Ojai Valley Inn has broken ground on a stunning multi-use epicurean showplace, The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, set for debut events in 2018. Famed architect Howard Backen with Backen Gillam Kroeger in Napa Valley has designed the expansive 20,000 square foot culinary and event center to connect world-class food culture with indoor/outdoor functions. This architectural achievement will raise the profile of gatherings held within the space, shaking up the conventional perception of group events — all in the enviable Southern California climate and the natural mountain surroundings of Ojai.
“It is a thrill to announce such a creative and ambitious continuation of Ojai’s valley-to-table culinary heritage. The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn will provide spectacular new venues for our guests and even more exceptional culinary experiences,” said Alex Kim, Managing Director at the Ojai Valley Inn. “Our team of world-class chefs, along with some of the greatest culinary talent from around the globe, will reintroduce The Inn as the premier West Coast culinary destination.”
The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn is a connected natural campus of distinct spaces: The Kitchen, The Library, The Lawn, and The Great Room —an expansive 8500-square-foot multi-use, ballroom space. The wood and glass barn-inspired structures feature a natural palette of forest browns and greys, redwood siding, 25-foot ceilings, and exposed wooden trusses. The Kitchen is designed for open demo format, allowing up to 80 guests a front row seat to the chefs in action, while the adjacent Library and garden courtyard, each seating up to 20, will serve as private dining and meeting areas. Additionally, 11′-6″ foot high sliding doors will open dramatically to The Lawn with expanded outdoor seating, a landscaped garden of native olive trees and lavender, an organic vegetable and herb garden, and a majestic 100 year-old Oak tree anchoring the center focal point.
“The magical surroundings and natural backdrop of Ojai is the main inspiration for the design of The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn,” said Architectural Digest Award-winning architect Howard Backen, who is known for his work on projects such as Archetype, Esperanza and the Napa Valley Reserve in Napa Valley, among many others. “The consistently mild weather and expansive space allowed me to open up the center and incorporate a natural aesthetic throughout with rustic, yet clean and simple, natural design.”
About Ojai Valley Inn
Nestled in the idyllic enclave of Ojai is the historic Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a luxurious retreat that has been one of California’s most revered destinations since opening in 1923. Located just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, the resort overlooks the unspoiled natural beauty of its mountain surroundings and celebrates the relaxed glamour of California’s past to create an unparalleled resort experience that is quintessentially Ojai. The resort continues to turn the page to a new chapter with a series of fresh elements that further elevate the resort experience while remaining true to its authentic spirit. Fresh touchpoints include: re-imagined grand arrival experience; apiary and immersive beekeeping program; chic outdoor oasis Indigo Pool; signature restaurant Olivella; the thoughtfully refreshed, historic Wallace Neff Heritage Bar, and Libbey’s, an artisan market, café and boutique.
Set on 220 oak studded acres, the resort offers an abundance of active and peaceful pleasures with a George C. Thomas designed golf course; soul soothing spa therapies at the 31,000 square foot Spa Ojai; multiple pools, and more than five dining outlets. In 2017, the Inn was honored as the #5 Best Resort in Southern California by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and ranked #8 Resort Hotel in California in Travel + Leisure’s 2017 “World’s Best Awards.” These and other accolades affirm the Inn as a treasured destination that authentically combines the regions unspoiled spirituality with 21st century luxury.