Ensconced among the rolling hills of western Sonoma County and surrounded by Monterey pine trees lays this new-construction Tuscan Villa. Built on the site of a former Christmas tree farm, this luxurious Valley Ford, California home is an ideal wine country estate where the spotlight is on pleasure, leisure and entertaining. Situated at the gateway to the redwoods, seventy-five minutes north of San Francisco, Valley Ford is a bucolic unincorporated settlement between the sea-side village of Bodega Bay and the charming town of Sebastopol. Neighboring the famed Napa-Sonoma Valley Wine Country as well as the favored summer-town of Guerneville upon the banks of the Russian River, the location allows easy access to many of Northern California's most popular destinations while the nine-acre property provides considerable privacy.

Lined with olive trees and colorful wild flowers the tree-lined, stamped multi-colored driveway to the estate features ingress through stone columns with a custom wrought iron security gate leading to the main house, a three-car garage and the Casita (a two-room studio). This architectural theme continues throughout the villa with wrought iron railings and lamps surrounding the wrap-around terraces and double-door entrances to the gardens from each and every room. Stone masonry is also prevalent in archways, courtyards, the outdoor kitchen and the front turret facing the circular driveway.

Instantly seductive, the foyer offers an unobstructed view of the state-of-the-art open kitchen, a knotty alder wood entertainment center with fireplace (made of Egyptian hand-cut Travertine) and the sun-drenched living room, replete with four skylights and two arched double doors. Travertine is generously used in the heated flooring and bathroom countertops, while matching designer fixtures, doorknobs, wall hooks and lighting, provide uniform elegance throughout. The spacious layout is irresistible for cocktail parties and gatherings in a relaxing, luxe and welcoming atmosphere.

Equipped with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, six-burner gas range and Connect IO refrigerated dual wall oven (a high tech combination refrigerator and oven), the kitchen is a gourmet cook or caterer's dream. Granite countertops, copper-hammered sinks, a double-drawer dishwasher, knotty alder cabinetry and ample work surfaces highlight the attention to detail and craftsmanship involved in the design of this convivial, leisure-centric villa.

The master bedroom, which takes up a full wing of the house, is comprised of a two-room suite with a walk-in closet and a large spa-inspired bathroom. The his-and-hers vanity, a shower stall with multiple water jets and rainfall showerhead, an elevated whirlpool bathtub and a separate toilet stall all attest to the luxury of this bathroom. In addition, double-doors open to the splendid back patio in which four baroque Italian-inspired fountains frame a picturesque view of an allée of trees and rolling hills. At the opposite wing of the house, two cozy guest rooms share a full size bathroom and, like all other rooms, enjoy direct access to the patio and gardens via double doors.

Dividing the main house and the Casita is a three-car garage with a robust arbor affirming the rustic charm of this Tuscan Villa. Arbors are also present in garden passageways, the outdoor kitchen and patios. In this rich viticultural region, it is easy to imagine these solid arbors intertwined with grapevines and their intoxicating scent. Consisting of a large room, a smaller room and a half bath, the Casita can be used as an exercise room, a large private office or even a separate informal kitchen and dining room. The back doors open to yet another garden area with a fountain and a pine tree grove.

A short walk away lays the two-story barn. The classic red and black wood structure boasts five custom stables, a tack room and has finished woodwork. Between the barn and house is a six-panel solar array that powers the backup security system as well as crucial appliances for up to 24 hours. These panels can easily be expanded to render the entire villa sustainable on green energy, thereby enabling one to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

Some of the most wonderful features of this villa are the extensive gardens, patios and terraces that are typically bathed in sunlight during the day with cooling sea breezes at dusk. Chief among them is the grand outdoor kitchen, complete with an imported Tuscan pizza oven, a fireplace, bar and grill; it can easily accommodate large parties. The sprawling grounds with their stylized fountains, terraces and courtyards provide a most hospitable environment for gatherings or to privately relish the rustic elegance of this Northern California gem. Considering the Tuscan architecture of this home, its location and the natural beauty of the region, the only thing missing at this Villa-Rustica is ... its master.

-Victor Vargas