Dale and Yvonne Babcock home on Hospice Home Tour this Saturday

Dale and Yvonne Babcock purchased the Alan E. McKevett Home in 1980.  They were moving from Connecticut and searched Southern California for an old home.   They finally  choose this wonderful historic home because they were so impressed by its design and construction. 

 This home was built in 1912 for the Alan C. McKevett Family.  

Alan was a director of the First National Bank, founded by his father.   This home, eligible for listing on National Register of Historic Places, was designed by Summer P.Hunt an Silas R. Burns. (prominent Los Angeles architects ) 

In addition to the McKevett Home, they designed two other  Craftsman Style Santa Paula buildings listed on the National  Register, the local Elbell Club and in The Glen Tavern Inn.                   

Alan died in 1919 ad his widow continued to live in the home until her death in 1948.Their daughter, Virginia, married to John Pinkerton, lived in the home until 1950Several families lived in the residence until 1980 when the Babcock’s purchased the house.  Between 1950 and 1984, the large lot was subdivided and apartment units were built to the West.

The Babcocks have lovingly protected the beautiful old ambiance and mood  of the  Craftsman Style They are a  true team as Dale did much of the actual construction on the kitchen addition and  original  charm of this home have been enhanced by  Yvonne’s  skill as an interior designer.  Her appreciation of the simplicity and tranquility of Oriental Design is evident throughout this home.

The wooden floors have recently been refinished and guests are asked to please leave their high heels at home.  There are also some bricks in this beautiful  garden which would be a challenge for high heels.   Wear you low heels so you can enjoy the lovely staircase and also view the Shezebo (a combinations of shed and gazebo) recently added to this garden by Chris Wilson and  Jake Colborn.

Dale & Yvonne have collected many beautiful art pieces and the walls feature the works of well known local artists, such as Norman Kirk, Susan Petty, Douglas Shively and Jessie Botke. Two large Norman Kirk pictures of Eucalyptus trees enhance the East wall of the living room.  Fascinating sculptures created by Michael Chapen add grace and interest to several spots. There is something of interest and beauty everywhere you look in this home.   

An antique wooden chest sits happily in the center of the gracious living room, setting a tone of quiet elegance.   This mood is evident throughout this very special home.  This is the room where Steve Wonder did a video in the mid 80’s.

A white Japanese Obi graces the handsome dining room table, the color white signifying the summer season.