Hidden Gems
There is no shortage of multimillion-dollar estates in Napa and Sonoma. But for those of us longing for a sunny wine-country weekend getaway under seven figures, we asked local Realtors where it might still be possible to buy a luxury home in that range.
First up: The Carneros, which spans the southern part of Sonoma and Napa Counties, is a celebrated region for growing Pinot grapes. It’s also cooler and windier than the rest of wine country, which deters some buyers. But trust an expert to spot the potential: San Francisco architect Neal Schwartz recently built his dream getaway on an acre he found on the Sonoma side. (It’s one of the contemporary gems you can see during the Sonoma Living: Home Tours, taking place on May 10).
“The Carneros is its own place, neighborly and hard-working,” says architect Mark English, who is renovating a house on the Napa side with fellow architect Anne Fougeron. He notes, “We love the miles of bicycle-friendly roads and proximity to Oxbow Market.” Though there isn’t much inventory in this rural countryside, what is available is pretty interesting, like the string of old fishing and hunting cottages on Milton Road along the Napa River.
Near downtown Napa, the neighborhood of Alta Heights, the alphabet streets and Napa Abajo-Fuller Park are home to charming residences. “These are eclectic neighborhoods that have a bit of character, with houses from the 1930s and ’40s,” says Realtor Heli Sairanen with Coldwell Banker. “We have all sorts of little pockets that even some who have lived here for a long time don’t know about.”
In Sonoma, check out the El Verano area as well as Boyes Hot Springs, which has “an abundance of cottages,” according to Realtor Renee Bradbury with Coldwell Banker. Other possibilities in this price range can be found in the towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood.
And don’t forget to enlist a local to help you with your hunt. “Patience is a huge consideration because the inventory is pretty low,” says area Realtor Terry Wunderlich with Terra Firma Global Partners. “You want to have all your ducks in a row, so when the right property comes up, you can jump on it.”
it’s showtime!
San Francisco’s annual interior design event, the Decorator Showcase, is a carefully orchestrated collaboration. But the aspect requiring the most finesse may very well be locating the home itself, which is typically a property on the market. With inventory in San Francisco selling so rapidly, showcase organizers this year began to despair of finding a spot. Luckily, the buyers of 3660 Jackson in Presidio Heights were kind enough to offer up their newly purchased, $18 million home for use while they wait to obtain renovation permits. The show goes on! Check out the work of 28 different designers from now through May 26. Highlights include a master bedroom by Antonio Martins, an all-black kitchen by Steven Miller and a secret garden by Kate Webster and Thayer Hopkins.
Golden Ticket in Fisherman’s Wharf
If you’ve ever loved a hotel so much that you wanted to move in, you’ll understand the appeal of owning a unit at the Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square. The former Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory now houses a private residence club with 53 units, and only very occasionally one is offered for whole ownership (the majority of the units are available for fractional ownership). Just the third unit to be up for grabs since the property opened in 2008, #409 is a two-bedroom/two-bathroom space with views of the city and bay. The real attraction are all the hotel-style services, including housekeeping, concierge, driver…and don’t forget the wine-and-chocolate tastings in the lounge.
Party chateau in carmel
The French country house at 61 Riley Ranch Road was built by a couple who wanted visiting family to feel like they were staying at a luxury hotel. So, they had their architect create three separate master suites, making the house (listed at $6.25 million) ideal for hosting guests. No Old-World detail was spared here: Highlights include timber-beamed ceilings, carved limestone fireplaces, a baronial kitchen, wine cellar, and even a turret.
Period Piece in Palo Alto
Originally constructed for $9,000 in 1902, the Fowler Mansion was one of the most expensive houses built in Palo Alto that year. Today, it’s selling for $9 million. That’s an annualized return of six-percent over the last 112 years—not bad. With its classic widow’s walk, the six-bedroom/four-bathroom shingle-style house has historical charm in spades, as well as a large, 20,000-square-foot lot.
Portola valley point of view
The three-bedroom/three-and-a-half bathroom home at 35 Golden Oak puts the view at center stage, which, in this case, is of the Santa Cruz Mountains. A long, narrow floor plan gives nearly every space access to that view and natural light. Beautifully remodeled by local firm Stoecker & Northway, the $3.7-million listing boasts natural wood siding and window frames, European-style kitchen cabinetry and other clean-lined details to gladden the heart of the contemporary architecture buff.
Got a hot tip or great gossip about San Francisco real estate? Let us know, and we’ll get right on it! Write to deeds@cottagesgardens.com.