Sonoma Retreat

Healdsburg, Sonoma County, CA

This site is emblematic of the Northern California landscape. Located on a grassy, oak tree-shaded hillside, a creek travels through the southeastern section of the lot. The house is situated near the top of the sloped lot, with its back to the neighbor to the west above. The design takes advantage of the views toward the trees as well as perches above the potential flood plain of the site.

The project includes a master plan, site development, and the design of two structures: a garage/office/guest suite and the main house. Both structures are less than 3000 square feet making it comfortable for two. The clients wanted to create a minimalist retreat away from San Francisco where they could escape their fast-paced lives and enjoy privacy in the heart of the Northern California countryside. 

The driveway takes one over a culvert and through the trees towards the house. The natural landscape gives way to a plateau of decomposed granite containing the manicured area surrounding the two buildings. Windows frame views, including a courtyard space made by the interstitial space between the two structures. The office, part of the first building, can be easily converted into a guest space with a Murphy bed that is part of a thickened cabinetry wall. The main house is a simple bar structure, open towards the view with the secondary spaces lining the length of the building along the hillside. The living area, dining area, kitchen, and small office are all open. Built-in shelving is customized for the owners to display a curated collection of pottery picked up during frequent trips to Asia.

Exterior materials include gray corrugated metal siding, a smooth cream stucco wrapping the inverted surfaces along the facade, and birch veneer at doors and lining the ceiling at the entry that slides from exterior to interior.

A portion of the site is protected by a stream that carries the run-off of much of the neighboring properties and fluctuates dramatically throughout the year.

Design Team
Sarah Willmer
Britta Tuschhoff
Olya Piskun
Megan Carter

Photography by Jasper Sanidad & Daniel Bernauer of Henrybuilt