Description

Tucked into the Ventura hills beneath ancient oaks and sycamores, the Thomas Gould Jr House is a rare architectural treasure--designed in 1924 by Henry Mather Greene of Greene & Greene fame. Set on 1.75 acres with views of the Pacific and Channel Islands, it's the only Greene & Greene home ever built in Ventura, and one of the last created in Southern California. This soulful, 4,299 sq ft, 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom estate blends Arts & Crafts design with relaxed farmhouse elements and subtle Japanese influences. The floorplan is both grand and welcoming, with a spacious living room, cozy den, window-lined dining room, and exceptional flow. Original features include oak and maple floors, Batchelder tile fireplaces, art glass, and handcrafted woodwork designed by Greene himself. In the 1980s, architect and first Director of the Gamble House, Randell Makinson, respectfully updated the kitchen, added a 4-car garage (with 1/2 bath), and expanded the second story. There's still opportunity to add your own vision to the kitchen and primary bath.The grounds--originally designed by California native landscaping pioneer Theodore Payne--are now a certified wildlife preserve, alive with butterflies, hummingbirds, and two tranquil ponds. Spanning three parcels (four APNs) from Lynn Dr to Foothill Rd, the property includes potential for a guest house or office, pool etc. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is believed to be the most historically significant residence in Ventura. Substantial tax incentives and property tax reductions are available through the Mills Act, offering both financial and cultural rewards. This is more than a home--it's a legacy waiting to be lived in, where the next owner becomes part of the story, woven into the history of a California masterpiece.