Great Estates

An island in the sky

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

RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN

‘S pectacular” 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

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861 Conn Valley Road, St. Helena

861connvalley.com MATT BJORNER (310) 528-1768 Mbjorner@gmail.com 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.”

“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.”

The master wing features a private study, spacious bedroom with interior living area, covered outdoor patio, spa-inspired bathroom, expansive walk-in closet and two private studios below.

The nearby guest house, roughly 1,000 square feet, offers two more bedroom suites, living room, kitchenette and covered outdoor deck.

The unique marriage of metal and glass and the warmth of the vertical farmhouse wood siding creates an interesting modern/ industrial/farmhouse feel to the property, the listing says. And this all opens to a limestone patio that spans the length of the main residence, offering “the amenities and setting for private relaxing and entertaining.

“Accessible from all main living areas and the master suite, the patio features a covered cabana with outdoor kitchen, infinity edge pool and spa, full bathroom with changing area, sunken fire pit with built-in banquet, wood burning outdoor fireplace, and covered sitting areas outside the great room and master suite.”

The bocce court sits below the pool with lighting for night time play.

The estate is designed to invite indoor/ outdoor living.

“Throughout the main residence, expansive walls of glass open up to seamlessly connect the interior and exterior living spaces,” it says. “Outside the great room,

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the 270-plus square foot covered patio features a custom stained wood paneled ceiling, exposed structural steel beams, recessed lighting and speakers. The exterior limestone patios subtly transition at the same level into the wide plank oak hardwood floors inside the residence.”

All in all, it’s an impressive place to be, Carreiro said.

“The vision was to make it to appeal to someone who really wants a unique place to live,” he said. “I am most impressed with how the house fits in with the landscape. You feel like you’re on a million acres, so it has a really unique seclusion and connection with nature. I’m impressed with what nature does with it. The clouds are up there. The sunrises are amazing in the morning. The big glass doors that open up to the outside, gives you the feeling like you’re out in the middle of nowhere, though you’re not that far from town. It’s really a fun place to be. Spectacular views everywhere. It’s really cool.”