Eastside Sonoma estate comes complete with productive vineyards

Gary Carnivele
Special to FineLife Home
Photos by Ryan Lely

It is rare that a property offers potential buyers both a spectacular 2,600-square-foot home to live in and working chardonnay and syrah vineyards from which to make a living. Located on Sonoma’s desirable east side, this 4.5-acre spread is graced with olive trees, California laurels and acres of grapevines. Built in 1978 for family life, it is a smooth blend of California ranch and farmhouse styles.
The location in the Carneros region means wonderful views, a shortened commute to San Francisco, plenty of privacy and room to expand. Especially with summer on its way, the wraparound porch and saltwater pool practically beg for someone to throw a garden party.
An iron gate serves as a subtle barrier between the quiet country road and the home’s multi-faceted front yard. Close to the street stands an informal garden planted with colorful succulents, rose bushes climbing up a trellis, a collection of firs trees and a winding gravel pathway. The circular asphalt driveway, with a massive curly willow tree serving as its focal point, leads to both a two-car garage and the inviting front door.
The foyer accesses the home’s open floor plan. The dining room receives natural light through a skylight and a window that stretches almost from the floor to the ceiling. The spacious sunken living room offers an inviting fireplace and access to the porch and backyard through French doors. Both rooms are enhanced by limestone flooring in pale, earthy tones and cathedral ceilings with open beams painted a crisp white.
The efficient kitchen was recently remodeled and now sports all the accoutrements a serious home cook might want, including a spectacular copper farm sink and marble countertops in tones that complement the room’s salmon-colored walls. The white custom cabinetry provides ample storage and encased appliances such as Bosch double ovens and a large refrigerator. A well-designed island, outfitted with a Jenn-Air grill, provides additional storage and counter space for food preparation.
The home boasts three large bedrooms, each with full baths and spacious closets, a roomy office and a media room. The family room, with its fireplace, cathedral ceiling and tall windows, provides a casual yet elegant retreat. This stunning room affords a spectacular view of Arrowhead Mountain, the property’s vineyards and the backyard.
The saltwater pool is situated in a level expanse of well-manicured lawn and is watched over by the fountain’s harvesting hostess. A flower garden and a gathering of shade trees beautify the nearby outdoor dining space. Beyond this area is the historic Saltbox barn, which is decades – if not quite a full century – older than the house and stands as a reminder of the region’s agricultural past. One of the other outbuildings, with two garage doors, provides tons of storage and would also accommodate the addition of a workshop or studio.
The pool of potential buyers would likely include anyone looking to get a toehold in the wine business, or who would at least like to toy with the idea.

House at a glance

4.5 acres
3 bedrooms, 3 baths
Barn, pool, spa
Asking price: $2,400,000
Contact:
Carolina Salmonsen, 707.694.4100
or Joe Cunningham, 707.494.4136
Web site: www.pacunion.com