The artsy, bohemian SoCal town of Ojai doesn’t usually do headline listings. Homes tend to trade quietly here, and buyers tend to care more about light, land, and privacy than making a statement. That’s why the Shippee Estate—currently the most expensive home for sale in the rural and upscale community—feels a little unexpected. It’s a substantial new build, yes, but it doesn’t feel flashy or overdesigned. If anything, it feels deeply personal.

Set on just over two flat acres in the Ojai Valley, about 90 miles northwest of downtown L.A., the estate took four years to complete and was built by a custom builder who originally planned to live in the home himself. That shows up in the details. The layout makes clear sense. The materials feel intentional. Nothing is there just to impress.

The main house is single-story and opens up immediately upon entry. A large pivot door leads into a bright living space with high ceilings and walls of glass that look out to a quiet courtyard planted with olive trees and, beyond that, the surrounding mountains. It’s an easy, open setup—good for everyday living, not just entertaining.

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Interior finishes lean clean and calm rather than showy. Wide-plank white oak floors, limestone, and Calacatta marble keep things neutral but organically luxe, while lighting from Apparatus and Rejuvenation adds a bit of edge without any look-at-me drama. The kitchen, equipped with Miele, Wolf, and Sub-Zero appliances, is designed to be used, not staged.

Bedrooms are spread out for privacy. The primary suite feels more like a private retreat than a grand statement, complete with a spa-style bathroom and an outdoor shower tucked into a garden. There’s also a second primary-style suite—ideal for extended stays—and additional guest rooms, each with its own bath.

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Outside the main house, the property functions as a true compound. There’s a separate guesthouse, a pool cabana, and an entertainment pavilion with an indoor-outdoor kitchen, along with studio space and multiple garages for serious car storage. The grounds include a resort-style pool and spa, wide patios, drought-tolerant landscaping, and open lawns that keep the focus on the land rather than the house.

Despite the sense of seclusion, the estate is just minutes from downtown Ojai, with quick access to hiking trails, local shops and restaurants, and the Ojai Valley Inn. The basics are substantial by any measure. The home spans about 11,400 square feet with six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms and is currently listed for $17.5 million with Neyshia Go of Sotheby’s International Realty.

For a town that has always prized understatement, Ojai’s most expensive listing feels surprisingly on brand.

Click here to see more photos of the Ojai property.