Location: Kenwood, Sonoma County, Wine Country, California, USA (Center of the Sonoma Valley; 12 miles from central Sonoma) View Map
Accommodations: House, 5 Bedrooms + Detached Unit, 5 Baths (Sleeps 10)
Keywords: House
This one of a kind stone lodge is located in the very heart of the Sonoma Valley. 2 stone fireplaces, chemical free lap pool, waterfall, 8 person spa/hot tub, stone fire pit with extensive outdoor lounging and dining areas plus a bocci ball court. There is a separate theater room with 70" led screen and surround sound system and deep lounge seating.
The kitchen is vast with 2 islands, 2 dishwashers, requisite commercial equipment including a 6 burner Viking range with grill and full compliment of cooking tools and serving dishes. An adjacent 14 foot wine bar with temperature controlled refrigeration. A unique feature is the outdoor fire-pit (can also be used for cooking) under 150 foot tall fir trees which has both a propane and charcoal grills. A fabulous place to gather around a roaring fire as well as to cook or dine. If you want to relax completely we can arrange a noteworthy local chef and/or housekeepers to meet your needs. Well appointed for private entertaining, please know we cannot accommodate events or parities due to local zoning laws.
The house is 4000 square feet including 4 bedrooms/4 bathrooms in the main house and 1/1 in a separate but nearby guest cottage with its own full kitchen. All 5 bathrooms are en-suite and many have over-sized soaking tubs with showers. The master has a steam shower and 2 person tub. We have a caretaker who lives down the road and thus you can be assured of better service than from most vacation rentals.
This is an interior designer's private residence; rustic, country French antiques abound with an easy "feet up" level of comfort and ease throughout. It is situated just off the main valley floor, at the mouth of a granite canyon which becomes a state park, Sugar Loaf. The great room with mammoth old-world stone fireplace soars above 18 feet. The locally quarried stone walls are over 1' thick, providing luxurious natural air conditioning. The outdoor splendor merges with the indoors as all the front-facing first floor windows bifold back to open completely; secluded and picturesque. There are endless views to the forested peaks of the nearby state park. It is a 5 minute walk to famous wineries (Landmark, Chateau St Jean); hiking and horseback riding are just up the road. The world famous Kenwood Inn and Spa is just down the lane.
This lodge is equally splendid in summer or winter. When the rainy season starts in late fall, the nearby creek fills significantly and rushes by to the valley floor. It can sound like Niagara Falls is across the way; truly delightful. The nights are often cool enough even in the summer to use the fireplaces and firepit but they are wonderful in the fall winter and early spring.
12 miles from Sonoma Plaza, 10 miles to Santa Rosa; 30 minutes to the Russian River and Napa valley, 1.25 hours to San Francisco,Oakland or Sacramento airports. Santa Rosa airport is only 20 minutes away and now has nonstop flights from LAX, Las Vegas and Seattle.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- King Bed (2)
- Queen Bed (3)
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub : chlorine free
- Cable/Satellite TV : 3 T.V.'s, one is HD. 2 have their own DVR
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Pool : Chemical free, full lap pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : 4 foot viking range, convection oven, 2 islands, stove top grilling as well as outside
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Equipment for full range of culinary styles
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone : Intercom connects all rooms in main house and separate cottage.
- Free Long Distance
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- large outdoor firepit, steam shower
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Other Activities
- wine tasting, cooking classes, local spa with full treatments within 1 mile, steam shower @ master suite, chemical free swimming pool, fire pit
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Dec-April: $875weekend & $675midweek,$4990/week (except holidays)
May & Nov: $975/night, 5900/week (except holidays)
June-Oct & holidays: $1125/night, $7350/week 4 NIGHT MINIMUM HIGH SEASON
Long-Term Rentals Are Also Welcomed
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2000
Why the Owner Chose Kenwood
This location is in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, also known as the Valley of the Moon. To me it is the most beautiful section of either the Sonoma or Napa Valleys. This lot is located in a canyon, the only such geographical particulars of its type in Sonoma. The Canyon provides cool and shade in the relative extreme heat of the Sonoma summers. Everything is green and cool in the shelter of Adobe Canyon in the summer and fall while the Valley is burnt and arid, grass-less hills and dusty heat. Views are spectacular to the state park that surrounds this rural location. It is so dark at night you can't see to walk without the moon and the stars are huge and ever-so bright. The house construction was started in about 1949 by a crazy naturalist who continuously added on to the property for the next 10 years or so. They did a lot of hunting in the valley up till the 1960's. There is a cement block shed behind the house that was a walk in cooler where they hung the deer and mountain lion carcasses. We still have some mountain lion in the area -but they stay up in the park, never any problem. If they find any bear they trap them and take them up to Lake County. What is now the guest cottage was actually built to house racoons - luckily they had long departed when I took possession in 1998. The original owner had also started a tunnel under the little Adobe Canyon Rd so all the animals (who he sometimes hunted) could cross to get water in the creek. This is rather an indication of his eccentricity as even today there is not any traffic to speak of on this road for it has no outlet beyond the state park itself. I gutted the entire house in 1999. The trusses and wood ceiling in the great room were put in at that time.
The Unique Benefits at this House
The uniqueness of the solid stone-walled lodge is beyond compare. The kitchen is quite large and is a unique experience, part of one vast great room measuring over 1000 square feet with splendid views, 14' French wine bar and enormous fireplace, this unique structure affords a one-of-a-kind gathering place for friends and family.
Owner's Map of Kenwood
I am interior designer trained in both the US and France. In 1999 I totally gutted and rebuilt this solid stone house, making sure it retained all the beauty of the original structure but all the comforts of a brand new home. Because my background is specifically in hospitality design, I think you will find that I have done well to anticipate the guests' needs as they come to the house for profound rest and relaxation as well as to partake of the wonders of the Valley of The Moon.
Property Photos
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- Great Room - Sonoma County Rental
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- partial exterior with open windows - Sonoma County Rental
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- Great Room looking toward wine bar and kitchen beyond - Sonoma County Rental
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- Wine Bar
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- Professional kitchen
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- Bedroom with Fireplace
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- theater room: 70" hd led screen & surround system with luxurious lounge seating
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- Master suite
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- Master Bath
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- Upstairs guest bedroom
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- Firepit under 150' fir trees
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- Guest cottage, private kitchen and bath
Traveler Reviews (17)
Great property
Guest: FB
(Bay Area)
Date of Stay: 02/03/12
Review Submitted: 02/06/12
We thoroughly enjoyed a birthday celebration at this property. The kitchen is large and can accommodate many people cooking and visiting. Beds are comfortable and linens are of good quality. The outside area is fabulous with great fire pit for evening entertainment and bocce ball for entertaining during the day. It is quite a compound that meets the needs of many. The walk to Sugarloaf mountain is perfect for mornings and very scenic. Chateau St. Jean is close as is Kenwood Inn & Spa - recommend both.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, age 55+.
Perfect property for family gathering
Guest: cocoon94087
(Sunnyvale, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/21/11
Review Submitted: 12/28/11
We had a wonderful stay at this property. The spacious home was perfect for our young children to explore and play. It was the perfect spot for our family reunion.
Recommended for:Families with young children.
PH from Pennsylvania
Guest: Pam
(Littlestown,PA)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11
Review Submitted: 08/14/11
Great place to stay while vacationing a week in Sonoma. My husband and I with four other couples comfortably stayed at Blair's villa that had all the amenities of home. Beds comfortable, kitchen fully equipped, beautiful settings and a great place to relax. The highlight was the firepit area where we would sit each night after dinner (which was prepared at the well equipped grill area). I would be amiss not to mention Ray, the maintenance man who was there every morning to get the firepit ready for that night and take care of any other needs including the 2 other fireplaces in the house. He was always there to help. I would highly reccomend this spacious home to anyone. Great area to stay because its location was easy access to wineries, grocery stores and restaurants. Information on all was provided at the villa. I think the only inconvenience was the lack of cell service...although having said that, was quite welcomed. I say go and enjoy this great retreat.
Recommended for:Age 55+.
Great house and Great location!!!
Guest: JC
(San Diego)
Date of Stay: 03/18/11
Review Submitted: 03/28/11
My friends and I stayed at this stunning VRBO for the weekend in March 2011 and it was the perfect place for us. It is well appointed, spacious, private, and perfectly located for a great wine tasting weekend. The caretaker was there when we checked in and checked out and was very hospitable and guided us through everything - In a home like this, there are a few things you need explained and he did a great job. We will be back next year. Thanks again Blair!!
Recommended for:
A great place to celebrate and relax!
Guest: TKP
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 08/04/10
Review Submitted: 10/10/10
Seems to be the perfect setting for husband's surprise birthday parties. It was my husband's 60th! We had family coming from back east and Blair's house gave us ample space to spread out and visit with each other in inside/outside/eating/swimming. The fire pit was everyone's favorite. I love the vaulted ceilings and open floor plan with various seating arrangements...quite gracious. I very much appreciated the attention to some of the conveniences that she made available to guests- hairdryer, nice sheets and towels, some of the kitchen amenities, candles...things that told me she was looking from the guests perspective of comfort. The only suggestion for improvement would be to have more serving pieces- platters, baskets, pitchers and implements. Ray, the grounds keeper was wonderful in a quirky kind of way. Very thoughtful! My recommendation to guests is to make sure you heat the pool.
Recommended for:
Very nice property
Guest: htb
(Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10
Review Submitted: 08/25/10
My large family stayed here in July. Plusses of the house: very large/beautiful natural setting/baths are updated/excellent appliances in kitchen/great fireplace/fun firepit outdoors/adequate pool/adequate parking/house was clean....Cons: spotty cell service in the house due to valley location/ furniture is very "rent house"/bed linens need updating/kitchen pots and pans need updating. The house has a "handy man" who, despite his off putting appearance, was fantastic and adept at handling any problem, large or small. Five stars for him.
Owner response:this guest was correct, the kitchen had been ravaged by a previous tenant. Since then we have added back lots of serving dishes with some extra durable additions for the increased outside use that now occurs with the addition of the firepit. Most guests are very respectful of the kitchen equipment but about once a year someone is thoughtless and/or destructive. i appreciate this guests patience and understanding. because ray, the caretaker, is ever-available, he will replace broken essentials immediately when that occurs. we are not perfect for sure, but we do our utmost to make our guests comfortable and have the house provide well for their needs.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Trish29
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/12/10
Review Submitted: 05/12/10
The house was amazing. Everything was very clean and well maintained. Even the beds were comfortable. We really enjoyed the privacy the house provided. It is perfect for large groups and we will be staying there again.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/27/10
Review Submitted: 02/27/10
We celebrated my husband's 50th birthday in style at Blair's stylish and cozy home. Has all the comforts you could want. A perfect location for hiking, biking and wine tasting. The fireplace is a magnificent gathering spot. Can't wait to return in the summertime.
Recommended for:
Guest: Mary Lou Giska
(Aliso Viejo, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/15/10
Review Submitted: 02/15/10
My family of five and four friends just spent President's Day weekend here as a surprise for my husband's 60th birthday. It was wonderful. The house was beautiful, well equipped, and the location was perfect! Everything was as described. However, the description does not do this property justice....It's even better than described! Blair was great to work with and it was a unanimous decision..."5 stars!" We will be back.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/20/09
Review Submitted: 10/20/09
Ten family members gathered at the lovely stone house in Kenwood for our son's wedding in Santa Rosa. The house is well located for visits to wineries as well as Sonoma and other wine areas. We enjoyed the privacy and quiet as well as many good times spent around the table, in the kitchen, on the patio and drinking wine in front of a roaring fire. The house was pretty well equiped and the owner easy to work with and accommodating. We hope to rent this property again.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #137422
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