CHAMPAGNE AND CHOCOLATES: We welcome you with champagne, roses, & chocolates, or help yourself at the Victorian bar in the parlor right outside your room. HEATED POOL: Go down for a relaxing swim or a hot spa at our jungle-style pool (discounts if you don't need pool heat), or take a glass of wine and sit among the morning glories in our formal, fragrant rose and perennial gardens, and watch as dozens of hummingbirds zip right over your head. We call our garden 'the Aviary.' Watch the hawks soar on the updrafts over the Open Space wooded canyon. A house truly made for outdoor living. Grill a succulent feast on our lovely 'Romeo and Juliet' style arched, covered upper loggia, right off the kitchen; sit around it's outdoor gas fireplace and play your guitar (acoustic only, please!) So many balconies to choose from, all with gorgeous views! Each downstairs bedroom has it's own private exit to one of the balconies and the gardens, pool, and hot tub below, (pool not artificially heated). We welcome quiet groups of family and friends; NO loud parties or outdoor amplified music. House has many ipod docks and NEW, free unlimited NETFLIX movie and PANDORA music streaming! Or deal out the hands for a long night of poker and fun at our new Victorian poker table w/poker set, down in the Victorian bar room.
DOWN BEDDING: All of our beds now have down bedding and pillows (cotton and alternatives for summer), and comfy feather beds or memory foam toppers. As of April 2012, we will have one queen sofa bed for extra children or adults, in the living room. Our beds are newer high quality and very comfortable; we only use high thread count luxury linens, for a luxurious night's sleep. Two fluffy robes provided in every closet. There are also 3 large jetted tubs in the house, in addition to the Victorian slipper soaking tub.
Luxurious Outdoor Living: Visit one of our areas many fine gourmet restaurants, or dine-in by cooking in our gorgeous chef's kitchen, with granite island and stools. The kitchen is stocked with basics. There is both a formal dining room and a kitchen nook with fabulous Open Space views of the valley below. There is a large living area next to the kitchen with comfy seating, a large flat screen T.V., ipod docks, telescope, and gas fireplace. A lovely covered, arched veranda with outdoor fireplace, propane grill, lots of seating, and breakfast bistro set is perfect for sipping wine and watching the view (wild hawks, birds, deer and other wildlife are plentiful). There are 3 other balconies in back, including a majestic inlaid travertine round one with fountain, and a private one w/bistro set and view off the upper master bedroom. There is a large patio area around the pool (can be heated by special arrangement), with many loungers and lots of other seating, and 2 different gazebos in the lawn and rose gardens. This house is perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Close to everything!: Drive an hour to our beautiful Sonoma County wild beaches and cliffed coves, walk in giant redwoods, kayak or canoe on the Russian River, or fish at Lake Sonoma. Hundreds of gorgeous wineries and tasting rooms in every direction. Tour the beautiful gardens and historical tasting rooms of Korbel Champagne Cellars. Visit the quaint historical towns of Calistoga or St. Helena, or hike in our beautiful state parks. For a unique side-trip, visit Safari-West African Wildlife Park, just minutes away, where you ride in jeeps past free-roaming animals, with no crowds. Visit the historical squares of Sonoma and Healdsburg for many choices in first-class dining and shopping. We are happy to act as concierge for you, and make reservations, arrangements, or recommendations for whatever you need, from a private chef to a masseuse, to a wine concierge who will come right to the house for a private tasting. Come enjoy the luxury!
NEW: Want a special dinner cooked for you at home? Try our fabulous new chef, Elijah, who will create an incredible 5 course meal including delectable homemade dessers, for you right at home, while you enjoy hanging out and relaxing with friends, at a very reasonable price. He does all the shopping and cleaning up, too!
PRIVATE WINE TASTINGS: We have two to offer. First, sample some of the richest reds you've ever had (some whites) with winemaker Bill Wertzberger of wertzbergerwine.com (check out Bill's website!), who will do private tastings only for our guests! You will meet Bill at the wine cellar out in the lush Dry Creek Valley, one of the most beautiful wine valleys around. OR, if you prefer, Sabrina Krauss, wine concierge (www.sabrinainthewinecountry.yolasite.com) will come to you at the villa, serving up an eclectic collection of small boutique winery reds and some whites. Why stress about driving? Sabrina has served me all of the best wines I've ever had; she really knows her stuff. She can also get you anything you find at other wineries, and ship it to you for less than most wineries (do NOT ship wine yourself - you'll pay a premium!). Sabrina does not charge for the tasting, and no purchase is necessary; however, tips are graciously accepted. Let us set you up with an appointment for Bill or Sabrina, or both!
MASSAGE: Let us help you arrange a relaxing massage right at the house, with Liza Clark, CMT, about $70 for 75 minutes. Liza gets high marks from our guests who have hired her.
WINE COUNTRY DRIVER: Donna of Donna's Wine Country Chauffer has been ferrying our guests for many years, for a very reasonable hourly rate. Donna knows all the wine roads and YOU set the itinerary, going wherever you want, for however long you want. Just ask us for her number.