Country Music Legend Johnny Cash’s California Home Up for Sale

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7/16/2022Updated: 7/20/2022

Early in his career, music icon Johnny Cash helped design his dream home away from it all in the quiet seclusion of California’s Casitas Springs. Located outside Santa Barbara, he built the home on land he envisioned would provide a respite from the glittery lifestyle that film and music stardom brought. Here, the “Man in Black” created his idea of the perfect family home.

The double-gabled home is still mostly original, but with modern upgrades. Cash intended the home to be a family respite, with ultimate privacy. (Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty) — The double-gabled home is still mostly original, but with modern upgrades. Cash intended the home to be a family respite, with ultimate privacy. Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty

This 4,500-square-foot, five-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath home built in 1961 was meticulously laid out at the direction of Cash himself. The country music legend created this dream for his first wife, Vivian Liberto, and their kids; the couple divorced in 1966. Their home, however, remains much as it did back then, ready for new owners.

Inside, an ever present 60s-modern vibe has been retained. The entrance foyer connects with a casual living room and the stunning family room with a circular brick fireplace. (Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty) — Inside, an ever present 60s-modern vibe has been retained. The entrance foyer connects with a casual living room and the stunning family room with a circular brick fireplace. Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty

Listed for $1.795 million with Adam McKaig and Melissa Borders of Douglas Elliman, this custom-built home conveys Cash’s dreams of homey comfort and seclusion. Set on six lush acres, the house he dreamed of is nestled among verdant hills, trees, flowers, and fields in some of Southern California’s most pristine countryside.

Cash’s country roots inspired the overall design. The front picture windows provide a magnificent view of Ventura’s beautiful countryside. (Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty) — Cash’s country roots inspired the overall design. The front picture windows provide a magnificent view of Ventura’s beautiful countryside. Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty

Out front of the brick and stucco home, a covered porch welcomes visitors to enter the tiled foyer area adjoining the retro ‘60s living room. Wagon wheel chandeliers adorn the wood-beamed ceilings as you enter farther into the rustic family room with its curved brick fireplace, custom wooden built-ins, and the original wall-mounted turntable, as well as other highlights of the original design. The home still has the wood-paneled studio where Cash wrote many of his hit songs. The his-and-her bedroom suites are still a feature too, a recollection of the singer’s all-night-long music writing habit.

Warm wood accents, brick, and a simple elegance set this home apart. Even if the home had not once belonged to a legend, it would still be a remarkable property. (Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty) — Warm wood accents, brick, and a simple elegance set this home apart. Even if the home had not once belonged to a legend, it would still be a remarkable property. Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty

Outside, a wonderful swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen area, and a cozy fire pit are wrapped by wild nature with stunning oaks and evergreens, and perfect, sweeping views of the Ojai Valley. There are also fenced areas for livestock, sitting among the live oaks and verdant gardens of the estate.

The large kitchen has been modernized but retains the no-nonsense utilitarian character of a country home. (Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty) — The large kitchen has been modernized but retains the no-nonsense utilitarian character of a country home. Courtesy of Mark Corcoran for Douglas Elliman Realty

The tiny community of Casitas Springs is tucked in between Ventura and Ojai. The town is proud to have once been the home of the movie and music legend. According to TopTenRealEstateDeals.com, when Cash lived here, he would often set up speakers outside in order to do free concerts for the locals.