Exterior

A straight drive running a few hundred yards between young vines takes you from Sonoma’s bustle to this one-story contemporary plantation-style house. Everything about Villa Carneros’s exterior, from the front and back porches, and abundant windows, to its elegant proportions, pleases.

Even though it’s only minutes from Town Plaza, the house feels like a country retreat. Outdoor life centers on the back porch, a great lawn and a patio edged by a trellis and young ornamental trees.

The porch, a long white wood deck with slender columns, boasts four rocking chairs that look out on a luxuriant lawn that flanks the property’s spa-equipped pool. The view beyond includes pasture, groves of oaks and deciduous trees, nearby vineyards and the distant chaparral-covered ridge that rises at Sonoma’s eastern border.

At the porch’s north end, three steps lead to a graveled area that is furnished with an outdoor sofa and chairs. A large grill and prep area, as well as an outdoor fireplace, make this the spot where residents gather most often in Wine Country’s gentle climate.

The sky lighted four-car garage offers another sweet note: A tasting room, with a simple glass table perched atop a wine barrel, invites lingering contemplation and savoring.

Interior

Clean lines, luxurious materials and a poised sense of design join here to produce a stylish, yet informal, house. There are oak floors and doors throughout, and 10-foot-high ceilings create a sense of space.

Other adroit touches include high baseboards and crown molding throughout, painted white, and walls finished in muted Mediterranean hues, such as sage, light yellow and creamed coffee.

The foyer offers a fine introduction to the house: the great room lies ahead, while a parlor and library to the right, and a 10-person formal dining room to the left, create a good first impression with their oak molding and slate gray walls. (A red lacquer Chinese sideboard in the dining room provides a striking accent.)

Villa Carneros’s great room is long and spacious, formed by a wall of French doors and transoms on one side. Its kitchen has a huge maple-topped island and a six-burner range. The informal six-person dining table has wicker chairs, and the adjoining living area rises to a cathedral ceiling.

All bedrooms are ensuite, with private baths, and have either porch access or vineyard views. The master features a king bed, marble-faced fireplace, sitting area and French door to the back porch. Its bath has a marble floor and counters, spa tub and a nine-foot-long shower, and a triptych window offers a view.

Property Highlights

• 5 Bedroom
• 5.5 Bath
• Quiet location only minutes from downtown Sonoma
• Sophisticated plantation-style architecture
• Inviting back porch and yard
• Convenient set-up for outdoor dining and socializing
• Jacuzzi-equipped pool
• Tasting room