A home with spectacular views and architectural touches

An island

in the sky

“Modern farmhouse” offers seclusion, spectacular views just minutes from town

Submitted photo

RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN “Spectacular” might be the best word to sum up the property at 861 Conn Valley Road in St. Helena, which is on the market for $16,950,000, listing agent Matt Bjorner said.

This property and the one next door which is being developed, were once owned by long-time local physician, Dr. Darter, Bjorner said.

“What strikes you first and foremost, is the architecture,” Bjorner said. “Its modern use of glass, steel and concrete, but with added touches of rich wood to also give it that rustic, country feel. The enclosed glass entryway that bridges the two main structures of the residence (is also striking). And the unique views through the Conn Valley corridor to Pritchard Hill and Lake Hennessey … It’s very rare to get such big views, minutes to the valley floor with no road noise from passing cars below.”

Builder Steve Carreiro, describes the unique property as “elegant and industrial,” with steel trusses, with wood ceilings.

“It’s really cool,” he said. “Everyone’s impressed with it. The floors, also. They’re dark

European oak, 12-inch wide, long plank, too, and is very interesting looking. I get a lot of comments on that, too.”

The newly constructed six-bedroom, eight-bath, 902 square foot estate is perched on more than 10 private acres, “with sweeping views from the vineyards below to Pritchard

Hill and Lake Hennessey,” according to the listing. It features a 5,902 square-foot, four-bedroom main residence.

“Exposed structural steel, expansive glass, stained woods, smooth coat stucco, and natural limestone are blended throughout,” the listing says. “The primary great room accommodates the chef’s kitchen and prep pantry, eating nook, formal dining, wine cellar and living area.”

Only “a scenic three miles from town,” the property also features a two-bedroom guest house, “meticulously designed to complement the property’s natural topography,” it says.

A glass entry breezeway connects the main living structure to the master wing “and reveals the sweeping views and expansive outdoor living space beyond.”

Submitted photos

“The wood paneled vaulted ceiling, cupolas, oversized windows and glass sliders allow natural light to flood throughout the space,” it says. “The adjacent media room, with its fully opening exterior wall of glass, offers a walk-up bar and houses the residence’s three guest suites.”