Set amid the rolling hills of Camarillo lies the prestigious Las Posas Estates, large custom, well manicured homes line the streets. Among the Tudors, Colonials and Tuscans is a rare architectural gem, a sprawling ranch home designed by world renowned architectural designer Cliff May. May is considered to be the father of the California ranch house.

Cliff May homes are unique, they feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, creating a special relationship to the outdoors, bringing light and nature inside. Camarillo has one of the best climates in the world, and May's design capitalized on California's 300-plus sunny days each year.

The owners commissioned May to build the home in the early 1960s and have been the homes only inhabitants. They have preserved this mid-century modern home from the original light fixtures to the mosaic tile in the baths.

This four-bedroom three and one-half bath, approximately 5,099 square-foot home rests on just more than 1.2 acres. It has been meticulously maintained in its original form.

May's approach was to build houses out not up. The open floor plan of this patio home was considered innovative and "outside the box" when it was introduced. The pitched ceiling and partition height walls throughout the house allow for a natural flow of light and air.

The patio home features a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors. Sliding doors and walls of glass throughout the home create natural vistas from the various rooms. May liked almost every room to have a connection to the outside — in this home side patios off the living room, dining room and kitchen achieve the effect.

Dark stained beams throughout, are a nice contrast to the off white walls and the raked concrete ceilings. They give the home the crisp, clean, simple lines the architect favored. The rough textured pebble aggregate flooring is radiant heated from underneath. It is used inside and out, on the pool decking, (also heated) adding another element of continuity that achieves the goal of bringing the outdoors in. Some areas including the living room, den and bedrooms have been defined by carpeting.

One of the homes most interesting features is the semi-enclosed pool. Accessible by sliding doors that open to the living room, the ceiling above the pool is open-beamed to the outside. Another set of glass doors encased in floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the other side of the pool lead to the backyard.

May designed his homes for the way people wanted to live — in comfortable surroundings, raising families, preparing meals and entertaining.

The living room is spacious. A wood-burning fireplace is the center piece. The owner's furnishings in the room reflect the era in which the home was built, adding to the definitive architectural ambiance. A den off the living room is lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

The dining room is connected to the kitchen by a large pass-through, maintaining the homes open flow. The kitchen has been well maintained and has original cabinetry and appliances. There is a surprising amount of work and storage space. Built-in closets for storage are found throughout the home, keeping its look simple and clutter free.

The bedrooms are on the other wing of the residence, down a long hallway, where skylights provide natural light.

The master bedroom has a retreat with a fireplace and a private patio accessed through sliding glass doors. The master bath has the original one-inch mosaic tile tub and shower, and vanity with double sinks and original marble surround.

The other three bedrooms are spacious and light. One has its own bathroom, complete with original blue mosaic tile shower and tub. The two rooms at the end of the hall share the third bathroom.

With walls of glass and sliding doors at every turn it is essential that the homes exterior grounds are well designed and beautifully maintained.

Paved walkways lead through grass areas and mature trees. An expansive patio and lawn area extend off the enclosed pool, beyond lies a small orchard of fruit trees and a rose garden. Following the paved walkway past the lawn you reach a covered ramada with fire pit. Surrounded by palm trees, it is a quiet secluded retreat. The grounds are surrounded by an adobe brick wall with wrought iron gates, for privacy and security. The front pavered driveway, leads to the open carport, large enough for three cars. May's unique combination of western ranch and Spanish hacienda styles are evident from the front entrance to the home. A large courtyard fountain complements the Spanish style front door. The home's size is deceptive at first glance — the low slung ranch belies its more than 5,000 square feet of living space.

Many designers have been influenced by May's unique style. Ranch style homes are ubiquitous in Southern California, but this one is truly an original, a piece of California history. According to listing agent Ray DeSilva, it is the only May home he is aware of in this part of Ventura County.

Offered at $1,750,000 this home will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 24.

For more information call De Silva of Troop Real Estate Fine Estate Properties at 388-9091 or 444-3848. On the Web, visit http://www.raydesilva.com.

FOR SALE

87 Vientos Drive

Las Posas Estates

Cliff May ranch home

$1,750,000

Open house

Feb. 24, 1 to 4 p.m.

Ray De Silva, Troop Real Estate Fine Home Properties

388-9091 or 444-3848.

On the Web, http://www.raydesilva.com.

EDIT:zAdvertorial:Star Homes:February:0217:CAMcvrVientosr:Vientos pool.eps

One of the home's most interesting features is the semi-enclosed pool. Accessible by sliding doors that open to the living room, the ceiling above the pool is open-beamed to the outside. Another set of glass doors encased in floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the other side of the pool lead to the backyard.