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Villa Andrea is a secluded estate is located just outside of the village of Glen Ellen in Sonoma Valley. The private villa is surrounded by more than 30 acres of vines, a terraced newly planted Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard and gardens with no nearby neighbors. While secluded, it has the distinct advantage of being located less than ten minutes away from top-notch dining, shopping, and wine tasting.
This wonderful estate with its lavish landscaping and fantastic vistas offers an unending array of experiences. Whether outdoor recreation, soothing relaxation in the sun, sauna or spa, or the elegance of a special celebration, Villa Andrea is a place to create lifetime memories.
Exterior
Tiers of dusky red Cabernet grapevines cling to the contours of rolling hillsides, interspersed with towering palm trees and giant cactus. A private, gated road winds through the Mediterranean-like countryside, delivering you to Villa Andrea, its Tuscan gold walls set off by the lush landscape that spills along the plateau where it sits. The 28-acre estate provides a natural ecosystem that contributes to the health of the vineyards and protects the privacy of the home.
The main residence is an elegant structure with wings that extend on either side. Its red-tiled roof, symmetrically arched balconies and overhangs, speak of a Spanish influence in the design and materials. Tall, stately Cypress trees that reach nearly three stories line the western façade and gardens cascade alongside the grand stairway that descends to the cobalt-tiled pool and spa.
Extravagant views are at every turn—from the panorama of the western mountains to the closer vistas of emerald green lawns spreading below, and slopes of vines laden with grapes and swathed in green and gold leaves. Three additional separate dwellings offer their own portrayal of the setting, each with an individual, private outlook. The thoughtfully designed layout of the residence and the guest houses affords each person as much privacy as they wish, yet creates a setting for effortless interaction.
The flagstone paths that crisscross the property, lead you on easy explorations of the grounds past ornamental fountains and through an amazing diversity of exotic plants and trees. Steps run up the hillside to the large composite tennis court and an overflow parking area for guests. Multiple levels of grassy expanses beckon sun worshipers with comfortable hammocks and oversized lounge chairs, while peaceful decks provide secluded moments of quiet relaxation.
Built into the side of the mountain is an enchanting wine cave where the fruits of the vineyard are distilled and aged into delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. Arrangements can be made to use the beautifully designed space for special dinner parties.
Wine country is a year-round experience, from bud break to harvest or the quiet serenity of the winter months, every season has its unique beauty. Spring brings mustard flowers in sunny rows between the vines, and trailing ivy and flowering vines climb the sides of the buildings, sprinkling their walls with delicate blossoms. The profusion of tropical foliage bursts into brilliant colors and the green hills turn a tawny gold as seasons change and the land marks the cycles in a time-honored way.
Interior
This spectacular 28-acre estate with its striking main residence and three separate guest houses, was designed to ensure that the guests’ every need could be anticipated and planned for. From recreation to relaxation, Villa Andrea is the ideal wine country locale to have it all.
Set in the hills of Sonoma Valley, near the charming village of Glen Ellen—once home to famed adventurer Jack London—and the historic town of Kenwood, Villa Andrea is in the heart of a premiere winemaking region, and boasts vineyards of its own that produce luscious Cabernet Sauvignon wine, made in the extensive cave built into the hillside.
Guests can visit legendary wineries, dine on fresh, local foods and explore the quaint shops nearby or decide to just relax on the terrace and lawns surrounding the blue-tiled pool and unwind in the vine-enclosed hot tub. Later, try a game of bocce ball or perfect your serve or backhand on the tennis court, then get the kinks out in the sauna or steam and shower. A large screening room lets you watch movies or events in a theater setting, and there is Internet access in all the buildings.
When you descend the broad, Spanish-style steps to the main house, you pass fragrant apple trees and tiered flowerbeds brimming with colorful plants that embrace the hillside. An arched façade ushers you into the home where rich sable parquet floors provide a muted palette for the splashes of color and natural light that enliven the airy spaces. Each room was thoughtfully designed to showcase one of a series of extraordinary photographic scenes of the spellbinding landscapes and animals of Africa, the works of a world renowned photographer.
The expansive living room with its lofty ceiling and mocha-colored walls presents a dramatic backdrop for a gathering. Its contemporary designer furnishings and fluid lines are a sophisticated statement that is evident throughout the home. Plantation shutters balance the light and double doors open to the main floor balcony and a hanging swing with views of the pool and grounds below, warmed by the afternoon sun. Evenings spent enjoying the indoors are enhanced by the glow of a wood-burning fireplace.
A cozy library with built-in bookcases and comfortable chairs is a haven for reading, watching TV or Internet use (available throughout the home and guest houses). The formal dining room, with its deep red walls, is lit by a unique, candle-like chandelier for a richly intimate atmosphere. Arched glass doorways allow an indoor-outdoor flow to quiet gardens on one side and out to the upper view terrace with its grand staircase that descends down to the pool and its entertainment terrace and lawns.
The custom kitchen is designed to be multi-functional, perfect for a couple or a crowd. It’s a cheery morning spot filled with natural light and views; a casual dining option, or a great place to watch a show or game on the giant flatscreen TV; and, with its 15-foot-long tiled center island with two sinks and two dishwashers, side-by-side ranges and ovens, it’s a fabulous place to prepare sensational meals with ingredients from local produce stands, fishermen and farmers. There’s easy access to the stone-tiled deck and an outdoor grilling and dining area, sheltered by the arched overhang that frames the sublime views.
A wide staircase takes you up to the second-floor bedrooms, and a spectacular master suite with its own private terrace and views, deep cerulean blue walls that pick up the same hues in a dazzling photograph of a noble pride of lions in an impending storm that hangs above the king size bed. Two steps up is a large walk in closet and dressing room and the master bath; the dark wood vanity replete with all new European fixtures, separate toilet, and a stunning spa shower of cobalt blue mosaic tile that sparkles in the overhead skylight. Tiled seating and three separate jets create an out-of-this-world luxurious experience.
A guest bedroom with doors to the balcony and a children’s bedroom occupy the rest of the upper floor, sharing a separate bath with tiled shower.
Below the home is a Scandinavian-style indoor spa with double sauna, huge tiled steam and shower, a lounging bed with flatscreen TV, and a full bathroom with a second shower. There is also direct access to the sheltered outdoor hot tub and to the pool. Laze in the hammock there, listening to the whisper of the palm trees and marveling at the vivid greens of the uninterrupted horizon.
A flagstone path winds past the pool and fountain to the “Lighthouse” just steps down the hill. This spacious guest house has a wraparound wooden deck that looks out over the lower lawns and vineyards, and inside the cream tones and plentiful windows create a light and breezy feel. The open plan includes a dining area, a mini-kitchen with refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher, a conversation or seating space with TV, and a king size bed as well as a loft area.
On the lower level is the theater: a full screening room with THX Surround Sound, acoustical construction, a wet bar and plush leather seating where you can view movies or televised events on the 8 x 10-foot screen.
Stroll up the path to the Carriage House, which faces out toward the main residence. Vines curl around the staircase and cling to the stucco walls, their green foliage filled with exquisite blossoms. A deep wooden deck lets guests enjoy the feeling of seclusion yet have easy proximity to the main house and recreation and entertainment areas. Plantation shutters provide privacy and a wood stove creates a cozy mood in the evening. There is a small kitchen and dining area and a comfortable seating area. The bathroom has a shower over bath and new European fixtures.
Beyond the Carriage House is a sweeping expanse of manicured lawn, a stone fountain and a wooden deck for parties or celebrations, and the third guest house. With its tiled roof, crimson walls and “Romeo and Juliet” balconies, this two-story cottage is the quintessential romantic hideaway. Complete with a main floor living area and doors to its own deck, a bedroom and bathroom, it also has a second floor bedroom suite with a large lounging and den area, two petit balconies with astounding views, and a full bath with tiled shower and tub.
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