“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden”

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden”

― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

I was reminded of this quote from the Secret Garden while showing our listing on Dupont Road in Sebastopol.  The book, A Secret Garden, was a favorite childhood book of mine that still evokes romantic and calming thoughts when I think about the story of the courageous, strong willed and charming young girl that created a new world for those around her.

Just as with Mary’s garden at Misselthwaite Manor, Dupont Road (Sunrise Ridge Gardens) brings a feeling that immediately calms your nerves, transports your senses, and fills your heart with wonder. Learn more about this incredible home and grounds and let’s see if we can find a Secret Garden for you.

High on an East-facing ridge in West Sonoma County sits this magical home designed by renowned architect and design theorist, Christopher Alexander.  Located minutes from the Sonoma County Airport and Bohemian Grove and within 15 minutes to the coast, award-winning wineries, restaurants, shops and local amenities, the property is ideally suited for a weekend getaway or full time residence. Vast, sweeping views of the adjacent 100± vineyards, redwood forests, the Sonoma Plain and Mayacama mountains frame this majestic home and capture your heart.  Mature landscaping, multiple gardens, raised beds, heirloom stone fruit orchard, a citrus grove, lavender fields and an existing highly rated VRBO Cottage live in perfect harmony with the romantic setting of the property.

Alexander’s creation used passive solar design, thick walls made from shot-crete, and recycled, sustainable materials are also used as much as possible.  The idea of taking these recycled materials and creating something completely unique and original with them is one that Alexander exudes.  You will be in awe of the exquisite architecture and attention to detail of each room. Experience a warm embrace of artistic distinctions of profound beauty.

In this home, the wood floors in the living room are constructed using recycled mahogany from crates originally used by the company Sunkist to bring tuna to California at the turn of the 20th century, and the upstairs floors are made from old-growth redwood from chicken coops in Petaluma.  The stunning kitchen cabinets in the gourmet kitchen and the stairway are made from a sustainable form of eucalyptus, and the redwood used on the outside of the office wing was recycled from an old farmhouse built in the 1880’s.  Many of the other floors are acid-etched concrete with radiant heat. 

Sunrise Gardens calls home to hundreds of lavender plants, fruit trees and flowers. A permaculture and biodynamic designed certified organic garden includes heirloom a stone fruit orchard, citrus grove and lavender fields.  Also included are perennials and cutting garden with blossoms almost year round. Substantial raised beds for vegetables and herbs and many hidden nooks and crannies to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Underlying the landscape is a carefully designed series of swales and channels that minimize erosion and maximize percolation of runoff into the groundwater.  A pond on the south each part of the property acts as a settling pond before water runs into the headwaters of Atascadero Creek which is being restored for salmon habitat and serves as backup irrigation in the gardens. Every detail for running, maintaining and enjoying the grounds, gardens and landscaping have been designed and installed for ease and sustainability.

Retreat to the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country and come find your own Secret Garden to cherish.

Call us today for a private tour.

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