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From Ranches to Modern Marvels: 7 Classic Cliff May Homes

Cliff May is credited with inspiring the design of numerous homes across the country, especially in his native California. Taking his cues from the sunny weather of Southern California, May designed homes that put a premium on open spaces and gorgeous vistas of the outdoors.

“The idea was to really blur the line between indoor and outdoor,” said Stephen Meade, a Realtor® and May historian.

May’s signature style became known as the California ranch house, though May wasn’t a licensed architect. According to Meade, May was more of a designer who gained an honorary architectural license.

Views of the outdoors were important to May, and he made every effort to connect the outside with the inside.

“The most important aspect is the connection from the outside,” said Meade.

Although May’s designs favored small, single-family homes, there are some luxe May homes lurking around. Here are seven of his designs currently on the market.

39 Oakmont Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Price: $14,750,000
Design details: What better place to start than in May’s native Southern California? This magnificent mansion offers 5,200 square feet of living space. Built in the late 1930s, the home features high ceilings, a curved staircase, exposed wood beams, and tile work throughout. In line with May’s vision, the property features stunning views of the city below.

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87 Vientos Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010

Price: $1,795,000
Design details: Also in Southern California, this gem features open beamed ceilings, sliding glass doors, an indoor-outdoor pool, fire pit, gazebo, and side patios. Located in Ventura County, the home offers views of the Pacific Ocean from the backyard.

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3130 Oxbow Pl, Solvang, CA 93463

Price: $1,795,000
Design details: May gave this Santa Barbara County home thick walls to imitate adobe, a wide-pitch roof, wide-plank flooring, and massive hearth. This four-bedroom home has beautiful views of the hills, which are ideal for hiking, golfing, and horseback riding.

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7490 N Charles Ave, Fresno, CA 93711

Price: $1,100,000
Design details: May headed north for this home in California’s Central Valley. It features a courtyard on one end and a pool and golf course on the other. The kitchen comes with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, stainless-steel appliances, and beautiful granite countertops.

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1905 Vicksburg Ave, Lubbock, TX 79407

Price: $999,975
Design details: May did design outside of California. This four-bedroom Texas rose comes with beautiful courtyards—one for entertaining and relaxation, the other featuring a luxury pool. Brick flooring and beautiful carpets line the interior, which includes four fireplaces and vaulted ceilings with original wood beams.

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4528 N 40th Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Price: $849,000
Design details: May also found beauty in the Arizona desert. In addition to May’s signature floor-to-ceiling windows, this property also features a guesthouse on what the listing calls an “uber private lot.” Enjoy the views as May intended—without interference from neighbors.

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3778 Overdale Dr, Columbus, OH 43220

Price: $649,900
Design details:  It’s curious to note May designed one of his ranch houses in Columbus, which receives 100 fewer sunny days than Los Angeles. But he didn’t skimp on glass walls and high ceilings. This four-bedroom home features rich hardwood floors, a screened porch, and four fireplaces. The listing states, this home is “truly exceptional!”

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