A historic Tudor Revival estate at 520 Foothill Road in Ojai has sold for $4.6 million after being listed for $6.495 million. The 3,474-square-foot home was commissioned in 1928 for silent-screen star Estelle Clark and designed by architect Austin Pierpont, later becoming the home of composer Leo Robin. According to the Compass listing, the property is known as the Estelle Clark Estate and is designated a historic landmark.The sale closes a chapter for one of Ojai’s most distinctive older homes. Set on about 1.17 acres with mountain views, the estate combines 1920s architectural character with later restoration work, making it a rare example of Hollywood-linked history in the Ventura County town.
A home commissioned for Estelle Clark
The estate was commissioned by Estelle Clark, a silent-screen actress whose career unfolded during Hollywood’s early film era. The home was designed by Austin Pierpont, an architect associated with some of Southern California’s most memorable early-20th-century residences.Clark and her husband, actor and director Ralph Ince, lived at the property during the 1930s. Their connection to the house adds to its place in Ojai’s cultural history, linking the quiet mountain town to the broader story of early Hollywood.The property was later associated with Leo Robin, the composer best known for writing the lyrics to “Thanks for the Memory.” His ownership gave the home another layer of artistic history, connecting it to both cinema and American popular music.
A tudor revival with historic status
The home is a Tudor Revival estate built in 1928, though some listing material refers to its 1929 design and restoration. It is designated a historic landmark, a status that recognises its architectural and cultural importance in Ojai. The main residence offers four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms across 3,474 square feet. Its interiors were presented as the result of a meticulous restoration intended to honour the original Tudor Revival design while accommodating modern living, as per the report.The property sits on about 1.17 acres along Foothill Road, one of Ojai’s well-known residential streets. Its grounds include mountain views, an enchanting barn, and a detached yoga studio, giving the estate both historic charm and flexible outdoor space.
From $6.495 million to $4.6 million
The estate was listed for $6.495 million before ultimately selling for $4.6 million. The final price represents a discount of nearly $1.9 million from the original asking price.Earlier listing records show that the property had also been offered at $5.995 million, before returning to market at $4.75 million in September 2026. The eventual $4.6 million sale placed the home close to Redfin’s estimated value of $4.485 million.At the final sale price, the home sold for roughly $1,324 per square foot. That figure reflects both the premium associated with historic homes in Ojai and the realities of a market where buyers may negotiate below ambitious initial asking prices.
Why Ojai homes attract attention
Ojai has long attracted buyers seeking a quieter alternative to Los Angeles while remaining within reach of Southern California’s creative and entertainment communities. Its mountain setting, small-town atmosphere, and historic architecture make it especially appealing to buyers interested in character properties.The Estelle Clark Estate fits that market. Its Tudor Revival design, celebrity history, and nearly 1.2-acre grounds distinguish it from newer homes that may offer more square footage but lack the same sense of place.Historic status can also add value by protecting the architectural identity of a property. In this case, the designation reinforces the home’s connection to Ojai’s past and to the Hollywood figures who once lived there.
A legacy of art and architecture
The home’s story spans nearly a century, from its commission for Estelle Clark in the 1920s to its later association with composer Leo Robin. That history gives the estate a narrative that goes beyond its size, price, or location.Its sale for $4.6 million shows that buyers still value homes with genuine architectural and cultural roots. While the final price came in below the original listing, the transaction confirms continued demand for restored historic properties in Ojai.For the new owner, the estate offers more than a residence. It is a preserved piece of Ojai’s architectural past, shaped by a silent-screen star, an acclaimed architect, and a celebrated songwriter.
