‘Precise’ Modern Farmhouse Hits the Market for $17.5 Million, Becoming Ojai’s Most Expensive Listing
A sparkling new California ranch in the celebrity-studded enclave of Ojai has hit the market for the very first time, becoming the most expensive property listed in the Tony community.
Completed in 2024 and known as the Shippee Estate, the property is located at the foot of mountains northwest of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara. It’s on the market for the lofty price of $17.49 million.
Set on 2.2 flat acres, the lavish estate was completed over four years by a leading custom builder with the aim of creating a luxurious family retreat, complete with an array of amenities to delight residents of all ages and tastes.
Named after the street it is located on, Shippee Lane, the estate features four buildings, each occupying just one floor to make traversing the property as easy as possible.
These buildings contain six bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, most of which are found in a lavish architectural farmhouse, which should not be confused with the standard “modern farmhouse” style as seen on one home renovation show after another.
Many elements elevate the architectural beauty of other, more traditional farmhouses, including the unique exterior, which is clad in warm cedar siding and floor-to-ceiling glass walls at almost every turn, allowing views of olive trees, native landscaping and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
From the outside, the extensive expanses of wood and glass help the home blend in with its picturesque natural surroundings.
High-quality materials and finishes are showcased throughout, including wide-plank white oak floors, sandblasted limestone, imported Calacatta marble and a chef’s kitchen equipped with professional Miele, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances.
Lighting and fixtures from Apparatus and Rejuvenation add subtle sculptural details and illumination.
The green property was purchased by the current owner in 2018 for $1,400,000. He completely demolished the house that was on the site at the time to make way for the new estate that he would build with the best materials.
“This property is truly one of the highest quality homes I have ever experienced – and I would argue, one of the best in all of Ojai,” said listing agent Neyshia Go of Sotheby’s International Real Estate Southern California.
“The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail is exceptional, from muddy sockets with no visible faceplates and hidden air conditioning ventilation to thoughtful features such as a built-in ironing board in the laundry room.
“Every selection – from fixtures and appliances to materials and finishes – is top-notch, making this one of the most unique and special homes I have ever seen.”
Each room has been carefully designed for a relaxing yet impressive appearance, starting with the 11- to 20-foot ceilings in the enormous great room, which is anchored by a plank-style concrete fireplace.
That great room features a living room, formal dining area, and the aforementioned marble kitchen with a pantry and breakfast nook. All rooms are particularly spacious and have floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors.
The bedrooms are equally grand: there are two primary suites, adding to the home’s multi-generational appeal. One features a boutique-inspired walk-in closet, spa-like bathroom and an additional private outdoor shower and garden.
The secondary primary suite has high ceilings, a cozy fireplace and a luxurious bathroom with bath and rain shower.
The other bedrooms are all en suite, with custom millwork and pristine views so no one ever has to see the glory of nature.
In addition to the main house, the property features a self-contained guesthouse, an entertainment pavilion with an indoor-outdoor kitchen and lavish home theater, a pool cabana, plenty of studio space, and garages designed for elevator systems.
“Perfect for multi-generational living or as a quintessential weekend retreat, this is a true complex, with a variety of outbuildings including a pool cabana, entertainment pavilion with indoor-outdoor kitchen, guest house, expansive studio space and additional detached garages,” the listing said.
“The home is ready for any car enthusiast and features finished garage spaces with the height to support lift systems for additional vehicles.”
Outside, flat, usable acreage is permitted for livestock and equestrian facilities. Ojai is known for its very active horse community. The entire acreage has been expanded with drought-conscious landscaping that complements Ojai’s natural beauty.
And while it may feel completely secluded, the estate is just minutes from quaint downtown, with its famous Ojai Valley Inn, and the many dining and arts venues for which it is widely known.
No wonder the area is favored by famous residents including Ed Begley Jr., Jon Bernthal, Rashida Jones, Tim Burton, Ted Danson And Mary Steenburgen, Donald Glover, Reese Witherspoon, John Krasinski And Emily Blunt, Diane Ladd, Bill Paxton, And Chloe Zhao.
After putting so much care and expense into the property to make it just right, you can’t help but wonder why the family is willing to put it on the market.
“The homeowners built the house during the pandemic and no longer come to Ojai as often as they would like,” Go explains. “They feel it is time for a new steward to come and enjoy the property, and appreciate the home they have painstakingly built.”
