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Month: March 2021

A House in the Hills Above Sonoma

In the hills above Sonoma, many beautiful homes are nestled amid the trees.  With the weather warming, it is an especially wonderful time to be here in the Valley.  I wanted to share with you two hillside homes with expansive views, each quite unique.  One is on the western side of the valley, in the gated community of George Ranch, and the other in the eastern hills above the city of Sonoma.  With space becoming a much higher priority over the past year, each homes offers that in its own special way.

Hills above Sonoma

Located in the western hills, this is an example of the view from the George Ranch at which the home at 3900 White Alder is located at 1,056 ft elevation.  The scenic panorama from this property offers a feeling of freedom.

What I really love about this home is not only the structure itself and the views, but the sense of quality of craftsmanship which went into building the home.  With over 4,000 square foot of living space, it is nicely designed and all on one level.  Just outside the kitchen is a cutting garden and vegetable beds.  Ancient olive trees are only a few steps from the front door.

The front of 3900 White Alder has a wonderful sense of place. with an entrance graced by very large, old, oak trees.

George Ranch Home

This small meadow is part of the land just off the deck, offering many opportunities for a walk or special moments outside.

The dining room & hall have particularly exquisite details.

Here we see the steam and shower rooms, a valued addition to this home.

Although this small olive grove does not regularly bear fruit, it is the twisted character and evergreen silver-grey leaves of these ancient trees that are valued.

Speaking of land, a view just north of the home reveals neighbors nearby but not too close.  Privacy is an important element to this home.

Here we see the Sonoma Valley as experienced from the George Ranch property of 3900 White Alder.  The home can be seen amid the trees.

In case you are not familiar with the George Ranch, this is a small lake which is a favorite spot of residents.

A simple path around the lake that is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

The common tennis court is a quite popular.

On the eastern side of Sonoma Valley is a new and quite contemporary home with dramatic views.

Sonoma Hillside

The drive to this home is through a lovely area of vineyards.

High ceilings throughout the home offer that desired feeling of space and openness so valued today.

An inviting, light and bright kitchen.

Hills above Sonoma Valley

A closer look at the vista from a nearby window in which to delight whilst cooking or entertaining friends.

The living room also has a refreshing openness and lovely hardwood floors  A portion of the wall has almost floor to ceiling windows, and doors that open onto the pool and deck.

With views from most ever room, even this guest bath has a lovely door to the Sonoma Valley beyond.

A well appointed bedroom with great light.

Just outside the bedroom is an inviting place to read or relax.

This home has an infinity edge pool just a few steps from this deck.  See additional pictures and full details for 17317 Gehricke Road on the property website.


These two unique homes in the hills above Sonoma Valley are currently available for sale.  Both offer their own distinctive ways of delivering a glorious sense of space.  Please feel free to contact me for further information or if you would like to visit them in person.

A Taste of Italy in Sonoma & Treasured Picnic Spots

Recently, I visited a beautiful home in Sonoma at which the host shared a wonderful, freshly baked holiday bread from local Italian deli Ovello,” offering a taste of Italy in Sonoma. I think you’ll appreciate knowing about this amazing shop with its many fresh Italian offerings.

Also, a place to sit at a simple table or a spot of soft grass for a picnic.  Here are a few places that are lovely most any time of the year.

Salumeria Ovello makes this wonderful, seasonal bread fresh every few days during this time of the year. Traditionally served in springtime, the bread is called Colomba di Pasqua, or Dove of Easter.  Lovingly wrapped to be offered as a gift, it is presented in the shape of a bird in flight, the symbol of peace.

Small bags of biscotti and meringue puffs–Brutti e Buoni–cheerfully greet you as you enter the shop.  These are traditional Italian everyday cookies that are often enjoyed for dessert or as a wonderful accompaniment to afternoon coffee.

Italy in Sonoma

As seen from Napa Street in Sonoma, just a short walk from the Historic Plaza (and my office at 34 West Spain Street).

An assorted selection of specialty cheeses and meats for a picnic or lunch nearby on Sonoma Plaza.  As locals, we often pick up these treats for a picnic or a quick dinner in the garden at our home.

Lunch salads and handmade pasta with fresh bolognese sauce.  The perfect simple dinner or afternoon culinary offering.

Truly Italian fresh pasta made every few days

The cold case contains so many interesting offerings for a picnic.  I stop by and pick up something to fondly remind me of a past trip to Europe or elsewhere abroad.

A taste of Italy in Sonoma

I hope that you may find a moment to visit Ovello and bring something wonderful to meadow, home, lake shore or picnic table, where you can experience the Art of Leisure, Sonoma style.

A few picnic spots or roadside treasures to consider:

On our many country roads, you can stop by a large field and enjoy the view.

A simple side road with a lovely view.  Wishing you a wonderful time and a taste of Italy in Sonoma.  Contact me for a few more picnic ideas.