Terra del Cuore
Beautiful Places, Inc.
539 First Street West
Sonoma, CA 95476
(800) 495-9961
This trio of Tuscan-style houses (5BR/4.5BA total) high above Napa Valley is one of the finest meetings of nature and man's artistry in all of California. It starts with the surrounding rugged mountain landscape, whose rocky peaks rise like the walls of Incan fortresses, swathed in chaparral, oaks, manzanitas and succulents. The view is one of Wine Countryís grandest, sweeping miles across southern Napa Valley to San Pablo Bay and Mt. Diablo. The propertyís landscaping is archetypically Mediterranean, with olive trees, cypresses, oleander and other flowering bushes, fruit trees, flowerbeds and grape vines growing profusely around the houses and on terraces that bracket them. Fountains, sculptures and amphorae are everywhere, placed with that casual, but knowing, Italian flair. The main house, built of massive stones and stucco, is festooned with vines that blaze in fall. Its flagstone deck surrounds a small pool and spa, and the adjoining patio has a large stone fireplace, grill, refrigerator and an extensive food prep area. Two arbors shelter a dining table and bar tables. The first guesthouse has a deck overlooking the valley and a trellised patio edged by vines, flowers, a fountain and hand-laid rock walls. The second guesthouse, built atop a three-car garage, is close to a bocce court and places for sitting and sipping wine. Two other delightful touches are a small outdoor chapel, located next to a vegetable and fruit garden, and the hillside trails that branch out in all directions.
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