Known for reinterpreting the classic country vacation home for contemporary clients, Luke and Ani Wade of Wade Design Architects recently designed a compelling retreat for a young family in Sonoma County, California. The property is a comfortable space for hosting, and includes spaces for both formal and informal gatherings. Each area offers easy access to the outdoors through a functional and spacious layout, porches that run parallel to the house, and large glass doors that double as modern windows. Here, discover the peaceful, wine-country estate.
Although the clients and architects wanted wooden materials that would match the country aesthetic of the property, they opted for painted cement board from Boral that would resemble wood siding and protect against wildfires. Nickel-gap detailing helps the siding to stand out, and the shadowed spaces between the boards run parallel to the tall, gridded glass doors, which offer an unconventional, contemporary take on traditional farmhouse styles. At the base of the home and surrounding buildings, full-dimension stone was used to integrate the exterior with the retaining walls.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
Indoors, the layout is fairly open, with a central axis that runs through the center of the home and extends outward on both ends. High, beamed ceilings enhance the large scale of the space.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
Off the kitchen, a porch area includes both a fixed screen wall and a pocketing screen; the clients had loved a screened-in porch at a vacation property of theirs, and they wanted the same kind of space here. The version that Wade Design Architects created gives the clients flexibility to decide whether or not to fully open up to the outdoors based on weather and mosquitoes.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
The architects used a mix of plank oak wood, stained concrete, and limestone flooring throughout the space.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
The dining room opens up toward the back of the house, where the retaining wall is visible, as the property is situated on a hillside. The architects worked to create texture and visual appeal in the retaining wall, so that it wouldn't detract from the beauty of the estate. Oversized cased openings imitate an open concept layout while still separating each space.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
Stone chimneys help establish a relationship between the materials of the interior and those of the exterior.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
The living, kitchen, and dining areas of the main house all open up to the porches outside.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
A mix of natural materials creates a cozy, intimate aesthetic in this bedroom.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
Porches run in front and back of the estate, allowing the family to enjoy the panoramic views, including glimpses of the San Francisco Bay; the roof also offers shade and mitigates glare. "Getting outside and enjoying the beautiful wine country climate is a theme in many of our projects," say the architects.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
Stone wrapped columns support a wood shade trellis at the poolhouse.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
The trellis also helps to visually connect the pool area to the main house.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
A small, A-frame garage serves as an added lounge space, and includes a pool table and seating area. Stained cedar siding gives the building a rustic appearance.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
London plane trees and mature oaks line the property.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
The poolhouse is more casual in personality, and it offers plenty of space for guests.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
Here, the poolhouse kitchenette encourages maximum enjoyment of the space.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
The house was designed as a relaxing retreat, full of both visual and physical comfort. "At every turn there is another inviting space or vista," say the architects.
Photo by Conroy Tanzer Photographic
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