Ventura County Landmark No. 74: Henry Levy House
Historical Background
The Henry Levy House is one of the few residences designed by Los Angeles architect Homer Glidden. Built in 1915, the home is located on G Street within the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District. It is an exceptional example of a three story Craftsman, shingle style residence with Tudor influences. With eighteen rooms spanning three lots, it is one of the largest historic homes in Oxnard (Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, 2016).
Henry Levy, brother of Achille Levy—founder of the Bank of A. Levy—was a bean broker and shipper. He arrived in Hueneme from France in 1884 to join Achille in the brokerage business and eventually built this home as his primary residence. Many original trees, gardens, and the property’s pond still remain. The second story features shingle siding, while the first story displays medium clapboard siding. Wood trim beneath the front gable and roof shingles that resemble thatching contribute to the Tudor influence. Notched beams under the eaves, along with brick porch columns and a brick chimney, add a distinct Craftsman character. The interior includes extensive oak woodwork, and the fireplace tiles resemble Batchelder tiles commonly found in Craftsman homes throughout Southern California.
Henry Levy died in the home in 1936, and his wife continued to live in the residence until her passing in 1970, preserving the home’s original character throughout their occupancy (Triem, 1981).
The Property Today
The house remains largely unchanged today, retaining its early twentieth‑century architectural character. The current owners have added a stone wall and wrought‑iron fence around the property, and a smaller rear structure—likely used historically as servants’ quarters—also remains on the lot (Triem, 1981; Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, 2016).
Additional Reading
- Photo Exhibit
References
The Henry Levy House, (n.d). The Henry Levy House since 1915. https://henrylevyhouse.com/hlhga/
Triem, J. (1981, July). Cultural Heritage Survey Phase I, Oxnard & Santa Paula. https://docs.vcrma.org/images/pdf/planning/programs/chb/PHASE_I_Oxnard_SP.pdf.
Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board. (2016, May). Ventura County Historical Landmarks and Points of Interest (3rd ed.). https://rmadocs.venturacounty.gov/planning/programs/cultural-heritage-board/publications/ventura-county-historical-landmarks-and-points-of-interest.pdf.