History

James and Agatha Youngblood, Detroit natives who relocated to Southern California, hired Cliff May in the early 1970's to plan their hacienda style home. Mrs. Youngblood, inspired by California Ranch style houses depicted in California movies and influenced by May designed residences in La Jolla as well as the Estudillo adobe in Old Town, the home of May's ancestors, wielded a hand in the planning of this stucco over adobe dwelling. The structure strongly resembles May's West Los Angeles residence, "Mandalay". Large, low interior rooms open to an airy central patio area which includes a swimming pool. A number of fireplaces warm rooms in addition to May's heated tiled floors which incorporates electrically warmed water running through subterranean tubes. In 1983, Allan and Stefani Simon purchased the home, added air-conditioning, and made minor bathroom changes under the tutelage of Cliff May. The house represents one of the best of May's Southern California designs.

* Taken from State of California Building, Structure, and Object Record, Rancho Santa Fe Historic Building Survey January 1999

Articles and Awards
Architectural Digest July 1987
Lily Award for Historic Preservation 2000