1985 WESTSIDE ROAD

An expansive and serene estate set on 6.3-acres well-appointed with a main house, bunkhouse, guest house and ‘floating’ gazebo on a large pond are just some of the incredible features of this remarkable property. An exhaustive list of thoughtful additions and quality renovations include a stunning, virtually chlorine-free spring fed 55-foot-long swimming pool; a luxurious clear cedar pool deck, a renovated spring which supplies the house water and a separate pond water system for landscaping. Other highly valuable additions include a new water treatment system for both sources of water housed within a new gorgeous separate building, a new quarter mile long driveway and a “farmhouse chic” silver metal roof for the main house.

Dubbed their private “wild kingdom”, the proud owners have sourced unique, premium and exotic materials to create an incredible, versatile space to entertain and host, pursue artistic endeavors and importantly – relax and be at one with nature.

Approach the custom, cedar and weathered Corten steel gate, artfully designed by the lady of the house and masterfully crafted by a local artisan, one cedar board at a time. The striking yet secure Italian cantilever entry gate is equipped with camera and keypad – accessible and manageable from smart devices anywhere in the world. A quarter-mile meandering stretch of newly asphalt-paved driveway with unparalleled drainage is illuminated via automatic lighting, strategically positioned on nearby mature trees for a sense of wonder as you and your guests’ journey to and from the home. It is a truly welcoming experience that peeks one’s interest and curiosity as they navigate up the long driveway towards this heavenly oasis.

As you enter the estate, note the new power pole with drop to electrify and provide internet access to the gate. A cell receiver ensures internet access, while a solar-powered back-up system activates the gate during power outages. As to magical moments – the pond’s pathway and the swimming pool deck’s vertical supports are illuminated via motion sensor and smart devices. Various leveled and graveled areas abound along the stretch of driveway to accommodate additional parking, turnarounds, boat and RV storage, and pond access.

The property’s enchanting pond is brimming with history – constructed in 1952 by the Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control project to fortify Russian River. The ‘floating’ fully restored, enclosed floating gazebo oversees a floating A-frame that is affectionately known as the “Goose Condo,” which comfortably accommodates seasonal tenants, “Hank and Lily” every spring – a devoted pair of adored geese, and their many goslings. This unique property is a captivating and inspiring place teeming with Pileated Woodpeckers, turkeys, hawks, and owls. Ideally positioned on the estate’s 6.3-acre lot, the pond and floating gazebo offer the ultimate in privacy and relaxation with new L-shaped seats with built-in storage (underneath) for storing myriad recreation equipment. Occupying just under one-acre the pond is capable of holding 2-million gallons of water and is up to 20 feet deep. The floating gazebo is ideal for casual hang outs, meditating, fun overnighters and storing fishing gear. 1985 Westside Road is a magical sanctuary, an entertainer’s dream house or for the introverts out there – a self-contained Heaven on Earth.

The main house is a cozy and comfortable 2315 square feet with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with a single-level living, dining, and kitchen that all seamlessly transition onto a spectacular flagstone-paved patio with views to behold. Boasting magnificent flooring throughout – reclaimed, wide-plank beech flooring sourced from a Kentucky Bourbon distillery and shipped in via rail car. See if you can spy the odd ingrained bourbon stain, adding to the home’s appeal and character, while old growth redwood siding, harking to the home’s 1960’s construction has been professionally cleaned and oiled.

The light and airy sprawling master suite was remodeled to capture 180-degree big sky views of Fitch Mountain, the Mayacamas and Mount St. Helena, with the serene pond and thoughtfully pruned trees in the foreground. The brand new remote-controlled, Hunter Douglas black out shades ensure a peaceful slumber, irrespective of the time one chooses to rest easy.

Step back from the master suite and into the home office/den and visualize penning a novel or two in what is a cabin-like space with built-in bookcases, drawers, and multiple desks. When creativity wanes, venture out onto the inviting deck which sits above the Koi pond via double glass sliders and bask in the serenity. If inspiration does not strike, relaxation most definitely will.

The open plan kitchen is an entertainer’s delight with its premium, stainless steel appliances. Feature milk glass pendant lighting illuminates the new, 44-inch induction island cooktop housed within a stunning redwood countertop facing the dining area with built-in wine rack and effortless proximity to the rear patio for maximum interaction. Spanish-style red brick flooring perfectly complements jade-green granite countertops, warm overhead timber beams and rustic recycled pavers beside and above the floor-to-ceiling hearth, while providing the hardiest of flooring for a high-traffic/-reveling area.

The 1102-sq. ft guest house above the garage and 798-sq. ft bunkhouse alongside it serve as ideal space for guest overflow, slumber parties, movie nights, dance parties, workouts or private meetings given its private, quiet and comfortable ambiance. New hickory engineered floors impart warmth while a new Mitsubishi ‘mini split’ system moderates the temperature for year-round comfort. The Bunkhouse boasts a new home theater with a 70-inch LG screen, including surround sound. The art studio/office/guest suite is a peaceful, light-quenched sanctuary and a true getaway from everybody and everything. Right off the studio is a rear deck which boasts a sublime view of an encapsulating forest, an expansive sky and two verdant vineyards.

Back in the main house, in cooler climates, cozy up on the living room sofa next to the roaring fire and revel in the sweeping views of snow-capped Mount St. Helena. The three surrounding mountain ranges – Fitch Mountain, Mayacamas and Mount St. Helena showcase diverse seasonal views and if you’re fortunate, you might chance upon a shooting star or meteor shower given Healdsburg’s relative ‘dark skies’.

The 55-foot long, spring-fed lap pool is excellence in strategic design and hydrotherapy with its ultraviolet (UV) treatment system minimizing chlorine use. Surrounded by oaks, madrone and manzanita trees, the 14-feet wide pool with built-in hot tub is just one of the estate’s tranquil and inviting spaces. An elevated, architect-designed cedar deck with staircase and weathered Corten steel surrounds delivers stunning sunset views and mesmerizing star gazing, while the therapeutic water rhythmically swirls under the tranquility of a majestic oak tree at the pool’s western end. Make use of the pool and hot tub’s Jandy System via a smart device to adjust the temperature so that it is ready and waiting for your arrival – a truly sublime treat following a long drive or flight.

An innovative system automatically transports and filters water throughout the property via a newly constructed water treatment house with two new 5000-gallon tanks, pumps, pressure tanks, sensors, and metal sun protection fence. The advanced system was designed and installed by local providers, Pure Water Technologies, and Luciani Pumps. Water originates at the spring before being filtered twice and treated through UV light before storage in holding tanks, awaiting demand before being filtered twice more run through UV light and then ready for use. The system more than adequately provides for the household needs, typically generating 500 gallons of water per day for household use. The two 5000-gallon tanks hold a month’s water in reserve and are always full.

All irrigation water is derived from the pond and is also filtered twice and UV-treated before storage in a 7000-gallon concrete holding tank for use in gardening, washing cars, etc. Irrigation was laid the entire length of the property to Westside Road for future landscaping along the driveway and the path to the pond. In addition, potable spring water pipes were laid to the pond house to accommodate a future outdoor kitchen/BBQ. All pipes – running from the spring up to the new water treatment house and from the pond up to the concrete tank were excavated and replace. Also, all new electrical lines were run from the house to the pond and down the driveway to Westside Road for lighting and future use. A s new breaker panel was installed half-way along the driveway to manage electrical needs below the house and down the driveway.

A second spring was developed and is located at approximately two-thirds of the way up the driveway heading toward the main house. This spring only runs seasonally, however, a diversion was necessary to prevent water from undermining the newly fortified and constructed driveway. The drainage solution was to divert the spring water into a pipe beneath the driveway and down to the pond, and when necessary, divert the second spring to the house water tank. Since the primary spring delivers more than enough water for the current household, the second spring has not been utilized for the main house, with the owners allowing the water to run into the pond.

The idyllic pond and its floating gazebo have undergone much rehabilitation and improvement including replacing the pond house’s exterior wood, cedar roof shingles and outdoor decking. Screens, redwood decking, and industrial dock flotation panels are just some of the newly installed features. An in-ground pump house and plumbing were recently installed to pump pond water up to the cement storage tank for use within the irrigation system. This pump house also houses a compressor for the new aeration system, with electrical running from the driveway that could be utilized to install lighting at the pond house. Introducing settling ponds at the entrance of the two seasonal creeks abutting the pond, combined with ongoing maintenance, and weed abatement has reduced accumulated sediment for clearer water for existing fish life, and human enjoyment.

How many properties boast their own historical hiking trail? This one! The original path snaked its way through the property, with a focus on the pond. The trail has since been enhanced through rehabilitation – excavating overgrown vegetation to expose original pea gravel, adding wood chips, and replacing the three bridges that cross the creeks for safety and longevity. Importantly, underbrush beneath all oak trees has been cleared for added convenience and tidiness.

The owners are confirmed pluviophiles – loving all things rain-related – installing a brand-new metal roof, expected to last over 100 years. It provides cozy comfort as the sound of rain hitting the roof lulls all within into a tranquil state. The astute owners also modified the property’s drainage – collecting water from the roof and driveway and diverting it to pipes that reroute to the seasonal creeks and onto the pond, instead of pooling unnecessarily around the house or driveway.

There will be zero need to visit zoos or animal sanctuaries from here on out. The delightful property attracts its own kingdom as vibrant wildflowers bloom, denoting Spring’s arrival, attracting wild turkeys, geese, wood ducks, and local and migratory birds including a resident Blue Heron. Then there’s rare Pileated Woodpeckers, an abundance of hawks, hooting owls, vibrant hummingbirds, occasional deer, large rabbits, and an equally surprised bobcat who scurried about one afternoon. Handmade owl boxes placed about the property warmly welcome local hooting friends, while the pond – Lake Mozart, attracts all to drink and frolic.

A cellular-based internet system has since been installed to replace an outdated DSL system. Further, the property has been included into Elon Musk’s pioneering Starlink space-based internet system. The equipment is currently on order and awaiting an installation date, boasting 50- to 150-megabits with 20- to 40-milliseconds of latency – much improved on the current 20- to 30-megabits with current cellular system. Other improvements include switching the main electrical panel to a solar-ready version, updating the 500-gallon propane tank with the latest model, and replacing the retaining wall below the pool with a rock-solid wall clad with Corten steel.

As for location, this sanctuary of a home feels as if it is a million miles from anywhere, wrapped by mature vineyards – Armida, Millcreek, Pasalaqua Ranch plus Westside Rd and many vineyards for 2 miles over to 101 – all-natural fire buffers, as are the numerous water bodies. Boasting peace, serenity and convenience, the property is just a five-minute drive from Healdsburg Plaza. Notably, and without name dropping, the Mayor of Healdsburg once lived here. Just saying!

This estate checks homebuyer wish lists with its peaceful serenity, living and sleeping separation, stunning swimming pool, sublime pond with floating pond house, workout space(s) –
inside and outside, a dedicated, well-equipped home office, and its 5-minute proximity and convenience to Healdsburg plaza.