Joel McCrea Ranch, Historic ranch property in Thousand Oaks, United States
The Joel McCrea Ranch is a historic property in Thousand Oaks that spans a large area and contains eight main buildings plus four secondary structures positioned at the base of Norwegian Grade. The site consists of different building complexes arranged across its landscape and outdoor grounds.
The site was established in the 1930s by actor Joel McCrea and his wife Frances Dee, where they raised cattle and ran agricultural operations across several decades. The property reflects the farming practices and settlement patterns of that era.
The property displays architectural designs by John Byers that blend Adobe and Spanish Colonial Revival styles across the California Ranch structures. These building approaches shape how the place looks today and reflect the connection between Hollywood and rural living.
The visitor center is located on North Moorpark Road and offers organized tours plus educational programs through the local recreation authority. It is helpful to check ahead about tour availability since these activities may have limited time slots.
The property features an unusual swimming pool shaped like an avocado that was constructed in 1933 and demonstrates how Hollywood glamour mixed with farming practices. This distinctive design remains one of the site's memorable characteristics and catches visitors' attention.
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