Exterior

Minutes from Glen Ellen and Sonoma on a terrace-like hillside setting, Villa Dolce provides privacy and a superb view over dense woodlands to the eastern slopes of the Valley of the Moon.

Outdoor life at this richly colored wood-trimmed house centers on its three-level deck, which drops from a colonnade and stone-paved terrace to a second level lined with benches, then to a pool and spa at the final level. Well-tended flower beds and pots everywhere seem in perpetual bloom.

French doors alongside the house provide easy access to the upper terrace. With plentiful tables and places to sit, as well as a fireplace, grill and food prep area, the location invites casual dining and care-free socializing.

The rectangular pool has shade-providing arbors at both ends, as well as a pool house and outdoor shower. A path leads from the pool to a clay tennis court, basketball hoop and playground.

At the house’s front entrance, a low, walled-in lawn flanks a stone path that runs to both the front door and the dining room’s French doors. The view from here is dramatic: The steep wooded slopes of the Valley of the Moon’s west side soar close by.

An abundance of tree species – oak, Japanese maple, cedar, redwood, fir, fruit and olive – lend Villa Dolce a feel of green, imperturbable serenity.

Interior

Villa Dolce's interior offers openness, airiness, lightness and simplicity. The dining and living areas, separated by a freestanding mosaic-trimmed fireplace, share a 20-foot cathedral ceiling and are flanked by French doors that lead to the back yard deck or the enclosed front lawn and patio. Light-colored wide-planked hardwood floors add a warm brightness to the look and feel.

Stools line the fully equipped kitchen’s work counter so that guests can watch and chat as food and drinks appear. Furnishings are comfortable, simple and uncluttered, designed to put residents at ease.

Guests in the master bedroom will enjoy its private patio, as well as a deck overlooking the pool and valley view. The master bath, next to a walk-in closet, has a hardwood floor, skylights, twin vanities, bath and a luxurious three-nozzle shower.

The second bedroom has twin beds, while the bath next door has two vanities, a skylight, shower and tub.

Villa Dolce’s guesthouse nestles under a great oak on a terrace steps up from the main house. Its bright yellow interior includes a sitting room, kitchenette, two twin beds under a cathedral ceiling, and a bathroom inlaid with blue tiles.

Even the pool house offers accommodation, including a Murphy bed, kitchenette and bath.

Property Highlights

• 4 bedrooms
• 4 full bathrooms + 2 half bath
• Airy, uncluttered look and feel
• Light-enhancing cathedral ceilings and French doors
• WiFi Internet access
• Two-bed guest cottage
• Den offers twin day-bed and pull-out twin bed
• Professionally equipped kitchen