemons, and avocados, and that is still the case to this day.

While a significant percentage of Fillmore's housing stock dates back to the early 20th century, the rural hamlet also harbors some notable examples of midcentury modernism, such as this spiffy time capsule that's just hit the market for the first time in decades.

Completed in 1950, the single-story ranch is one of two on the same block designed by Ojai-based architect Chalfant Head. One was constructed for the town's primary physician, Dr. William French, while the home currently up for grabs was built for Fillmore city councilman/accountant Fred Bryce and his family.

In 1953, the Bryce residence was selected for inclusion in Better Home & Gardens’ "Five Star Homes" program, wherein for a mere $5, readers could purchase high-quality architectural plans, which they could then adapt for their own use. Seven decades after being featured in the magazine's March 1953 issue, the redwood-clad residence has seen a few alterations and updates, but by and large, the well-cared-for home looks much the same as it did in the Eisenhower era.

Located at the end of a private road and a long gravel driveway, the 2,128-square-foot residence is made up of a two-bedroom main house plus a one-bedroom guest unit also designed by Head but added at a later date.

The architect gave careful consideration to the expressed needs and wants of every member of the Bryce family and produced a design that went above and beyond in meeting them. Common space was prioritized, with a considerable amount of square footage apportioned to the wing that holds the home's open-plan living and dining room. This space feels even larger, thanks to the lengthy bank of glass sliders that open to a flat expanse of grass and offer picture-postcard views of the Santa Susana Mountains. Keeping clutter in check are numerous built-in closets and bookshelves, including some that flank the living room's gas and wood-burning fireplace.

The dining area flows to the one room in the house where time has not stood still, the kitchen. While its configuration is essentially unchanged, apart from the departure of a built-in sewing station, the speckled granite countertops, vinyl flooring, and some of the appliances give it an early-oughts aspect.

The main house's two bedrooms are rather modest in size, but like the other rooms of the house, both are amply equipped with clever custom built-in furniture and cabinetry. More expansive is the property's semi-detached guest suite, which sits adjacent to the swimming pool and is reached via a covered breezeway. Along with sliding glass doors, wood paneling, and a handsome built-in wardrobe and dresser, the guest house has a quintessential, museum-worthy 1950s bathroom, featuring terrazzo floors, jalousie windows, a built-in vanity, powder-blue tile, and a contrasting sink and tub in baby pink. (The two baths in the main house also sport original tile in cheery shades of green and yellow.)

The .61-acre property also features a rose garden, an art studio, and a two-car carport. Last sold in 1999 for $290,000, it's now asking a scintilla under $1.2 million. Compass agent George Mimnaugh holds the listing.

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