These 2 Ventura County spots may soon get national recognition as historic places. Here's why

A Queen Anne style farmhouse near Oxnard and a mid-20th century equestrian center in Bell Canyon may soon get national recognition as historic places.

The spots, both in unincorporated areas of Ventura County, have been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. This week, the county’s Cultural Heritage board unanimously agreed to recommend that they met requirements for the list. The next step comes in May when a state commission will consider the nominations.

If the commission agrees they are eligible, the nominations are expected to go onto a review at the national level.

When was the farmhouse built?

The Scarlett-McGrath Ranch, also called the Scarlett Ranch, property covers roughly 5 acres mostly surrounded by farmland. A tree-lined road leads to the farmhouse that sits 600 feet or so off West Gonzales Road.

While continuous use has led to some changes, the property and buildings have retained their significance, county officials said.

John Scarlett bought nearly 700 acres near the Santa Clara River for $14,000 in gold coin in 1874, according to the property’s nomination documents. He reportedly farmed the land and raised horses, cattle and hogs.

Part of the farmhouse was built earlier, but in 1889, owners added the front and two-story portion of the home. It was described in publications at the time as a showpiece, the documents say. The farmhouse has an asymmetrical facade, window bays and decorative woodwork characteristic of a Queen Anne style, officials said.

Scarlett-McGrath Ranch includes century-old barn

A barn east of the home went up between 1929 and 1934. Nearby, a brick building once used as a tank house and a tractor shed were described as built around the turn of the century.

In the 1930s, the property appears to have transferred to the McGrath family, which had owned a nearby ranch. During this week's hearing, Beverlee McGrath, who currently lives there, thanked the local board for considering the nomination.

“It means an awful lot to me and the rest of the family,” she said.

'Bel Air of the San Fernando Valley'

The Bell Canyon Equestrian Center covers nearly 10 acres, including a main building, four stable barns, an arena and landscaped courtyard, in the gated community of nearly 2,000 residents, officials said.

The neighborhood sits on the southeastern edge of Ventura County, an enclave only accessible through the West Hills area of neighboring Los Angeles County.

Back in 1968, the Spruce Land Corp., a housing developer, bought a ranch for $3 million to develop what was initially called the Woodland Hills Country Estates, according to the nomination documents. The name later changed to Bell Canyon. An equestrian community, the spot was marketed as the "Bel Air of the San Fernando Valley."

Cliff May designs Bell Canyon Equestrian Center

Cliff May designed the equestrian center as its focal point with thickly applied stucco walls, an arched breezeway, cylindrical tower and other features, the applicant said.

The nomination called the center "a prominent example" of the California ranch architectural style by May, who designed thousands of custom homes.

A longtime resident advocating for the historic status called the center unique and said it attracted many people to the spot.

Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County nominates 2 spots for national historic status