Sunday, November 8, 2009

At Long Last




We have been dreaming about this property for years! On July 3, 2008 we bought our dream vacation home. Located in the upper reaches of Sonoma County in Alexander Valley, it sits atop a knoll commanding 360 degree views. Not a typical "faux chateau", it does not pretend to be something found in France or Italy. Yet it evokes a sense of being there.


The property has a main house that has evolved over time from a funky 70's ranch to a single story home with Venetian Plaster walls and cement floors. Surrounding the main house is a grape arbor. A guest house is situated close by and has evolved from the main home's original garage to a beautiful suite with sitting room, bedroom and spa-like bath. There is a new pool house near the main house that also has a spa bath and a bedroom upstairs for guests feeling adventurous!
Overall, the property has a sense of place. Peaceful and serene with vineyard views, gravel and crushed granite paths that connect the buildings. The landscape has lavender, rosemary, white roses and Italian cypress trees. There are many olive trees as well.




8 comments:

  1. You are one of the most talented women I know. Everything you touch turns to "gold" or something resembling....I am so glad to have you as a friend and mentor. May we never loose our desire to beautify our lives.

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  2. It's amazing! How do you ever leave? *winks* Vanna

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  3. Wow! This is truly amazing. I would stay there forever!...Christine

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  4. Heaven! That last picture with the grapes in the basket - MARVELOUS!

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  5. takes my breath away... i love this valley and have dreamed of owning a little slice of heaven there myself... that last shot is beyond perfection, makes my heart sing!

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  6. Oh wow, amazing. It really looks so much like Italy, and I absolutely love and adore Italy. You are a very lucky woman, I would never want to leave a vacation home like this one. I think i'm ready to move to Sonoma County now.

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  7. I'm in awe of this beautiful spot. It looks as if you are in Tuscany. How wonderful for you and your family that you have this retreat. Your exquisite taste has added even more charm as shown in your beautiful photos. ~ Sarah

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