Mission Terrace cottage
particularly inviting for the holidays

Gary Carnivele
Special to FineLife Home
Photos Submitted

With all the plaza stores decked out for the season, an expanded cottage just around the corner might be irresistible at this time of year. On crisp winter nights, carolers can often be heard harmonizing nearby in Mission Solano’s courtyard and a plethora of shopping opportunities lies within easy walking distance.
The tidy front yard, with its gurgling three-tiered fountain and several splashes of colorful gardens, is clearly visible through a rather high, wavy white picket fence and a wide gate. A short walkway leads past a pair of healthy citrus trees and up to a roomy, covered redwood porch. Forest-green shutters flank the windows and the front door, which mostly consists of glass panes.
Just inside, an airy kitchen includes plenty of period cabinets and a corner sink unit that affords a view of the neighborhood. To the right of the kitchen is a modest bedroom, which is currently being used as an office. Off the kitchen is a full bathroom with a second door that opens up near the master bedroom Directly behind the kitchen is a dining room, which is now functioning as a cozy sitting area.
“Records aren’t altogether clear, but it seems that the original home that was built in the ‘20s was a four- or five-room cottage, which was approximately 500-square-feet,” said Ann Foley, who has lived in the home for 19 years. Previous owners, with the help of their architect son, added on the large living room and two bedrooms in the ‘70s, expanding the home to 1,200 square feet, she said..
The great room is spacious enough to serve as both living room and dining room. The stately red brick wood-burning fireplace and high, beamed ceiling serve as the space’s obvious focal points. A Dutch door opens onto the driveway and allows easy access to the detached garage. On the opposite side of the room and next to the fireplace, a French door leads out to an ample deck and well-shaded backyard.
The great room separates the two bedrooms, maximizing privacy. The master bedroom is on the side of the house and beyond the short hall, which includes another exterior French door. The generous third bedroom is at the rear and features two windows facing the back yard. The thoughtful floor plan has a natural flow in this small house, in which every inch seems to serve a purpose.
“This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Sonoma’s history, situated right next door to the Castaneda family farm, which was just recognized as a historic property by both the county and city of Sonoma and cannot be sold to developers,” said realtor Robyn Makaruk, who is offering the home. “Imagine living in the heart of Sonoma where you can watch the Fourth of July fireworks from your back yard and enjoy mariachis playing in the mission’s courtyard.”

House at a glance
146 Mission Terrace, Sonoma
.25 acres
3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Asking price: $899,000
Contact: Robyn Makaruk
707.363.6113
www.winecountrygroup.com