Zen Revival - Napa Valley's Majestic Estate
A vision for rustic yet refined California indoor-outdoor living is realized at this architectural masterpiece perched high above Napa Valley. Architect and designer Russell Groves collaborated with the owners for over two years to transform the property into more than a home—a frame of mind for living.
By: Kevin Daniel Dwyer
Wine Country living and California indoor-outdoor architecture are one at this majestic Napa Valley estate. Located on approximately 285 acres on a crest of the Mayacamas Mountains, above the valley floor off the Oakville Grade, the trophy residence presents an unparalleled opportunity to purchase not only a piece of architecture with enveloping views, but also a chance to own a frame of mind—one of privacy, peace and tranquility.
The seller purchased the property in 2012 as a gateway for his growing family. At the time, the home was under construction and destined to be a then-so-popular château-style home until the new owner’s family changed its fate. The goal was to lose the McMansion feel and create a retreat that was rustic yet refined while celebrating its surrounds. The family called upon architect and designer Russell Groves (with whom they had already collaborated on seven projects together). Groves and his team spent more than two years renovating the property, opening the space and bringing the outdoors in. The result is a Zen-like haven where generous spaces flow harmoniously from one to the next, where the line between indoor and outdoor is seamless, and enveloping views captivate from every room.
The owner was quoted in an Architectural Digest (Dec 4, 2016) feature of the property: “’You get this coastal fog that settles in at night. After I wake up, I’ll walk around the gardens and watch the mist burn off. When the sun breaks through those clouds and the views open, it’s just spectacular.’”
Spectacular, they are. Especially considering the home’s vantage point with 360 degree panoramic views. From the main living room looking over the terrace and pool, you have a direct east-facing view of Napa Valley from Mount Saint Helena to the north, to downtown Napa to the south. From the home’s front garden courtyard, you look west over the verdant mountain range dotted with vineyards among large growth redwood and pine forests–the perfect foreground for dramatic sunsets.
The estate comprises three parcels: an approximately 123 acre parcel with 9,502± square foot main residence with six bedrooms and five and one-half bathrooms and a 1,090± square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath guest home, an approximately 95± acre buildable parcel and a 67± acre parcel. The main residence’s sprawling open-plan, triple-height-ceiling living areas are designed for entertaining and open to expansive terraces, level lawns, infinity edge swimming pool and manicured, drought tolerant gardens.
No expense was spared when it came to construction and craftsmanship. The home’s façade is cedar in a custom-made grey stain, and features cedar corbels and rafters. There are metal clad doors, copper downspouts and gutters, and a stately stone entry wall to the home.
Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the great room, a room of epic proportions yet completely livable. The space soars thanks to a triple height exposed beam gable ceiling. There is a dramatic built-in fireplace anchored by a custom wood paneled wall, triple entry French doors, a formal dining area with seating for 14, 70-foot retractable pocket sliding glass doors opening to an indoor/outdoor terrace with fireplace lounge and outdoor grill and bar, and our favorite, a bespoke Russell Groves metal chandelier that is simply badass, edgy and chic.
The kitchen is slick, expansive and decked out with top of the line appliances, two sinks, a massive center island with counter seating, a breakfast nook, an adjacent butler’s kitchen and a wine storage area with 300+ bottle capacity. There is also a home gym, two additional guest suites, an office with matte charcoal brick fireplace and built-ins, and a home theater with sunken stadium seating, 12-foot long sofas and soundproof walls.
Perhaps the highlight of the main home’s design is the owner’s suite. Rivaling any six-star resort, the suite is in its own private wing with expansive eastern views from a central picture window. There are two sets of French doors; one leading to a meditation garden, the other leading to the pool terrace. Distressed oak paneling, a fireplace and vaulted double height ceilings further the room’s allure. The spa-like bathroom features dual custom vanity with black walnut cabinetry and marble countertop, mosaic marble tile floors, three walk-in custom closets, a massage room, separate dressing room and a central glass-enclosed dual rain shower with adjacent solid marble soaking tub. If that wasn’t enough, glass receding pocket doors open to a dual outdoor shower sited within an enclosed garden terrace.
For lucky guests, there is a second house located across a level lawn and manicured garden approached by a meandering gravel path. It offers quite the sanctuary with two en suite bedrooms, a vaulted airy living room, kitchenette and French doors leading to a secluded view-side seating terrace.
Additional highlights include a tennis court, a poolside lounge with fire table, an oversized three-car garage with Tesla charging station, state-of-the-art home audio and security, Nest climate control system, a 10,000 gallon water storage tank, V8 engine powered generator and a 1,000 gallon in-ground propane tank. And there’s also the entire Napa Valley at your fingertips just out the backdoor. Olivia Decker of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing for a cool $25,500,000. G
NapaValleyFineHome.com
$25,500,000
Olivia Decker
Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
415.720.5915 | Lic.# 00712080