Here's your chance to own a charming piece of history. Nestled in among a block of historical Craftsman homes near downtown Ventura is the landmark J. Hoover Love House. A unique blend of Mediterranean Revival and Arts and Crafts architecture, the "Love House" was built in 1923 by local contractor Louis Rudolph.

Rudolph built the Elk's Hall on Main and Ash Streets as well as many homes and buildings throughout Ventura. J. Hoover Love, Deputy County Tax Collector and son of the prominent Ventura physician Dr. J. H. Love, bought this eclectic home from Rudolph and gave it its name. It was designated a Historical Landmark on July 17, 1979.

The J. Hoover Love House is a charming one-story residence, with a basement at the rear of the home and separate guest quarters. The exterior of the home exhibits Mediterranean Revival style architecture, with its symmetrical stucco faade, window grilles, rectangular floor plan and parapet roof. A small terra cotta roof extends above the door and raised quatrefoils highlight the large French windows on either side of the entrance.

The Arts and Crafts influence is apparent in the carved wooden door flanked by narrow, multi-paned windows. To the left of the door is a plaque celebrating the historical significance of the J. Hoover Love House. The interior of the home is almost completely characterized by the Arts and Crafts movement. The entryway opens into the bright sitting room complete with stone fireplace and beautiful stained glass. Exquisite woodwork, hardwood floors, copper vents, light fixtures and stained glass windows are featured throughout this vintage gem. To the left of the sitting room is the study, which could double as a bedroom as it includes a Jack and Jill closet. The dining room lies beyond the sitting room, and in this room French doors open into a delightful sunroom, once used for growing dahlias and orchids.

A second bedroom is adjacent to the study/bedroom and shares the Jack and Jill closet. The sunny master bedroom features gorgeous stained glass windows that also ensure privacy. The kitchen offers loads of storage space and is highlighted by a bright red door with yet another stained glass window.

The cozy family room steps up from the kitchen and was added on one year after the original home was built. This room overlooks the backyard and offers a peek-a-boo view of the ocean on a clear day. Down the stairs and beneath the family room is another bonus room, which would be perfect as an office or guest quarters. Here there is plenty of room to add another large room or bathroom.

A quaint guesthouse/art studio is located in the backyard, next to the secluded patio and separate from the main house. It includes a kitchenette and bathroom with shower. Beyond the guesthouse is the trellised entrance to the lovely garden. A meandering stone footpath replete with lavender, roses, jades, dahlias, and fruit trees leads to a greenhouse at the back of the property. Locals might remember that the "Love House" also was known as the "Dahlia House," because the previous owners raised and sold prized dahlias. Dahlias once grew profusely in the front yard and backyards. Now there is ample room here for an herb or vegetable garden. The adjacent ivy-covered walls of the two-car garage make the garden a very private getaway.

Since the Love House is so close to downtown Ventura, almost every amenity is within walking distance. The post office, shops and the Rubicon Theatre are virtually around the corner.

Potential buyers will be interested to learn that this home comes with substantial tax benefits through the historic Mills Act designation. Enacted in 1972, the Mills Act is the most important economic incentive program in California for the restoration and preservation of such historic buildings as the J. Hoover Love House by private property owners. Property owners agree to restore, maintain and preserve the property in accordance with specific historic preservation standards identified in the Mills Act. In return, the owners enjoy a huge reduction in taxes. The integrity of the J. Hoover Love House has been lovingly maintained throughout the years.

For an appointment to view the J. Hoover Love House, call RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors listing agent Christa Sidener at 339-3528.