Friday, July 20, 2012

Palm Vista - Sonoma County

Sweeping vistas, cloudless blue skies and deep green lawns, impeccably tended and dotted with palm trees, put you in a holiday frame of mind as you enter the grounds of Palm Vista.

Exterior

California’s wine country is filled with surprising discoveries—unique and unexpected treasures such as Palm Vista. This 4,850-square-foot home and guest house in the heart of Sonoma’s premium wine region melds the aura of a tropical resort with the pleasures of a private getaway.
Palm Vista enjoys an exceptional two-acre setting in the hills of Sonoma, with magnificent panoramic views of the western horizon and gentle, tree-covered slopes nearby. A gated entry and circular drive brings you through manicured lawns and past a pond that mirrors the blue sky above, then to the sheltering porte-cochère with a broad stone-tiled entryway. Wide, artfully beveled double glass doors usher you into the dynamic atmosphere of the home.
The clay-tiled roof and stucco exterior add a Mediterranean accent to the main house and the separate guest home. This motif is seen throughout in the arched designs and the decorative stone balustrade that rims the terrace edges. An expansive lawn adjoins the terrace where a tall, graceful stone fountain beckons with its soothing, splashing sounds.
From the main residence, a rock bridge leads to the 850-square-foot guest house, which also has its own gated entry. The guest quarters look out over the hills and valley, sprinkled with tidy barns and working ranches, to the breathtaking views of the western horizon.*
Wine country lifestyle is linked to the seasons and the temperate climate, and Palm Vista has the ideal arrangement for you to immerse yourself in this gracious way of living. Stroll out from the house to have a morning coffee on the terrace. Refreshed by the clean, clear air and the songs of the birds, it’s easy to relax and let your cares go. A basketball hoop encourages you to get on your Nike’s and try a few shots. For the kids, there’s a terrific play structure on the north lawn.
The infinity pool will prove irresistible when the sun is overhead, and the huge outdoor kitchen and seating counter call for food hot off the grill and an ice-cold drink. Then, when the day wanes, dip into the whirlpool spa and see the skies shift from brilliant blue to dazzling gold and reds—a 180-degree spectacle that you will never get tired of watching.

Interior

With Palm Vista’s configuration, you’re never far from a stunning view. The 4,000-square-foot home was created for indoor-outdoor living with the centerpiece being a sensational outdoor entertainment terrace. The home is oriented to provide each room with a distinctive outlook of its own and to take advantage of the access to phenomenal views.
The interior connects to the terrace in numerous ways and open archways allow a freedom of movement from room to room. Natural light from the high windows and glass doors that open to the terrace enlivens the home. Rich wood floors gleam softly throughout and the hand-rubbed plaster walls take on a velvety texture.
The great room with its sophisticated furnishings and high coved ceiling is enhanced with windows that add the dramatic views into its ambience. And when the sun goes down, the cheerful warmth of the fireplace draws people together in conversation. The adjoining media center has a large flat screen TV with cable and Internet access for gaming or watching your favorite shows.
Fresh local foods and great wines are bound to entice you into the kitchen. A chef’s dream, it has every amenity you could ask for. The professional-grade appliances, a large preparation island and deep granite counters make cooking a breeze—if you can resist the views from the picture windows. Skylights make the counter or the casual dining area inviting during the day, and for more formal meals, a marble-tiled dining room that looks out upon the hillside seats ten under a custom glass chandelier.
Two wings lead off from the central living space, assuring seclusion and tranquility in the sleeping areas.
At the far end of the south wing, white double doors bring you into the master suite. Its fluid lines and rich hues of greens and golds reflect the undulating hillsides. Curved windows frame the limitless horizon and double glass doors open to the palm-studded terrace. The king bed with its sumptuous duvet and fine linen invites you into a peaceful night’s sleep. There is an unobtrusive flatscreen TV on the wall and two sitting areas. The spa-like bathroom is an indulgent oasis where you can linger in a soothing bath and gaze out at the view, or re-energize in the oversized shower with its glass brick circular wall. Natural light sets the pale yellow walls aglow and custom granite counters top a double-sink vanity. There is a separate toilet and bidet and the suite has a large walk-in closet
. Off of the living area is a light and airy bedroom where large picture windows face the front grounds of the home. A handsome leather headboard and trim is offset by the crisp linens on the queen bed, and the desk and an armoire echo the deep brown leather tones. The third bedroom, which also faces the hillside, has a charming fairy tale theme with a queen bed, perfect for a young princess. The room connects to a full bathroom with a shower over tub, granite vanity, and stone tile floors. The two bedrooms share the bath.
At the end of the north wing is the junior master bedroom suite. You’ll feel transported to the savannas of Africa by the room décor while luxuriating in the fine linens of the queen-size bed. A freestanding gas fireplace adds a romantic touch for cool evenings and there is a flatscreen TV for your favorite movies. The ensuite bathroom has a stone tile shower, a pedestal sink, a separate toilet and a walk-in closet. Double glass doors open from the bedroom to the terrace and pool or for a late-night dip in the whirlpool spa.
Whether day or night, Palm Vista irresistibly draws you to the terrace and its many delights. Meals can be easily prepared in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen, which has everything from a grill and warming tray, to a refrigerator, wet bar and an icemaker—even a beer tap. The curved granite counter can seat 12 and has an in-counter firepit/hibachi at one end.
The terrace offers any number of settings to dine, snack or to just sip on a cool drink under a palm tree and daydream happily. The infinity pool and separate raised hot tub in natural rock provide a central focus with their ever-changing shades of blue. At dusk underwater lights illuminate the pool and the row of palm trees are lit up, creating an “Arabian Nights” fantasyland that is completed by the exotic four-poster Cabana lounging bed, draped in sheer fabric with plush cushions.
Outdoor heaters ensure that alfresco dining will be cozy and comfortable if the night cools down, and the outdoor fire pits supply a satisfying warmth and an invitation to gather around. This harmonious blending of indoor and outdoor living is the essence of the wine country lifestyle. Palm Vista has been designed to welcome you to a casually elegant way of life.
*Guest House - For those who prefer privacy, the guest house is just a short walk from the main home and is completely self-contained. A chocolate and teal blue color scheme, plush pile carpeting and stylish furnishings give a contemporary cache to the living and dining rooms. Large windows in the living room look out to the grassy slopes and there is a flatscreen TV/media center and a cream-toned, “L” shaped sofa. The dining room has an intimate mood with its dark wood table and chairs, and the wonderful views to the south and the west connect you to your surroundings. There is a compact kitchen, with a cooktop range, microwave and refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher and light beige counters. The sizeable bedroom has a comfortable queen bed, ample closet and sliding glass doors to a small patio. The bathroom features a stone-tile shower over tub and tile floors and a closet conceals a stacked washer and dryer. The house has central heat and A/C.

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