In 2018 the Churchill Residence in Ojai was designated Ventura County landmark  #178 as “The General Charles G. Penney Residence.”  We recently found this albumen “Carte De Visite” print of Penney taken c.1866 when he was captain in the 51st US Colored Infantry.  He would have been 22 years old and a veteran of the Civil War at that time.  Penney spent much of his military career as an officer in “Buffalo Soldier” units.  Apparently a respected peace maker, Penney was made acting agent in charge of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation immediately following the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1891.  General Penney retired to the Ojai Valley in 1905 with wife Ida and long time aide Sergeant Henry Radgers.

A historic Craftsman farm house, the Churchill Residence is located in the east end of the Ojai Valley a half block from The Thacher School and the Krishnamurti Foundation. Originally part of the historic Pierpont property, the 3,600 sq. ft. house was designed and built in 1905/1907 for Civil War veteran General Charles G. Penney.  The second owner of the house was Dr. Guido Ferrando who along with Aldous Huxley, and J. Krishnamurti founded the Besant Hill School (formerly Happy Valley School).  The Churchill family has lived in the home since 1955.

The Ojai Valley is one of the few east/west facing valleys in California.  That orientation, combined with California weather creates stunning sunsets sunrises and a unique ecosystem often compared to Tuscany.  Ojai has been an artistic and spiritual center since the 1800’s.  There are many festivals, events and activities throughout the year.  Current weather and 10-day forecast can be seen here.  Also worth checking out is the Ojai Valley Museum.

A short drive from Ojai town center, the residence is set back from Thacher Road.  Amid orange and avocado orchards the location is private and serene.  Beautifully landscaped grounds compliment mountain and valley views from verandas on the front and back of the home. 

The house is a congenial place for retreats, friend reunions, family reunions, writer’s groups, wedding guests, etc.  The house sleeps 10 guests.  There is one king-size bed, three queens, and one full. The living room and den have wood burning fireplaces.  The kitchen/breakfast area is large and fully equipped.  There are outdoor eating areas on both verandas.  There are three full baths plus an outdoor shower with hot water.

Amenities: Redwood hot tub, swimming pool, Apple TV with HBONOW, Netflix, Criterion, Prime Video, Spectrum TV Stream, a large collection of DVDs, an extensive eclectic library, broadband WiFi, telephone, washer/dryer, stereo, natural gas BBQ, and a fully equipped kitchen with a restored O’Keefe & Merritt 6-burner, two-oven, two-broiler stove.  Play your iTunes library on stereo via Airplay or Blue Tooth.

The house has central heating and air conditioning. 

The pool is not heated.

The hot tub is heated on demand.

Rates

$12,000.00 per month

$2,500 refundable security/excess cleaning deposit

30-day minimum

$225.00 Cleaning fee per visit. Weekly cleaning recommended, One cleaning at end of rental required.

Payment for one month in full to confirm reservation.

Cancellation Policy: Payments will be refunded in full if the dates are filled by another renter.  Otherwise any refund will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

We do not allow any commercial use of the property including filming and photography.

No parties or events of any kind without prior arrangement.

No smoking indoors

Pets with prior arrangement only

The house is over 115 years old and has not been child proofed.  You will be required to bring bed and bedding for infants.  We require a liability release for children at the time of the reservation.

Inquires: We welcome direct contact.

Joan Churchill or Alan Barker

ojai@duckinatree.com

310.828.1613 or 310.828.5577

Location:

4295 Thacher Road

Ojai CA 93023