General Information

  • Spectacular home from award winning architect David Arkin (of Arkin-Tilt in Berkeley). Built in 2011.
  • Every attention to detail has been meticulously attended to and materials searched out far & wide to create the result you see here
  • The home is built in adherence with green building principles- using sustainable and renewable materials wherever possible.
  • The grapevine covered arbor off the living room is part of the design. This grows lush cover in the summer, shading the home from the sun. In the winter, this deciduous vine sheds its leaves, enabling the warming sun to come in.
  • Metal Butterfly roof incorporates solar panels
  • Solar battery backup installed in case of power failure. This incorporates a warning light that comes on outside the storage area of the carport to alert you that the backup power is on and encouraging you to conserve energy during that time.
  • The property also benefits from standard electric and natural gas supply.
  • Straw bale construction was used in both homes. This is a method which uses natural materials with outstanding insulative properties making it more energy efficient than standard construction. In addition, noise is reduced, making this a quiet environment in which to live. This construction is proven to be very safe, fire resistant and earthquake-stable. In addition to being aesthetically beautiful, allowing flexible structural design and producing deep windowsills and doorways, straw bales are earth friendly and produced from renewable resources .
  • Recent well test confirms production of approximately 22 gallons per minute
  • Water treatment includes a Triple O ozonator and chlorinator.
  • 3 car garage plus substantial storage areas, both adjacent to the parking bays and on the rear of the structure
  • 2 car carport with storage/ utility area attached
  • There is a lovely potential pool site off the courtyard, if desired

Property

  • The property is zoned Diverse Agriculture which enables a wide variety of uses including residential occupancy.
  • The approximately 15 acre parcel extends beyond the fence lines (put in to protect the landscaping from deer) and incorporates a fantastic nature trail suitable for walking or horseback riding. The current owners have had a great relationship with neighbors on both sides and have been allowed permission to ride on their properties. This is not guaranteed to the next owner but we will facilitate contact with neighbors if desired.
  • Sandy loam soil drains extremely well. The property has a nice natural slope to the back where there is a ‘winter creek’. A portion of the back of the property is considered a Biotic preserve.
  • Previously, this land was used as a Christmas tree farm. The present owners have opened it up and transformed it into a veritable Garden of Eden with a wide variety of fruit trees. Every attention was paid to preserving the natural feeling of the land.
  • Orchard includes two pear trees, one an Asian Pear, Plum, Cherry, multiple Apple varieties, Olive, Fig, Pomegranate, Persimmon and delicious table grapes

Interior Features:

  • The main home is approximately 2427 sq. ft. with a detached art studio/ office of an additional 167 sq. ft. (per the construction plans). It features two en suite bedrooms with views to a lovely courtyard
  • Custom Lowen straight grain Douglas fir framed windows
  • Re-purposed Dutch-Indonesian hand painted panels in entry hall
  • Sonos sound system indoors & out
  • French Lime plaster finished walls
  • Designer lighting throughout
  • Concrete floors and radiant heating present in both homes and the studio

Kitchen

  • Unique backsplash features beautiful, hand cut Moroccan tile
  • Icestone counters, which consist of recycled glass, Portland cement & pigment- this is considered one of the safest and most sustainable durable surfaces available. (See www.Icestoneusa.com for more details.) This material is also used in both baths, laundry room, studio and second unit, giving a rich continuity of design throughout the property.
  • Straight grain fir Echowood custom cabinets, environmentally responsible engineered wood veneer (see www.Hardwoods-Inc.com for more information)
  • Stainless steel appliances including 5 burner gas stove
  • Screens placed over fluorescent lights for ambiance

Living and Dining Area

  • Electric clerestory windows enable easy opening for summertime ventilation
  • Board formed concrete, wood burning fireplace in living room
  • Lofty, straight grain Douglas fir ceiling and window trim detail
  • Master Suite and Guest Suite
  • Electrically operated upper tier windows in MBR and guest room for easy ventilation
  • Reclaimed old wood doors in hall of master suite
  • Fitted master closet
  • ‘Shower in the woods’ features floor to ceiling windows
  • Granny Unit
  • The second unit consists of a one bedroom home of approximately 663 sq. ft., built to a similar standard. With its full kitchen and nice separation from the main home it is suitable for either guests or staff quarters.

Equestrian Facilities

  • 6 stall Barn plus grooming station and tack room with rubber mats and automatic waterers. Three stalls have fenced runs.
  • The barn is custom built, steel framed with engineered composite siding for good looks and durability. Despite having had several horses here for a few years, this barn appears immaculate and in nearly new condition.
  • 60 ft +/- Round pen constructed with a rock base, membrane and nice sand footing
  • Hot and cold water wash rack
  • Riding or Hiking Trail meanders through the property. Much of this is barked, making it a great gallop!
  • Two turnout Paddocks and room for more
  • One of these is irrigated for grass cultivation
  • Extensive storage for hay and shavings concealed behind the garage.