A Cut Above the Rest

Author:Lindsey Shook

Montage Residences Healdsburg surpasses expectations of Wine Country living

Nestled in one of Sonoma County’s most charming towns, the recently revealed Montage Healdsburg is quickly becoming known as the design destination of the region. Set amongst 258 acres adjacent to Alexander Valley, the 130 modern bungalow-style suites float throughout groves of oak trees and young vines, while the resort’s luxury amenities take full advantage of Healdsburg’s extraordinary wine and artisanal food culture. “Montage Healdsburg offers the ultimate connection to the landscape, the outdoors, wellness, and culinary and wine experiences along with lasting memory making. It combines the personalized amenities and services that Montage seamlessly delivers for guests and residents,” says Tina Necrason, executive vice president of residential at Montage International. “The area is steeped in beauty and history and the narrative in both experiences and physical design complement these signature attributes.”

What makes this thoughtful hospitality experience so unique is the turnkey residential offering that gives owners exclusive access to the resort while also proving to be a sound investment in the region’s booming real estate market. Designed by Delawie Architecture, the property features 25 4,500-square-foot, fully designed residences called “Harvest Homes,” which come equipped with everything from a plunge pool to wine storage, fabrics and finishes, pots, pans and more. “This model allows buyers to start enjoying the property as soon as possible; homeowners can just pick up their keys and be right at home,” says Neil Johnson, managing director of residential real estate at Ohana Realty, partners on the resort’s residential sales. Each Harvest Home unit—prices begin at $5.25 million—is eligible for Montage Healdsburg’s full-service private rental program, which puts money back into the residents’ pockets.

For those looking for a more custom-designed home, the group offers larger-scale lots that come with approved architectural plans and entitlements so building can start immediately on the resort’s “Estate Homesites.” Led by BAR Architects, each plan ranges from 4,900- to 5,580-square- foot homes designed to take full advantage of the climate with flawless indoor-outdoor amenities including private terraces, kitchen and dining areas, swimming pool, spa and shower. “Every detail is accentuated with purpose to capture the essence of the natural beauty, topography and integrity of this historically preserved landscape,” says Necrason. “The contemporary design seamlessly blends
into the surroundings to offer character and aesthetic and to accentuate the connection of indoor-outdoor living to capture extraordinary sunset vistas and sunrise over the rolling hills every morning.”

For both hotel guests and annual residents, the icing on the cake is access to the resort’s world-class wine program, run by the highly respected winemaker Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars, as well as access to the signature restaurant, Hazel Hill, which offers seasonal fare from executive chef Jason Pringle. Aside from the 11,000-square-foot spa, two pools and endless outdoor activities, residents can even borrow the property’s truffle dog, Beau, whose trained nose can draw a bounty. “The private on- site vineyard, run by an award-winning winemaker, will have exclusive wine programming available to homeowners such as wine-making events, special wine releases and private blends, an added benefit of homeownership unique only to Montage Healdsburg,” says Johnson. “The service, coupled with the superb amenities the Montage brand is known for, make this the perfect wine country escape.”