Wine Country re-created
San Rafael home includes a vineyard, wine cellar
A property that looks as if it were uprooted from Wine Country is up for grabs in San Rafael. The roughly 2-acre landscape on West Seaview Avenue offers scenic outlooks and manicured gardens revolving around a remodeled mid-century ranch home.
“It’s a unique property for Marin that’s very much like a boutique resort,” said Thomas Henthorne of Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty.
The four-bedroom residence enjoys a plethora of outdoor spaces, views of Mount Tamalpais and period charm balanced by modern accents. A remodel beginning in 2012 updated the four-bedroom listing priced at $2.495 million. Covered porches, wooden decks, a pool and a chipping/ putting area showcase the home’s potential for indoor and outdoor livability.
A long brick driveway winds beyond the gated entry and past swaying sprigs of lavender to reveal a timeless design dating back to 1950. Overhanging eaves shade a wraparound deck facing the front yard’s level lawn and wooden deck.
Many rooms — like the living room with wood stove and oversize windows — access the deck. Beadboard wall paneling, built-ins occupying entire walls, etched glass embellishments and a vaulted, beamed ceiling keep the home true to its architectural heritage.
The updated kitchen harmonizes classic with contemporary. Its chessboard floor superbly represents the postwar motif, while stainless steel appliances and a wine chiller speak to tastes of 21st century consumers. Butcher block counters provide a colorful contrast to the kitchen’s white, black and silver hues and complement hardwood flooring found in the public rooms.
There is no wasted space in the 3,006-square-feet interior. An alcove with windows on three sides forms the breakfast nook, while every other kitchen wall offers shelves, cupboards or drawers.
The spacious dining room comfortably seats eight to 12 people with enough room for a buffet table. An adjacent study beyond the dining room provides a space to unwind with a book or a friendly conversation.
Wine lovers will gravitate toward a wine room at the back of the home capable of storing 1,000 bottles.
Outside, a synthetic putting green and chipping area provides an area to hone the short game or place some friendly wagers. The practice area backs up to a detached game room or office — also with chessboard flooring.
Both the upper and lower levels offer master suites with exterior access and updated bathrooms. The deck off the top-floor suite includes a staircase descending to the yard.
Acreage means nothing if it’s not to put to use, but that’s not a problem on West Seaview Avenue. A hobby vineyard cascades down the hillside and overlooked by decks. One such deck, made of a combination of stone and wood, features an irregularly shaped pool and space to lounge in the shade.
Visit www.35WSeaview.com for more details. Listing agent: Thomas Henthorne, Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty, (415) 4875584, thomas. henthorne@sothebysrealty.com