Location: Sonoma, Sonoma County, Wine Country, California, USA (Located 40 Minutes from San Francisco; 18 minutes from Marin) View Map
Accommodations: House and Gardens, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 6)
SERENITY UNDER THE SUN!*Happy Autumn! Reserve your Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hannukah and New Year week get away! Special prices for our return guests!!!Join our Serenity Under the Sun Club!
WELCOME! WILLKOMEN!BIENVENUE! BIENVENIDO! BIENVENUTO!BEMVINDO!
Serenity under the Sun is a unique acre and a half property located in the Verano neighborhood of the City of Sonoma. Situated near the Arnold Drive corridor, it enjoys close proximity to Sonoma Mission Inn golf course, neighboring vineyards, renowned wineries, the historic village of Glen Ellen and the Sonoma Plaza. Serenity under the Sun is located in a two street road, and, it has the feel of a country lane lined with old olive trees and valley oaks. The property itself is enclosed by a stone wall with redwood gates. The tranquil setting includes a large entry courtyard with a fountain and a shade garden underneath a Canary palm tree.
A dream long ago became a reality in this beautiful home filled with comfort, warmth and color! Remodeled in 2002 and 2008, it features marble and onyx bathrooms and granite countertops in a chef's kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances. The large kitchen is equipped for comfortable cooking and baking . The dining room consists of a custom oak large table and settees. The master bedroom welcomes you with luxury linens, towels, and terry bathrobes. Dazzling views of the Sonoma mountains in the distance, and the serenity of country life with landscaping that pleases the eye can be enjoyed from the dining room and kitchen. The large covered deck provides additional space for entertainment and relaxation to enjoy meals al fresco. A large rectangular table can sit eight, while two round tables on the lower deck can sit an additional eight.
To enjoy your stay, Serenity under the Sun, offers many areas for enjoyment. At the entry courtyard, you can sit in the porch or the hardenbergia covered swing and listen to the soothing sounds of the fountain and watch the many wild finches coming to sip water, or the hummingbirds to savor the nectar on the grapes from the covered front porch. The pool area is large and one can relax in one of the three lounge chairs with terrycloth cushion covers, or enjoy meals in the tables available in the adjacent large courtyard with mountain views. There is a swing under the shade of a 150 year old Valley Oak tree to enjoy the shade garden and landscaped gardens below. The large pool (20'x40') with a water slide has a fantastic view of the mountains and you can luxuriate under the moonlight in the private hot tub.
You can also stroll down the stairs through the wisteria arbors and enter the Mediterranean garden with a relaxing copper water fountain and enjoy the fragrant citrus blooms from the many orange, lemon and grapefruit trees. To the side of the Mediterranean garden there is a hammock in the shade of albizia and redwood trees. South of the Mediterranean garden is the grassy field sheltered by three majestic redwood trees, where one can relax in a hammock under the shade! In addition, a deck area with table chairs and umbrella can provide for "plein air art" since you can enjoy our easel and watercolors and try to soothe your spirit by painting some nature sketches. As you walk through the grounds of the property, you will see the many blue jays, red tailed hawks and wild finches and hummingbirds.
Among the many wonders of Serenity under the Sun, is also the walks one can take around the neighborhood and enjoy neighboring vineyards. The place is ideal for walks, bike rides and is in close proximity to many inns, restaurants and historic wineries.
We take pride of ownership and want you to enjoy your stay at Serenity under the Sun! where relaxation under the sun is a happy occurrence! Come, relax and enjoy nature and forget your worries at this beautiful location
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: New high efficiency central air and gas heat. Individual ceiling fans in bedrooms and living and dining areas
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: All beds have feather beds on top of mattresses. Organic sateen and pima cotton bed sheets, pillows and pillow cases, silk, sateen duvets and comforters, bath, kitchen and pool towels provided.
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace: Exterior fire place in garden
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2) : Two queen beds in two bedrooms with feather beds, down comforters and down pillows...LUXURIOUS!!!! Rooms have TV/DVD/iPod stations
- Double Bed (2) : Two double beds in third bedroom with feather beds, sateen sheets and duvet covers; down comforters....COMFORTABLE..iPod station
- Convertible Bed: Both living room sofas convert to single beds
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (3) : Pay per view available and over 100 channels
- DVD (2)
- VCR (2)
- Video Library: Extensive video collection of classic and action films
- Video Game Console: Game console X-Box 360 and games available upon request
- Video Games: Video games provided upon request
- CD Player
- Stereo System (2)
- Music Library: Master bedroom and living room have stereo system with CD/DVD player, television and speakers
- Private Hot Tub: Private Hot tub next to Pool...AVAILABLE during Autumn and Winter months!!!!, outdoor portable shower nearby...will provide Bath Sheets during winter
- Private Pool: Private and secluded Large pool, 20'x40' with water slide with electric pool cover. Heated pool and Jacuzzi. Pool not available in winter months (Jan-Mar)
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Gas stainless steel stove with oven, wine cooler in kitchen, stainless steel dishwasher, stainless steel refrigerator with bottom freezer, pantry.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: Stainless steel cooking utensils, cutting boards, wine glasses, and pots, pans, and everything required in a fully equipped kitchen
- Refrigerator: Stainless steel; filtered ice water; bottom drawer freezer
- Dishwasher: Stainless steel
- Microwave: Stainless steel
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available: Upon Request: in addition to flower arrangements for special occasions at a special price for guests
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: Stainless steel gas grill is available
- Charcoal BBQ Grill (2) : Large and small charcoal grill available for entertainment
- Deck/Patio (4) : Front enclosed patio with water fountain and arbor, and table and chairs; very large patio in the rear with table, chairs and outdoor iron fireplace. Third deck located inside the rear of the large property off the grassy field
- Balcony: Large, two level available with seating, fountain, herb plantings: coming in autumn, vegetable organic garden
- Lanai: Grape Arbor with views of the mountains, sofa, lounge chairs and fire pit
- Gazebo (2) : A covered gazebo off the large pool area for lounging with a small fireplace. A large iron gazebo covered with wisteria and shaded with table and four chairs for entertainment in the Mediterranean garden with a large fireplace.
- View/Location
- Mountain View: Views of the Sonoma Mountains from different vantage points: from the exterior deck; the covered arbor; the two gazebos, the pool and the spa
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet: Password available upon request.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Password available upon request
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly: The pool has an automatic pool cover. The Jacuzzi also has a cover to ensure safety of guests.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: Would prefer no one under 21 years old unless accompanied by parent.
- Smoking Not Allowed: Absolutely no smoking on premises
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Other Activities
- Bikes can be made available to guests at a reasonable cost as well as bike route in Sonoma for adults and children upon request and upon signing liability waiver. Bird watching is one of our favorite activities as is star gazing which is phenomenal in the evenings.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Low Season (Nov-March)$475/nite/$2,500/wk HOLIDAY BONUS! CAll Owner!!!
High Season (April-Oct) - $625/night(Fri-Sat)(2night min)$4,200/wk(Sun-Sun)
Rates are for 2-4 adults/2-4 kids (6 people) (additional $25/night/person)
Refundable Security Deposit of $500 is required with signed release of liability
9% of required Sonoma county transient tax shall be added to rental rate
No international or long distance calls
No Pets: Prefer payment by Cashier's check
Check-in 3pm Check out NOON--FLEXIBLE UPON REQUEST
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2002
Why the Owner Chose Sonoma
For years, we would take our young sons for a day in Sonoma. We would go to the square and walk around the plaza until settling for a gelato in the park. Sonoma is a unique and wonderful place! It is not only filled with history and landmarks, but it was the place that gave birth to the notion of statehood and the strong Spanish/Mexican influence of its day is appreciated in the Mission, the old Spanish Barracks and the home of General Vallejo. While it is a place that gave its beginning to the cultivation of grapes, and it has preserved its old provincial feeling, Sonoma is also the dynamic place for ingenuity and entrepreneurship as there is a very vibrant industrial park and many amazing companies and businesses call it home. But discreetly and as sweet as wine, the city is intertwined not only with history but is characterized by its many different facets that converge in a constant stream of festivities that enliven each and every one of the seasons of the year. In the winter, the Olive festival celebrates the olive and in the Spring, the increasingly important Sonoma Film Festival brings new and exciting films, while in the Summer, the Sonoma Jazz Festival brings forth musical enjoyment. The summer, one of the most dynamic seasons, is also the time to enjoy many culinary and art festivals. In the autumn, the harvest season is marked by not only the beautiful colors of the season: burgundy, maroon, but is also the time to enjoy the many art festivals and open studios of local artists. In the Winter you can enjoy the many holiday events sponsored by the wineries as well as the Olive Festival in January. It is an ideal destination point to the wine country and surrounding areas such as the towns of Glen Ellen and Kentwood.
The Unique Benefits at this House and Gardens
Sans souci! Rest and Relaxation! are the unique benefits of visiting our wonderful place. Enliven by the sound of many migratory and native birds on our 100 yr. old tree, one of the most beautiful sights is the sunset over the Sonoma Mountains. I enjoy the nature that surrounds us as the day slowly moves from dawn to daylight to evening. As it changes, so do the sounds and sights of our place. I love watching the bluejays, swallows, egrets, red tailed hawks and the occasional owl visit us. I am struck by the quick fluttering sound of the hummingbirds and even butterflies come to visit the many flowers and trees in the property. In the evenings, star gazing and the sound of croaking frogs makes you think you are near a riverbank. More importantly, the property is a self-contained resort. One can dine al fresco in many locations. On the front courtyard, near the fountain one can sip wine and feel the rural ambience and watch the stream of neighbors going for evening walks. On the rear deck, one can dine al fresco with the sight of the Sonoma Mountains in the distance turning to crimson and gray as evening descends. Or you can leisurely relax near the pool and the Jacuzzi. The property also has many different gardens. There is a shade garden under the oak tree and a slider to sit and observe the pool area and the mountains. You can also enjoy the Mediterranean garden in the level below with its wisteria gazebo and walkway and copper fountain. There is ample opportunity to relax in a hammock under the shade of a mimosa tree, or venture out and play volleyball/badminton and basketball in the courts below the garden. There will also be an elevated deck from which to read, paint and relax or play a game of Frisbee, football or soccer in the large grassy meadow. In essence, we offer the opportunity to enjoy, relax and be in tune with all the senses in nature!
Owner's Map of Sonoma
In 2001, I had a dream which told me to buy a house in Sonoma. When I told my husband, he thought of it not only improbable but unlikely. We had two boys in private schools and a home with a mortgage in San Francisco. However, a stroke of providence and the maxim that a dream can become a reality became true. In the summer of 2002, I rented a small house for the summer near the square. A delightful adobe home, it was not available for sale then, but I persisted and began searching for a place in the Sonoma area. While homes in the mountains and on the eastside of town were beautiful, I longed for a piece of land I could call my own, and try as much to dig the soil and cultivate lavender, citrus and fruit trees. Although it wasn't love at first sight, when I gazed at our property for the first time, I thought that the backyard was backed by a park. But no, the park was in the property.
Property Photos
- Thanksgiving in the wine country - Sonoma County Wine Country Vacation House with Mountain View and Covered Gazebo
- Fall Grapes-Autumn in Serenity Under the Sun - Sonoma County Wine Country Vacation House with Mountain View and Covered Gazebo
- Enjoying some wine under the shade garden-wine tasting ideal in the Fall! - Sonoma County Wine Country Vacation House with Mountain View and Covered Gazebo
- Grape Arbor for lounging
- The warmth of home in the fall!
- Custom touches abound
- Dining area-Custom 7ft oak table & settees sitting 8-10
- Chef's kitchen and stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, 4 bar stools
- Master bedroom: queen bed and ensuite bathroom and stereo system
- Second bedroom-queen size bed
- Third bedroom: 2 double beds
- Gazebo by the pool
- Mediterranean garden and wisteria gazebo for dining al fresco
- Copper fountain in the evening
- "Garden Angel" sculpture in marble in the Mediterranean garden
- Overlooking the Sonoma Mountains
Guest Comments (13)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #233274
There have been 3604 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - October 30, 2009
Positive Rating
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. We had a wonderful relaxing vacation. Everything in the house was first class, from the dishes, cookware and appliances to the comforts of home in the bedrooms. The flowers you arranged were magnificent! and they made the house smell great. If and when we return to the wine country, we will stay at "Serenity" again. Thank you for everything, Mike, Katie, Manny and Sherry Ohio
Positive Rating
Kirsten Davis , San Jose, CA
Positive Rating
Thank you for your hospitality! We had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves and loved the gardens, the pool and the home. We will be back again!
Positive Rating
We very much enjoyed our stay at Serenity! We will be back again!! It was everything that we thought it would be and more!!!!!
Positive Rating
What an amazing home and yard!!! We couldn't imagine a better place to celebrate our 10 year reunion. We'll be in touch when it is time for our 11th year!
Positive Rating
John Fisher , NY, NY
Positive Rating
John Fisher , NY, NY
Positive Rating
Maria and Daniel L. , Los Angeles, CA
Positive Rating
Maria Claussen , Buenos Aires, Argentina
Positive Rating
Peter & Christine Valerio , Concord, CA