Sleek Sonoma Estate Offers Modernist Perfection for $12.5M

When people move to Sonoma, CA, they tend to stay. But a rare gem tucked into Sonoma Mountain has landed on the market for $12.5 million.

The house is in an area with about 15 other homes. It’s private and serene but just an hour away from San Francisco. At 2,463 feet in elevation, the area offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the verdant Sonoma Valley to the east.

Some of the world’s most sought-after wines emerge from Sonoma, and the Valley is home to some of the country’s best wineries. The entire region is a tapestry of mountains, forests, rivers, and meadows, hemmed in by the 55-mile-long Pacific Ocean coastline.

‘Captivated by the land’

“It’s a very special property and quite unique,” says current owner Gretchen Hansen, founder of Decorist, the forward-thinking, digital interior-decorating platform. “My husband and I live in San Francisco and wanted something very close to the city that was a true escape. We looked for a long time until we found this property. … I was really captivated by the land and the incredible views and how the house sits on the land. It doesn’t stick out but really contours with the site itself.”

Hansen has overseen a complete overhaul on the home, which she calls a “modernist dream.” The place was originally built in 1981. Hansen and her husband, Lee, purchased the house in 2017 for $2,435,000, according to Realtor.com® data.

The home

The 6,350-square-foot, five-bedroom 5.5-bath home was redesigned to perfectly echo its pristine setting. The abode now prominently features white oak and marble to emphasize the surroundings’ clean lines and open spaces.

A formal entryway features a cathedral ceiling and skylight.

The natural light and incredible views are fully optimized here, with walls of windows and 13-foot ceilings in the living room. A dramatic limestone fireplace in the living room provides the perfect gathering spot.

The main level has an open and easy flow, designed with entertaining in mind. There’s a chef-worthy kitchen with built-in appliances, a spacious family room, skylit dining room, dry bar, and breakfast nook.

“Nearly every night, you are treated to this incredible light show from Mother Nature herself—you’ll see hues of pink, teal, blue, and lavender out the 12-foot kitchen picture window,” Hansen says. “It’s like your own James Turrell Skyspace. Once that light fades, you then just turn to the other side of the house, and you get the sunset sky to the west. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

Turrell is an artist known for his striking depictions of light and space.

The primary suite also features 13-foot ceilings, a fireplace, and a capacious bathroom with double sinks, marble, a walk-in closet, soaking tub, and spa shower. An adjacent sitting room is outfitted with a wet bar that opens onto a deck with more unbelievable views.

Downstairs, a 1,500-bottle wine cellar and media room await.

The property

The 6.5-acre property comes with views of the forest, surrounding hills, Mt. Diablo, San Pablo Bay, and the San Francisco skyline.

The grounds feature a stunning pool and spa, raised garden beds, multiple patios, and a bocce court. There is also a 5,000-square-foot entertaining area with its own kitchen, a hot tub, and a fire pit.

For home buyers with frequent visitors or live-in staff, there’s a one-bedroom guesthouse on the property with a full kitchen, garden, driveway, and (of course) gorgeous views.

Just 40 miles north of San Francisco, but a world away, this mountain retreat offers an opportunity to embrace modernity and nature in one handsome package—with a price tag to match.

Hansen says she and her husband will miss everything about the house and land.

“We will definitely miss the views, the peace, and the pool,” she admits. “It’s so divine to float in the pool and look out over nature, not seeing any other houses but knowing your neighbors are nearby. I will also miss our great community up here–it’s mostly other busy tech people who want an escape. We are always texting each other beautiful images of flora and fauna we see.”

Shifting priorities prompted Hansen and her husband to put their beloved house on the market.

“Our three children have all moved to the East Coast, and we are becoming bicoastal so we can see them more, and that means we can’t give the house the time it deserves, ” she explains. “We hope the new owners love it as much as we have.”

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