A little over eight years after his death at 91 from age-related causes, the former Ventura County home of renowned artist and production illustrator Frank Armitage has hit the market for the first time in fifty years, priced just under $3 million. Located at 1807 Ladera Road in Ojai, the 10-acre property features stunning views of the entire Ojai Valley and the Topatopa Mountains.
Custom-built for Armitage and his then-partner Jill Penkhus in the early 1970s—and later inherited by Penkhus, an artist who passed away in 2016—the green wood-sided home is now owned by her husband, songwriter Jerry Millstein. The residence includes two bedrooms and three bathrooms across approximately 2,000 square feet of split-level living space, characterized by abundant windows throughout. A striking sculpture created by Armitage himself is also included in the sale.
An expansive deck rests just outside the living room.
Depicting himself as a mythological Greek centaur strumming a guitar, with his former partner as a beautiful nude on his back, the sculpture takes center stage in the living room. This room also features a retro wood-burning fireplace with a stove pipe chimney reaching the ceiling, and glass and wood-trimmed doors that open onto a spacious wood deck. The adjacent kitchen, equipped with an eat-in peninsula and a walk-in pantry, flows into a dining area, a family room currently used as an art studio, and an office near the entrance foyer.
The primary bedroom on the lower level has its own entrance.
Other highlights include two spacious primary bedrooms—one on the main level and another on the floor below—each with its own walk-in closet and bathroom. Outside, the Zen-like grounds are adorned with avocado and orange orchards, and boulder-lined hiking trails. The property also includes two cottages, one built with local river stones and the other a music studio complete with a full kitchen and bath. As an added bonus, the tasting room at Ojai Olive Oil Company is just steps away!
The living room features a wood-burning fireplace and glass doors leading outside.
Revered as one of the world’s foremost production illustrators, Frank Armitage moved to Los Angeles in 1952 with just $84 in his pocket and secured a job at Walt Disney Studios. There, he contributed to the backgrounds and layouts for classic features such as Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, and The Jungle Book. The Australian-born artist also did production illustration for Fox’s Oscar-winning sci-fi classic Fantastic Voyage and created artwork and designs for several Disney theme parks.
The living room.
The listing is held by Adam McKaig and William Turner of Douglas Elliman.
The living room.
A primary bedroom on the main level.
A primary bathroom.
An office space.
The dining area.
A window-lined family room is currently being used as an art studio.
An additional primary bedroom can be found on the lower level.
A lounging spot.
One of two cottages on the property was built with local river rock.