Upper Ojai, Your gateway to adventure!
Historic Upper Ojai, a short 15-minute drive from lower Ojai, is home to celebrities like Jason Mamoa, Tyler the Creator, Channing Tatum and others. Minutes from gorgeous hiking and biking trails in the Los Padres National Forest, Hartmann Country Cottages is made up of three unique properties that offer a retreat away from the daily grind. Stay for a long weekend or book for a week or more and pamper yourself, your partner, group or family.
Hartmann Country Cottages
Select from three distinct properties or reserve multiple for a combined experience. Each home provides a unique stay with a range of pricing structures to accommodate everyone. Situated mere minutes from Los Padres Forest, this location is ideal for mountain bikers and hikers. Within walking distance, you'll find a charming general store and the renowned Summit hamburger stand.
The Farmhouse, established in 1920 and recently refurbished, accommodates six guests and features a fenced yard, an outdoor BBQ space, and much more. Boasting a beautiful rustic charm, this home includes a well-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, fireplace, Wi-Fi, and additional amenities. Guests can enjoy the vintage piano or engage in a game of chess or the many board games provided. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, there's ample space for comfort.
The Sunflower Cottage, a quaint abode surrounded by a variety of organic fruit trees such as fig, tangerine, pomegranate, loquat, mulberry, lime, and others, offers a hot tub, an outdoor shower, a large fire pit area, and flower gardens, all within a secure fenced yard. It's an idyllic retreat for relaxation, featuring outdoor dining, a fully equipped kitchen, and complete laundry facilities. With two bedrooms, it's suitable for a family holiday or a girls' getaway.
The Country Cabin, initially used by the California Conservation Corps for trail construction in the adjacent Los Padres Forest and relocated here in 1930, is undergoing renovations and will be available for booking in August 2024. This snug cabin is set within a fully fenced yard shaded by two grand oak trees. Offering views of the local Topa Topa mountains, outdoor dining, a fire pit, BBQ and screened porch, this cabin promotes outdoor living. A fully stocked kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace, washer/dryer and so much more ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.
OUR STORY
In 1975, my father, Larry Hartmann, acquired the three homes now known as Hartmann Country Cottages from Garner Poole. Garner, who served with my father on the Search & Rescue team was a minister and auto mechanic. He used the sale's proceeds to purchase a travel trailer and a revival tent and took his family around the U.S. for the next four years. At that time, my father was the teaching principal at Summit School (presently Rock, Tree, Sky), juggling his responsibilities between teaching special education students, selling real estate, operating a summer swim school, managing a walnut orchard and a Christmas Tree Farm, and raising six children. Although he never resided at the property, he was an actively involved landlord.
As the only girl in the family, I was a natural Tomboy and followed my five brothers on long hikes in the local mountains, building swimming holes, going on night rides on our bikes and engaging in many adventures and misadventures. My love of this property was instant. It was the first place I lived when I left home, residing in what is now The Farmhouse. I somehow always knew I would end up as the owner/caretaker and when my father passed away on my birthday in 2022, I found out that it was being sold and was in escrow. Thanks to local real estate agent, Cathy Titus, who let me know the sale might not go through, I jumped in when the proposed buyer fell out of escrow. I officially purchased the property on April 12, 2023, and began work the very next day.
After 48 years, the property was weary and yearning for a loving restoration. Inspired by countless home renovation shows I watched during the pandemic; I couldn't wait to start the transformation! With the aid of local contractors, helpful county inspectors and a remarkable crew, we crafted three exquisite spaces that, I hoped would honor my father's memory. I designed the gardens, walkways, the interior and exterior, always envisioning a haven for others to unwind. Along the way, I picked up some skills - using a table and chop saw, nail gun and sander - and repurposed as much material as possible. For instance, the front porch of The Farmhouse was constructed from old fencing found on the property, and the barn doors were fashioned from timber discovered in the barn.
It is my dream and joy to invite you to a 5-star experience. I envisage hosting retreatants, girls' weekends, and family visits where pets can come along. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, in need of a writer's retreat, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, you are all welcome here.
Therese Hartmann
About Upper Ojai
Upper Ojai is a rural valley located at 800 feet elevation and is in the unincorporated area of Ventura County. It is home to many celebrities because of its peaceful nature and accessibility to the local Los Padres National Forest hiking and biking trails. Only about an hour south of Santa Barbara or one-and-a-half-hour drive north from LA, there is no need to book planes. You can just load up the car, drive in and start your vacation.
The first notable luminaries to visit Upper Ojai and understand its special nature included J. Krishnamurti, Dr. Annie Besant, D. Rajagopal, Aldous Huxley and a few contemporaries. In 1926, on a journey to the Ojai Valley with Krishnamurti, Rajagopal, and Fritz Kunz, Annie Besant visited a vast area of pristine land. She envisioned this site as a place to establish an educational center that would nurture spiritual, artistic, and intellectual growth as well as physical and mental well-being. She also knew that sustainable worldwide improvement in the human condition begins with the individual. In 1927, she raised funds to secure nearly 520 acres in the Upper Ojai Valley. She appointed trustees to further her vision of a non-sectarian foundation, “without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color,” that she named Happy Valley Foundation. To this day, Besant Hill School attracts creative minds and eager students from all over the world.
Upper Ojai is where you'll find Hall's Organic Apricots and George, the German honey vendor you'll see by the side of the road. You'll also notice Boccali's vineyards where they harvest grapes to make their local wines served at Boccali's Restaurant, at the base of Dennison Grade. The General Store and Summit hamburger stand are almost right across the street from the property. And the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is down the highway. Speaking of Beatrice Wood, she was another Ojai icon who was an important contemporary artist, craftsperson and writer. Her life ran the course of the 20th century and included many of the figures that shaped it. The spirit of Dadaism, impact of Modernism, embrace of Eastern philosophy, influence of folk art and even the ornament of ethnic jewelry were all combined in her ceramics. Her work reveals a mastery of form and some very rare glazing techniques. Don't forget to visit the center!
From old-timers to celeb's, art enthusiasts to outdoor adventurers, Upper Ojai is a world apart.
Your Journey to Upper Ojai Begins Here!
