A Wine Country Family Compound, $7M

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Where: 1291 Felder Road, Sonoma
Asking: $6,950,000
What: A superb pair of houses within a short walk of each other, originally built for a retired couple and their daughter, designed by architect Jeff Zimmerman.

Just far enough (or close enough) for privacy, the low-slung main structure (at top and below) is one of the best “couples” houses we’ve ever seen, perfect for intimacy yet big enough to entertain groups of any size. It relates perfectly to the semi-arid climate of the Sonoma Valley, with walls of glass that effortlessly disappear, blurring the line between outdoors and indoors.

Below, stone-lined reflecting pools flanking the main entry are part of the 5.5-acre property’s rainwater collection system for irrigation. Additionally, the entire property is solar powered, and household systems throughout– from the HVAC to the pool house sauna– can be controlled via mobile device.


Below, the main house is composed of three connected pavilions, with the main living/dining/kitchen space at center, the pool house to the left and the master suite wing to the right.

What We Love: The main house has a sprawling, ground-hugging plan, embracing the swimming pool and view, not unlike the early houses of pioneering Ranchero designer/builder Cliff May from the 1930s, albeit executed with a thoroughly Modernist vocabulary. Throughout the property, there’s a powerful connection to the outdoors, especially in the pool house, with its open second kitchen and yoga/exercise studio.



The second house is a completely independent 2-story, 3-bed, 2.5 bath structure.


Below, the property is accessed via a bridge across a seasonal stream.


More: For additional details, go to the property’s dedicated site for images, floor plans and a video. Represented by Wine Country specialist Terry Crisler at Sotheby’s International Realty.