Many times prospective purchasers of multi-parcel family compounds or retreats have to deal with property boundaries established by developers who have divided property consistent with their resale goals.  Occasionally, a property comes on the market where the buyer can make those decisions in line with the long term needs of the family or business.  A fantastic opportunity exists to create five estate parcels on a 200 acre ranch (link) minutes from the Healdsburg, California town square.  The property is surrounded by award winning vineyards and there is vineyard potential for this property with an estimate of 100+/- plantable acres.  The purchaser is able to be part of the planning in the division of this property and can incorporate vineyard and equestrian uses in laying out the property lines for the new parcels.   In addition, an adjoining property has a long established, top quality equestrian training and boarding facility which may meet the needs of an owner who wants to ride on their property but don’t want to develop an equestrian facility.

The perfect example of a Wine Country retreat, Lavender Hill is made up of three pavilions: Main House, Master Suite & Pool House, consisting of 4 bdrms/5baths.  All are designed to take advantage of Sonoma County’s views and the Mediterranean climate.  Each has huge doors and windows that open to the sunlight and offer expansive views over lawns and woods. Originally built for the Gump family as their summer home.  The Main House has large living room with fireplace, 12.5 foot ceilings, picture windows overlooking the solar heated pool and lawn. The kitchen and formal dining area have three sides of glass windows, so very comfortable to huddle cozily over food and wine. The 4.4 acre site is a garden of delights.  From the main pavilion’s terrace, a grassy slope descends to the bocce ball court.  Amenities which make up this heavenly property include park like setting, seasonal creek, several spaces for Alfresco dining, hot tub, small lily pond, abundant lavender and floral gardens.  There is also a small barn and adjoining garden area that could be perfect for some hobby agriculture.  Click link to visit the property

Offered by Charlene Schnall, Broker Associate at Healdsburg Sothebys International Real Estate a call at (707) 395-0717 or e-mail her at CSchnall@aol.com for additional information

Duchamp Hotel, one of the most successful hotel projects in downtown Healdsburg, CA is available for purchase.  The 1.6 acre property is zoned for substantial expansion.

Healdsburg is one of the most exciting cities in the Bay Area and the Duchamp Hotel offers a private location in the center of this thriving wine country community.  Cyrus Restaurant is located within 300 feet of the property.  Healdsburg Square, theatre, shopping, wine tasting are all within 2 blocks.

Ten years ago the hotel opened with six contemporary villas and a reception building. A major expansion of Duchamp could include additional villas and rooms, spa facilities, restaurant and shopping.  The property is zoned downtown commercial and the City of Healdsburg has entered into an agreement for possible fractional ownership sales and operation.

For additional information please visit the property website or call Charlene Schnall. Broker Associate, Healdsburg Sothebys International Realty at (707) 395-0717.

Many clients who look at country property dream of riding a horse on their property but have justifiable concerns over the demands that come from owning a horse.  These concerns go beyond having the responsibility for an animal that should be looked after on a daily basis and include wondering if they have adequate knowledge and experience to provide proper care.  This care includes not only feed but maintenance of teeth, hooves and worming and at least 20 other key items.

In looking at a property with a client the other day, there was a magnificent barn and the client said how long she had dreamed about having a horse of her own on a wonderful property such as the one she was visiting.  She was however concerned over accepting the total responsibility for a horse whatever the benefits.

Without oversimplification – because there should be serious concern over matters such as insurance, fencing requirements and the capacity of horse owners to afford to keep their animal  - there may be an opportunity for a property owner with an interest in horses to join up with one of the abundant horse owners trying to find choice properties on which to keep their horse. Many of these horse owners are very experienced equestrians and a significant amount even have experience giving riding lessons and teaching new owners how to care for their horse properly.

Bay Area Equestrian Network allows free advertising to the equestrian community in the Bay Area.  If you are considering purchasing a country property which may have appeal to horse owners, you may consider running an ad looking for horse owners who could place their horse on your property in exchange for allowing you riding privileges, and in some case providing you training.  The owner remains responsible for the care and maintenance of the horse or horses, but you get to experience the benefits and negatives of horse ownership while adding another dimension to enjoying your property.

Sonoma County has over 15,000 horses.  There may be an ideal match for you – and in the worse case you will have some very interesting conversations and meet some very interesting people.  You will always want to go visit the horse in its current home to see how it is kept, and the conditions under which the owner is willing to maintain a horse before committing to allowing the horse on your property.  Get references in the same manner you would in renting a house.

Many people looking to acquire a retreat for business purposes are often interested in using the property for events as well.   For example, a common question with wine country retreats is whether a new owner can do weddings, wine tastings or business events.

Some preliminary questions include zoning of the property; permitted uses for the property; number of events; size of the events; frequency of the events; catering or food preparation on site; will events be private or public; will there be music; anticipated hours of operation; will a liquor licence be needed?

Retreat properties with the legal right to conduct events are not as common as commonly thought.  We have experience both owning and operating this type of property.  There are several listings in many price ranges for properties which can accommodate 4 – 75 events per year,  200 or more attendees per event, commercial kitchen or catering kitchens.  Give us a call if you have specific requirements at (707) 875-9462 and we will try to put you in touch with the right contact.

It is likely that over a third of Country Property is sold without ever being openly on the market.  Our personal experience is an even higher percentage. Active agents and brokers are aware of sellers considering selling – sometimes for years.  Often, these owners considering selling, are quite willing to have agents who they know show their property to qualified buyer prospects. This type of exposure of the property can be of significant benefit to the buyer and seller.

If you are interested in finding a country property that meets your vision, e-mail Charlene Schnall at CSchnall@aol.com  or call us at (707) 875-3490 with your general parameters and we will try to help you narrow your search – including property not currently on the market.

Many of the properties we sell in Sonoma County have histories going back to the early 1800′s prior to California becoming a State.  Some of these properties need restoration and that process can be truly rewarding.  Significant help on learning the history of property can be obtained from historical societies in many of the communities throughout Sonoma County as well as local and the County Museums.

When the property’s history is known all the way back to the original Spanish Land Grant, it is an added bonus.  An example is a 2 bedroom 1 bath home on a large 1/3 acre lot built in the mid 1850′s  by Kit Carson’s brother, Lindsay Carson.  The home is now in central Healdsburg but was part of Rancho Sotoyome prior to Healdsburg’s founding.  Within walking distance of the Healdsburg Square, the property was originally the home of Lindsay Carson and his wife Marie Williams, the widow of Donner Party member John Williams.  The home at an estimated 1,300 sf would be a more modest renovation in comparison to larger properties and with the small adjoining barn could be an excellent starter project.  In the long term, this ‘in town’ property is zoned for live and work or the addition of a second home.

As mentioned previously, Sonoma County is rich with organizations and individuals who work to preserve the history of the County and California.  These organizations are valuable resources for an owner interested in absorbing as much as possible  of Sonoma County.  Three great websites related to the history of Healdsburg, historic homes and the surrounding area:

http://www.ourhealdsburg.com/history/alexander.htm
http://www.ourhealdsburg.com/history/heald.htm#7
http://users.ap.net/~chenae/socohomes.html

For information on this property or other historic properties in Healdsburg – please send us an e-mail at CSchnall@aol.com.

Three homes, pool, 1.5 acre vineyard = a great family compound

One of the segments of the real estate market that has remained relatively healthy is the multiple residence family compound.  An excellent example is a property that will be coming on the market in Alexander Valley outside Healdsburg.

Frequently families, or businesses purchasing property for private use, try to avoid buying large acreage properties which involve substantial oversight and management.  If a small acreage property (in this case 3.5 acres) can be acquired that is next to open space, park land, or as in this case, major agricultural or vineyard property – many of the benefits of large acreage property such as views and privacy can be acquired without the management burden of a larger property.  This specific property is adjacent to several premier vineyards and has a 1.5 acre cabernet managed vineyard on the property.

In addition, multiple homes allows someone to stay on the property to see that things are in order when family or guests arrive.  There is also the ability to have rental income which can offset costs of ownership.

So you might want to consider modest size acreage with multiple homes as a way of acquiring affordable family or business compounds.  Please let us know if we can help.

Boutique Hotel Healdsburg

It is the dream of many real estate investors to own a B&B or some other type of hospitality business.  Sonoma County is a perfect location for this type of business. With 10 million people in the ‘market area’  there is no shortage of potential guests in the greater Bay Area.  Sonoma County has also become a national and international travel destination for visitors wanting to stay and enjoy the unique amenities of Sonoma County including Wine Country, Redwood Forests, the Sonoma Coast and the Russian River Recreation Area.

Grape Leaf Inn Healdsburg

Tourist organizations in Sonoma County provide first rate support and marketing assistance in reaching these prospective guests.  Offering a first rate travel experience for these guests – whether its a Healdsburg Victorian Inn or a Bodega Bay coastal vacation rental has great appeal for many investors looking for a different life style.

Bodega Bay Vacation Rental

In addition to marketing assistance, there are management companies which specialize  in vacation rentals in all areas of the County from beach properties to homes in the vineyards.  This type of purchase provides a home in the Wine Country and receive income when not spending time at the property.  Vacation rentals also provide a way of owning a family retreat with scheduled housekeeping and maintenance services subsidized by guests staying at the property.  The wine

Vacation Rental in Pinot Vineyard

country offers many attractions for guests beyond wine tasting.  A vacation home in the vineyards offers a first hand view of the different seasons for viticulture from vines budding in the Spring to the Fall Harvest time.  The many activities centered around these times of the year are a big attraction to guests and include barrel tasting, passport to winery weekends and auctions.  If you are interested in providing a quality travel experience for guests – this type of property certainly fits the bill. If your real estate goals include these types of property, please let us know if we can help find the right property for you.  Link to B&B’s and Inns for sale and lease.

Vacation Rental in a Pinot Noir Vineyard

Frequently country homes have been used for vacation rentals and one thing to consider in purchasing a country retreat property – particularly if you don’t really know the area well – is whether you should try and rent the property for a weekend and try it out.  It will help you get a sense of whether the property is right for you.  Does the property have enough seclusion – or too much;  is the property convenient to services you feel are important and is the travel time right.  It can also help you determine personal property items which you may want to include in the purchase price.  For example, including poolside furniture in the purchase price would allow you to take time in finding exactly the outdoor furniture you want without being pressured.  Including the riding mower will allow you to avoid shopping for a relatively complicated piece of machinery when you are trying to get settled in.  In many instances owners who have rented their country homes for vacation rentals do not have emotional ties to many of the furnishings and there is something to be said for being able to use a country property immediately upon close of escrow.