402 LYNN DRIVE THE LIFESTYLE
Presented by Toni Guy
WHAT’S INSIDE
The Story of Ventura
A Hidden Architectural Masterpiece
The Legacy of Greene & Greene
10 Facts About the Thomas Gould Jr. House
Vignette’s from Robert Gould
Things To Do Around Ventura
OF VENTURA STORY THE
Ventura is a small coastal town situated along the southern California corridor, conveniently located between the two major cities of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
Ventura has been inhabited by different peoples, including the Chumash Native Americans, for at least 10,000 years. With the arrival of Spanish missionaries in 1782, Mission San Buenaventura was established by Junípero Serra, giving the city its name. The mission played a central role in the region’s development.
Ventura is known for its scenic coastline and beautiful beaches, including Ventura State Beach and Surfer’s Point. The Pacific Ocean is not only within easy reach but also feels like an integral part of Ventura. The city has a rich cultural and culinary diversity, with a variety of great taquerias, ramen joints, and Tex-Mex bars along the coast.
Ventura’s combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, cultural offerings, and community events makes it an appealing place to live for those who appreciate a coastal lifestyle with a mix of urban and natural amenities.
A HIDDEN ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
by Henry Mather Greene
5 BED | 5 BATH
4,299 SQ.FT. | 1.75 ACRES
Tucked into the quiet folds of the Ventura hills, hidden among ancient oaks and swaying sycamores lies one of California’s greatest architectural masterpieces –and one of Ventura’s best kept secrets. The Thomas Gould Jr House isn’t just an estate—it’s a living work of art. But more than that, it’s a comfortable, soulful, and remarkably livable home – designed a century ago yet perfectly suited for today’s modern lifestyle.
Set on 1.75 gently sloping acres with views of the sparkling Pacific, Channel Islands, and coastal hillsides, the Gould House is a rare Henry Mather Greene-designed estate—a
masterwork of California Arts & Crafts architecture, and the only Greene & Greene home ever built in Ventura and one of the last Greene & Greene houses to be built in southern California.
Crafted in 1924 for Mabel and Thomas Gould Jr, this extraordinary 2 story, 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom approximately 4300 sf estate has changed hands only once in 100 years. It doesn’t appear on architectural tours. But for those who recognize the hand of a master in every joint, every window, every line of shadow—it is a revelation.
SCAN HERE FOR THE WHOLE STORY AND MORE
Attuned to the sun, breezes, and natural contours of its hillside setting, Henry Mather Greene worked closely with Mabel Gould to create a more relaxed, farmhouse-influenced interpretation of his iconic Arts and Crafts style—layered with subtle Japanese influence—blending beauty and utility in a way that feels remarkably timeless and welcoming. The floorplan is exceptional: an impressive living room with adjacent den, a window-lined dining room, and a thoughtfully designed layout that supports both quiet moments and lively gatherings.
In the 1980s, the first Director of the Gamble House, Randell Makinson, also an architect and Greene & Greene curator, updated the kitchen, added a complementary extension to the 2nd story and a 4-car garage—respecting the home’s soul while enhancing its function. The kitchen and upstairs primary bathroom offer future owners an opportunity to bring their own vision while staying true to the home’s legacy.
Throughout the home, you’ll find exquisite original details handmade or personally designed by Greene himself: custom bookcases, a carved entry mirror, custom redwood moldings / baseboards, built-in desks, cabinetry, art glass, and light sconces. Two fireplaces feature iconic Batchelder tile. Many light fixtures are original and luminous. Every window frames views of mature trees, garden vistas, or island-dotted horizons. The oak and maple floors glow with a century’s worth of golden light and layered history.
Outside, the land itself tells a story. Landscape architect Theodore Payne, a pioneer of California’s naturalistic movement, planted the majestic oaks and sycamores by hand. Today, the grounds are certified as a Certified Wildlife Preserve, with native plantings that attract monarch butterflies and hummingbirds. Two original ponds—one now a serene Zen garden with fountain, the other ready for your koi and waterlilies—add to the sense of peace and wonder. Hand-stacked stone walls and pathways from a century ago still guide the way.
The magnificent property stretches from a gated entry on Lynn Dr all the way to Foothill Rd offering 3 separate parcels (4 APNs), and the potential to add a guest quarters or office and a pool. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a place of national and state significance, offering substantial property tax advantages through the Mills Act.
There are fewer than 200 true Greene & Greene homes in existence. Most are in Pasadena. Fewer still were designed by Henry Mather Greene alone. And only one, quietly tucked into the hills of Ventura, remains largely unknown—even to devoted admirers of California architecture. This is that house. A living work of art, waiting for its next caretaker – someone who will recognize its rarity, feel its soul and become part of its extraordinary story.
HENRY MATHER GREENE
the Legacy of Greene & Greene
The Gould House was designed by Henry Mather Greene, the younger half of the legendary architectural duo Greene & Greene. Henry and his brother Charles were born in Ohio and trained at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture, which at the time was the most advanced architecture program in the United States. After graduating in the 1890s, the brothers moved to Pasadena, California, and became instrumental in defining the American Arts and Crafts movement.
Greene & Greene’s work is characterized by handcrafted woodwork, harmonious proportions, and exquisite attention to detail—an architectural language deeply influenced by Japanese design
principles. Their exposure to Japanese aesthetics came largely through visiting California’s Japanese exhibitions and gardens, as well as from studying traditional Japanese architecture in books and prints. They admired the simplicity, honesty of materials, and the integration of structures into their natural surroundings. You can feel that influence here at the Gould House—in the deep overhangs, natural materials, handcrafted joinery, and the seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Though Charles eventually stepped back from active design work, Henry continued independently, designing a small number of custom homes—including this one—for discerning clients who valued artistry over trends.
10 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE THOMAS GOULD JR. HOUSE
1.
Greene & Greene’s Final ChapterBuilt in 1924, this is one of the last homes ever designed by Henry Mather Greene—and the only Greene & Greene home in Ventura. It is also the most documented Greene & Greene design.
2.
Mabel Gould: A Woman Ahead of Her Time - Mabel studied botany at Stanford in the late 1800s and not only collaborated directly with Greene on the home’s design and floorplan but with Theodore Payne on the landscape.
The Cost of a Masterpiece -
4. 3.
The home cost $30,000 to build in 1924.
6.
Batchelder BrillianceBoth fireplaces feature original Batchelder tile, a hallmark of early 20th-century California artistry.
A Masterclass in MasonryThe hand-stacked stone walls and planters around the property were built without mortar. Workers wore gloves to avoid disturbing the moss already growing on the stones.
7.
Nature as Design PartnerThe home was carefully sited by Greene to follow the sun, prevailing breezes, and the natural contours of the land.
8.
A Living Wildlife Preserve - Landscape legend Theodore Payne personally planted the original grounds, now a certified natural wildlife habitat filled with butterflies and hummingbirds.
9.
An Architect’s Homage - In the 1980s, Randell Makinson— first Director of the Gamble House—added a respectful second-story extension. kitchen and garage.
The Hidden Touch of Art - Greene designed the gorgeous art glass in the dining room to highlight Mabel Gould’s love of nature. The glass used to be the doors to the China cabinet that was repurposed into a window in the 1980s to allow light to luminate the design.
10. 5.
A Zen of its OwnTwo original ponds grace the property - one transformed into a peaceful zen garden with bubbling fountain, the other is waiting your koi.
THEODORE PAYNE & THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE LANDSCAPE
The original landscaping at the Gould House was designed by Theodore Payne, a horticulturist and early conservationist who is now considered the father of the California native plant movement. Born in England in 1872, Payne trained at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew before emigrating to California in 1893. He became a passionate advocate for using native plants in landscape design—long before sustainability and droughttolerance became buzzwords.
Payne believed California’s native flora was uniquely beautiful and well-suited to its climate. His work emphasized habitat preservation, biodiversity, and a painterly sense of naturalism. By the time he worked on the Gould House, Payne had already influenced dozens of public and private gardens across the state, including work at the Huntington and Descanso Gardens. His vision helped transform the property into a living extension of the land itself—lush, resilient, and deeply rooted in California’s ecological identity.
NANA’S HOUSE VIGNETTE’S FROM ROBERT GOULD
“Nana’s House” We always called this Nana’s house. She was the one that designed it.
The Built-In Desk
Nana had this desk built by Henry Mather Greene in the 1930s. It’s tucked into the sunroom (the den). I remember her there, writing and sketching house plans. The fireplace would be going, and she’d be at her desk, drawing.
Saturday Hotcakes
Nana was a great cook and one of her specialties was hotcakes. Many Saturday mornings were spent stuffing ourselves in the breakfast nook of the kitchen. The recipe is very simple: buttermilk pancake mix that says you only need to add water—use buttermilk instead. Add an egg or two, a good dollop of sour cream, and some melted butter. Mix it all up, then fry them very hot and quickly. These are not the thick dough pancakes we normally think of—they’re between that and crêpes.
The Fishpond Fall
The upper fishpond was full of carp and lily pads. I was about five when I fell in. The picture was taken of my sister Jean and I in the lower fishpond which was much smaller.
The Big Tub and Grandpa’s Heater
The downstairs primary bedroom has a big tub to accommodate my grandpa Thomas Gould Jr’s 6’4” frame. The heater in the bathroom is the original heater. It worked great.
Grandpa and the Cattle Ranches
Grandpa always made me think of John Wayne—big and tall, but very gentle and forgiving. I used to ride with him in his car to check on cattle. He had them boarded at various ranches around Ventura and at the Camarillo Ranch. He would sit me on his lap and let me steer the car on the ranch roads.
Horses, School, and Five Trees
Grandpa always had a horse or two at the house. My two favorites were Red, who was a calm and gentle old horse that I rode all over the ranch. I attended Anacapa Junior High School and we usually walked up to Nana’s house after school until my dad picked us up. We often hiked to what was then known as Five Trees from both our foothill road house and Nana’s house. Only one of the original trees remain.
THINGS TO DO IN VENTURA
CHILL AT THE BEACH
Relax on the beaches of Ventura, including Ventura State Beach and Emma Wood State Beach. Enjoy sunbathing, picnicking, and beach volleyball.
WALK ALONG VENTURA PIER
Take a stroll along the Ventura Pier, enjoy scenic views of the coastline, and explore the nearby promenade with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
DROP BY THE FARMERS’ MARKETS
Experience the local flavors by visiting one of Ventura’s farmers’ markets.
WANDER THROUGH DOWNTOWN VENTURA
Downtown Ventura is the historic and cultural heart of the city, offering a mix of charming architecture, eclectic shops, restaurants, bars & breweries, and cultural venues.
VENTURE TO CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Resting off Ventura’s coast, the five islands that comprise Channel Islands National Park are a wonderland like no other.
Sweeping ocean views, tiny foxes, hiking, snorkeling, sea cave kayaking, and backcountry camping, all just a boat ride away.
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
Ventura offers several hiking and biking opportunities with scenic trails that showcase the city’s natural beauty and coastal landscapes.
VISIT THE VENTURA BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Ventura Botanical Gardens is a public garden with diverse plant life that provides visitors with stunning panoramic views of the city of Ventura, the Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands.
CHECK OUT THE LIVE MUSIC VENUES
Ventura has a diverse and lively music scene that caters to various tastes. The Majestic Ventura Theater is a historic venue that hosts concerts, while smaller spaces like The Hong Kong Inn provide more intimate settings.
SURF AT SURFER’S POINT
Ventura is known for its surfing culture, and Surfer’s Point is a popular spot for surfers of all levels. You can either catch some waves or simply enjoy watching the surfers.
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO OJAI
Venture to the nearby town of Ojai, known for its artistic community, outdoor activities, wine tasting, and more.
These are just a few of the many wonderful experiences to enjoy in and around Ventura, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and culinary delights for everyone.
Ventura County’s Trusted Real Estate Expert With 20 years of full-time experience, Toni Guy ranks among the top 1.5% of real estate professionals in the nation (REAL Trends 2023 & 2024). Recognized as the #1 Individual agent for BHHSCP Ventura for Transactions and GCI for 2023 & 2024, Toni’s expertise is second to none. Her success is built on a foundation of trust, dedication, and exceptional results. Toni’s clients, many of whom return or refer friends, praise her warmth, skillful negotiation, creative marketing and Kiwi humor. Her attention-to-detail and storytelling skills makes her the perfect agent for a historic, notable or luxury listing. Specializing in Ventura, Ojai, Oxnard, and Camarillo, Toni uses cutting-edge marketing-especially on social media-to achieve outstanding results. Her creative content on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok consistently attracts attention in a competitive market. In 2024, Toni launched her 50-minute documentary The Legends of Hobson Heights documenting the history of a iconic Ventura neighborhood which became a semi-finalist in The Hollywood Storytellers Film Festival 2025.
To Learn more about the Thomas Gould Jr House please go to gould-house.com
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