Modern Home: Private Mountain & Vineyard Views, Pool & Spa; Sleeps 4-6

Knowing February can have beautiful weather in this area, we gambled on our reservation timing and hit the jackpot. Stunning blue skies and so warm we were able to brunch outside on Saturday morning! Clear skies for chilly evening stargazing from the toasty hot tub. When it cooled down on Sunday we changed from indoor-outdoor living to indoor-but-great-views-of-the-outdoors-from-every-room very comfortably.

We really enjoyed this beautiful, stylish home. Special thanks to Alan for the warm welcome and kind surprises!

Good kitchen for foodies, but it is pretty much a one-cook space. Fortunately the kitchen is so well-integrated into the dining/living space that the prep-cook and chef were able to take it in shifts and stay part of the main conversation.

Note: Upstairs is shoe-free and downstairs has a nice slate floor that can be cold on the toes. Slippers and housesocks are provided, but if you have favorite lounging slippers that aren't slippery (the stairs are very smooth), bring 'em along.

Nightowls should be advised that both bedrooms have vigorous morning light, somewhat mitigated downstairs by curtains on the main window. On the other hand, the sunrise view is amazingly beautiful. Wake up, admire, then put on one of the sleeping masks and go back to bed for a few more hours.

If you'll be hot tubbing in the winter months (well worth the extra propane cost), bring bathrobes. The hilltop breeze makes for a chilly scurry back to the house otherwise. If that sounds too cold, use the Japanese soaking tub in the upstairs bath; it's got a good view too.

FYI, at the moment Google Maps is goofy in its instructions from Healdsburg. Follow Alan's route and you'll save half an hour getting there.

This hilltop haven is clean, beautiful, and very well-appointed. Recommended for a special treat.

A beautiful space to spend quality time with friends we've shared laughs with for decades. Over the last 20 years we have all been too busy to share 24 hours together until last weekend.

We had a fabulous time walking the Healdsburg Square, had a great lunch in town, bought some intriguing wine from a local vintner and then drove up a sunny mountain to a quiet, secluded oasis. The home was gorgeous, efficient, and immaculate, with luxurious bathrooms, fabulously comfortable beds and original artwork that only took a backseat to the view. The entire property was beautifully maintained, with a pool, spa and outdoor seating areas that all took advantage of the incredible views. The house is expertly piped for sound and we argued over whose I-pod would play next. The layout of the living room, dining room, and kitchen made for easy, comfortable mingling and conversations.

As we debated about where to take our pictures, we worried that everything would look photo-shopped. With a huge harvest moon, all our sunset shots looked too good to be true.

The kitchen has a convection oven and we took full advantage with 6 people preparing a sumptuous roasted rosemary chicken dinner. We all were able to share the load and prepare the meal together without getting in each other's way and do our wine tasting over a long relaxed period. The meal was topped off by an apple galette that we picked up at one of the two French bakeries on the square.

After sleeping like the dead through the perfectly silent night, the morning consisted of more quality time spent over a leisurely breakfast of cinnamon walnut french toast (from the other bakery on the square) and fresh local fruit.

When it finally came time to leave, it felt like we had been relaxing for days instead of hours.

This place is amazing. Meticulously designed and built this house overlooks incredible views of hills and vineyards. It sits about 8 miles up the road but is well worth the drive. The pool and spa are fantastic. The Japanese soaking tub in the master bath looks out over the same vista, perfect for a zen like morning soak. Alan was great he met us upon arrival and showed us around the property and even had fresh cookies and wine waiting inside! Can't wait to go back.