Ojai Valley Inn history

Although some of the new structures reach three stories, their elongated lines mimic the lines of the clubhouse Neff nestled on the crest of a wooded hill, a touch that drew kudos from the American Institute of Architects in 1924.

Less than three months after the start of the war, on February 24, 1942, the Ojai Valley’s readiness was put to the test when a Japanese submarine slipped into the Santa Barbara Channel and fired 20 rounds from its 5-inch guns into the Ellwood Oil REfinery near Goleta.

Fahlman married Madge Kilbourne, daughter of the newspaper’s editor, in 1943.

By the end of January 1944, the 174th Infantry had pulled out of Camp Oak and was assigned duties in Oregon, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Alabama.

In April of 1945, locals were thrilled to be invited to Camp Oak to watch an exhibition match played on the camp’s 9-hole course by radio and film stars Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.

In October 1946, the Navy returned the property to the Ojai Valley Company, and one week later Rawson Harmon, representing the Ojai Valley Company, announced the sale of the Ojai Valley Country Club to Don B. Burger, Willard Keith and Associates of Beverly Hills.

Then in 1947, he specifically added a new swimming pool, as well as the first “hotel” structure that featured 50 guestrooms.

1985: Jim and Paula Crown purchased the resort in 1985.

1987: The Crowns also renovated the golf course, hiring architect Jay Moorish to oversee its redesign.

1991: The Ojai Valley Inn joined Historic Hotels of America, becoming one of its earliest members.

The year Devlin won, 1993, was memorable for a torrential downpour that so soaked the course that only two holes, back-to-back par 3s, remained playable (once the greens were squeegeed) for Devlin’s playoff with Dave Eichelberger.

In 1997, the Crowns officially adopted “Ojai Valley Inn” as the name of the resort.

2003: Another massive renovation began that cost the Crowns some $90 million to complete.

Early 2006, with the opening of the Artist Cottage and Apothecary, this major renovation was completed.

In 2013, the Ojai Valley Inn celebrated its 90th anniversary and completion of a $5.5 million refreshment of all guest rooms.

In summer 2015, the property introduced a refined lobby design, chic new adult pool, a new signature restaurant and a refreshed parlor concept at the Wallace Neff Heritage Bar.

The following article was first published in the Winter 2018 (VOLUME 36 NUMBER 4) issue of the “Ojai Valley Guide” magazine that is published by the “Ojai Valley News”. With their permission, the article is reprinted here.

Adding to the compelling reasons to visit the inn, a special event space called The Farmhouse was established in 2019 with legendary chef Nancy Silverton as the culinary ambassador.