Drive up the winding mountain roads of scenic Santa Paula, and you will pass many 1950s era cottages. Hidden among these antiques is a treasure at 567 Mill Road. This home welcomes you with a charming white picket fence and warm, inviting feel. But the quaint exterior masks an expansive interior brimming with charm, history and decadence.

The house has been impeccably preserved from its origin by the current owners. The house has only had two owners since its constructed in 1951, and the history of the families that have occupied its space literally seeps from the walls. The first owners were Colorado natives who built the house on the Mills Road location for its scenic views of the surrounding Topa Topa and South Mountains, and they owned the home for 40 years. The present owners purchased the home in the early 1990s, and have gone to great lengths to continue the original vision of the home, preserving and protecting its small details and charm of the home through remodels and renovations. When it came time to move on, the current owners chose Troop Realty for its marketing techniques, and the historical attachment to their house was solidified even further.

"When the call came in for this house, I just happened to be the one to answer the phone," says Troop Realtor and Santa Paula specialist Cynthia Dunbar, who was childhood friends with the family who built the home. "I was so glad I did ... I practically grew up in this house."

Upon entering, there is no mistaking the genuine feel of a home. Straight ahead, down a short hallway, the chimes from the original doorbell occupy a small nook, and are still in use today. To the right is an inviting family room which is anchored by a stone fireplace. Immediately, you will notice how bright the space is and the wonderful views through the two large windows peering onto the street.

Through the living room is a small dining area that features a built-in china cabinet that is a remarkable piece of carpentry. It features sliding panels that were designed for ease of use and a small window, a pass through to the kitchen. Dunbar remembers standing in the kitchen as a little girl and putting on puppet shows with her friends for parents and grandparents who watched with adoration seated in the dining room.

From the dining room, the house flows beautifully into the kitchen. To the left is a cozy breakfast nook which still has the original telephone cubby on the wall and an ironing board cabinet that the owners still use today. The kitchen was remodeled in 2001 keeping the 1950's era in mind. New granite counter tops and a stainless sink bring the room a contemporary feel, but they are beautifully complimented by the new cabinetry that was designed to maintain the unique features of the house while maximizing space and allowing for a dishwasher. The cornerstone of the kitchen is the original gas stove which was restored by Brian Batchley at Antique Stove Shop in Ventura with white enamel and blue accents that set off the blue tint in the counter tops.

Moving through the kitchen, you will pass through two of the five pocket doors in the house, all of which are in prime condition and working order, and find yourself back in the hallway. The flow of the home is remarkably fluid and simple. Here in the hall, you have access to the front bedroom and bathroom. Taking a look at the bedroom, you gain appreciation for the higher than standard ceilings which were built at 8.25 feet, and the amount of storage this house provides. All of the bedrooms feature built-in dressers and cabinets.

The bathroom still features the original tile, cabinets, sink, tub and wall heater which are beautifully preserved. The electrical and plumbing fixtures have been replaces, but a the newer medicine cabinet is an era piece and the original vanity and stool stay true to the homes charm.

Further down the hall, what was once the master bedroom has been converted into an office, hobby room or even a den. More storage is provided with the original cabinets on the wall. A 4 foot-by-4-foot skylight was added to brighten the space as well as contemporary light fixtures. It is painted a peach-tone, staying true the original color. The flexibility of this room is impressive and essential because of its central location in the house. Through this room there is access to the other bedroom and the master suite which were added on in 2001.

The back bedroom features a wooden cabinet which was once one of two closets in the old master bedroom. Continuing the flow of the house, the flooring matches that of the rest of the house, and the ceilings in this room are also at the unique 8.25 feet height.

The master suite is a work of art. A vaulted ceiling slants gracefully down to standard height giving the room enormous depth. It also features French doors leading to a balcony which offers gorgeous views of the valley below and Topa Topa to the south. The master bath was designed with cabinets consistent with the rest of the house, including a tilt-out hamper and dual sinks. The tile in this room is more contemporary, offering a soft, relaxing environment. A Jacuzzi tub was added into the master bath with a large window above it, providing spectacular views to enjoy while enjoying a relaxing bath.

Outside, the home offers a quaint yard suitable for small gatherings and barbecues. The landscaping was finished with local river rock providing the edging and accents in the retaining wall.

From door-to-door and floor-to-ceiling this home is adorable, but it is more than just an average cozy cottage surrounded with gorgeous views; it is a slice of Santa Paula history.

For more information, or for a tour of the residence, call Dunbar at 321-0030.