Heckser, in turn, sold the home to Harold S. Chase in 1924–25, a developer who was responsible for the creation of the Hope Ranch community.

The Oberns found the home in a state of disrepair, with the local government threatening to demolish it if repairs were not made.

The renovation began in the Spring of 1968 and resulted in the home receiving a new kitchen, bathrooms, wiring, plumbing, gas lines, and a furnace.

The Oberns tried to replace the original fixtures and furnishings with materials salvaged from old homes and found in antique shops to the fullest possible extent.

[2][3] On December 5, 1968, the Oberns asked Santa Barbara County to designate the house as a historic landmark.