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When
Jim and Kim Exon acquired a modest three-acre property with
a horse barn in 2004, they were captivated by the stately
old Oak trees and discovered a sanctuary for serenity within
city limits. As the property had hardly been altered since
its construction in the 1940’s, they decided to enhance
its assets and incorporate their collected Eastern treasures
into an exotic decor.
Inspired by the circular flowing floor plan and the well-placed
windows, the Exons embarked on an extensive remodel that included
enlarging openings and selectively plastering many of the
existing block walls. Rustic White Oak flooring was installed,
a master cabinetmaker hired to hand-build Alder kitchen and
bath cabinetry, and multi-lite French doors were added throughout.
The horse barn was transformed into offices and a studio.
In 2005, Kim traveled to Bali and brought home a container
filled with statues, pergolas, as well as plenty of designing
inspiration. The striking master suite, carved out of some
back rooms, was designed to showcase sections of a 3-panel
Balinese wall. The pergolas were reassembled on the property
from numbered pieces and then given thatched roofs. One was
placed to capture the “pink moment” views of the
Topa Topas.
Kim’s father, jazz artist Maynard Ferguson, and his wife
Flo instilled in her the passion for beauty, sanctuary and
relationship. Over decades of travel while Kim managed her
father’s career, she acquired an eclectic collection
of East Indian, Japanese and African pieces which are now
on display throughout the property. Also prominently featured
are several paintings and prints from Ojai artist Sherry Loehr,
a friend of the Exon's for over 20 years.
After living in Ojai for 35 years, Kim’s parents passed
away within a year of each other. Since, at that time, Kim
and her husband Jim were designing the remodel, they named
it Sanctuary of the Heart.
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