Exterior
Created in harmony with its superb location on the 1,700-foot peaks that connect Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the Wine Country Round House and its spectacular panoramas offer an experience that takes your breath away. Inspired by a Native American form and translated into a contemporary expression, the architecturally significant design of this striking home lifts it out of the realm of the ordinary.
Set on over 6 secluded acres, thoughtfully planned landscaping integrates with the natural countryside. Graceful sycamores line the paths that encircle the home and curved, grass-covered steps lead from the rear of the residence to a sweeping lawn bordered by native grasses—ideal for intimate events, parties and recreation. Memories are made here in this expansive yet sheltered setting. Anniversaries, birthdays and celebrations take on an added dimension under the vivid blue skies that stretch to the horizon in this private domain. Guests can don their whites and play a game of croquet, try their hand at badminton, or challenge each other on the nearby horseshoe court.
Granite paths amble past olive trees, maples and clusters of rosemary and lavender to the west side of the home, where a multi-level terrace runs the length of the house. The terrace is accessed from the living and dining rooms, extending the indoors into this inviting outdoor setting. Puffy white clouds and towering pines are mirrored in the sparkling, azure waters of the pool—its contours follow the lines of the house and the pool’s edge seems to hang in space as the hill falls away below. A separate in-ground spa, bordered with rocks and grasses soothes and invigorates while you contemplate the unending blue horizon.
Dine al fresco at the far end of the terrace. Doors open from the dining room to seating at a table under the vine-covered arbor, and close by is an outdoor kitchen, grilling station and patio—the perfect place for a simple family meal or a special occasion. With a vista that reaches from the far eastern slopes of the Napa Valley to ancient rock formations jutting up from the Sonoma Valley, the terrace exerts an irresistible pull day or night.
Across the driveway and down the hillside, a stairway lined by huge boulders descends to the 2-bedroom guesthouse with private deck, and below that is a workout room and separate wine storage area with a second deck. This positioning offers privacy and 180-degree views of the pristine, forested mountains that give way to the fabled wineries of the Napa Valley.
Interior
Enter the Wine Country Round House and be transported by the striking design. Sinuous interior curves and unexpected angles pay homage to the Native American hogan. Built as an outwardly spiraling wagon wheel, the design allows both playful and practical elements to emerge. The massive wooden spokes on the high ceilings are tree trunks that fan out from the two-story fireplace in the center of the home, creating a natural place to gather.
The smooth, rounded surfaces of the fireplace and its connected seating area are reproduced in every aspect of the home. The sand-hued stucco and the natural illumination from skylights fill it with a quiet glow that bounces off the polished concrete floors. The home’s circular design and varying levels add visual interest and provide privacy when desired for you and your guests.
The master suite and two spacious bedrooms are on this upper level and look outward to the grounds with a view as far as Mt. Tamalpais in Marin. In the master suite, you can linger in the downy comfort of your king size bed and gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows, or take your tea or coffee on the sheltered patio, accessed by double glass doors. Radiant heat warms all the floors of the house, and the skylights and abundant windows in the master bathroom highlight the ceramic tile shower, double vanity and oversized jetted tub.
The second and third bedrooms have queen size beds with luxurious linens, broad picture windows, flat screen TV’s and doors to the grounds. Each has an en suite bathroom with shower. A powder room for guests is also on this level.
The guest house, just down the hill, provides two more bedrooms and has a mini-kitchen, refrigerator and cabinets of reclaimed wood, a roomy living/dining area, slate floors and sisal carpeting and a washer/dryer. Each bedroom has a TV as well as the living area. The guest house has its own distinct 180-degree views to the tree-covered mountains and fabled vineyards of Napa. Beneath it is a workout room with its own view deck.
In the main house, you can follow the hallway around to the media room, equipped with a large flat screen TV, WiFi, built-in bookcases and a curved sofa with comfortable cushions you can sink into and watch your favorite film or game. Glass doors open to the grounds and pathways lead to a sheltered patio.
Beyond the media room, you step down to the dining room. Its open design connects it to the public areas of the house—with a view to the center fireplace, easy access to the kitchen, and an open wall to the living room. Dine indoors at the welcoming table, or open the glass doors to the terrace and take advantage of the Mediterranean-like climate and the sensational views.
The kitchen is open to the central fireplace room above and is opposite the living room. A wide granite counter lets guests dine casually and join in the conversation as meals are prepared. The professional grade appliances and Caesarstone work surfaces are arranged for ease of preparation and an efficient design puts everything you need at your fingertips.
The expansive living area, with its walls of picture windows, woven wicker couches and tropical plants, gives the sensation of being a part of the outdoors and its incredible vistas. A baby grand piano is ready for professionals or amateur musicians to coax some favorite tunes for friends who’ve gathered round. Separated by a low partition, but open to the entire room, is a built-in sitting area and raised stone hearth fireplace for cozy times during cooler months.
As the day wanes, the golds and pinks of sunset streak the sky, and the mood of the outside terrace transforms, coming to life with twinkling lights all around and the afterglow of the day casting one last reflection in the pool. The warm evening breezes and song birds accompany the quiet rustling of leaves. The heavens fill with stars too numerous to count and the moon rises over the historic valleys of Napa and Sonoma. The unequalled serenity imparts a tantalizing invitation to immerse yourself in this magical experience.
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