Northern California’s secluded luxury estates offer a rare balance of grandeur, privacy, and natural beauty. From hilltop homes with skyline views to Tuscan-style vineyards and historic Wine Country retreats, each residence sits tucked away on expansive land with breathtaking scenery. These properties blend refined interiors with immersive outdoor spaces—from equestrian trails and infinity pools to heritage gardens and forested acreage.
Here are five remarkable estates where California elegance meets complete seclusion.
1. Panoramic Sonoma Valley Retreat
This 5,500 square foot residence in Sonoma offers four bedrooms and five bathrooms on an elevated site with panoramic views of the valley and San Francisco skyline. Built in 1998 and priced at $7,900,000, the home features a remodeled main house, detached casita, private fitness studio, and luxury amenities like an infinity-edge pool and outdoor kitchen. The property blends privacy with proximity, located just minutes from downtown Sonoma and about an hour from San Francisco.
Where is Sonoma, CA?
Sonoma is a small city in Sonoma Valley, part of California’s famed Wine Country. It played a key role in California history as the site of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt. The central plaza hosts historic sites, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms. Agriculture, especially vineyards, drives much of the local economy.
Living Room
Main living room features a wraparound sectional and multiple accent chairs facing a dark wood coffee table. Rear dining area is positioned by arched windows, offering a full view of the landscape beyond. Open layout is unified by layered rugs and soft neutral colors throughout.
Office
Large bay windows curve around the back wall of the office, drawing in daylight and views of the garden beyond. A slim black desk is positioned near the window, accompanied by a mix of formal and casual seating options. Wall paneling and blue drapery add structure and softness to the workspace.
Bedroom
Four-poster bed is centered in the bedroom suite, surrounded by French doors, tall windows, and neutral-toned drapes. Seating area near the fireplace includes two upholstered chairs and a small table. Decor remains minimal with soft textures and symmetry framing the outdoor views.
Pool Area
Lounge chairs and umbrellas surround the edge of the rectangular pool, which looks out over a panoramic hillside view. Pergola with climbing plants defines the far side, framing seating areas across the length. Stone deck extends from shaded seating into the open-air sunbathing space.
Outdoor Kitchen and Lounge
Grill, sink, and counter seating line the outdoor kitchen under a wood pergola, with space for prep and dining. Adjacent to the bar area is a firepit with four wicker armchairs arranged in a circle. The space is enclosed by low walls and shaded by mature trees.
Listing agent: Holly Bennett of Sotheby’S International Realty, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Tuscan-Style Estate on 22 Acres
Built in 2003, this 6,645 square foot estate in California features five bedrooms and seven bathrooms on an expansive 22-acre property. Priced at $8,900,000, the home showcases Italian villa-inspired design, including hand-painted Venetian walls, imported marble fountains, and manicured gardens with citrus orchards and a private vineyard. The property combines luxury and nature with features like rose and butterfly gardens, fruit trees, and serene outdoor spaces.
Where is El Dorado Hills, CA?
El Dorado Hills is an unincorporated community in El Dorado County, California, located about 22 miles east of Sacramento. It sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills and offers views of Folsom Lake. The area is primarily residential, with master-planned neighborhoods and shopping centers like Town Center. It’s known for good schools and access to outdoor recreation.
Kitchen
Custom cabinetry and ornate moldings frame the kitchen, where a large central island features carved details and dark stone countertops. Painted ceiling mural mirrors the curved perimeter of the room, adding depth above the chandeliers. Tile backsplash with classical artwork sits behind the stove, adding a visual centerpiece to the far wall.
Dining Room
Glass-top table with floral-upholstered chairs sits under a painted ceiling medallion and crystal chandelier. Tall arched doors open to the outside garden, while framed still-life paintings line the surrounding walls. Furniture and accessories match the traditional style carried throughout the interior.
Bedroom
Floral wallpaper and matching fabrics wrap the bedroom, including the bed, curtains, and seating. Carved wood bed frame stands between antique nightstands and beneath a small chandelier. French doors open to a balcony or garden space, continuing the room’s soft natural palette.
Bathroom
Two marble columns frame the built-in tub at the center of the bathroom, positioned under a draped ceiling. Ornate vanity stations with gilded mirrors sit on both sides of the room, surrounded by floral wallpaper. French doors provide light and access to an exterior balcony.
Garden
Formal garden is divided into raised beds with symmetrical walkways, climbing vines, and layered planting. Central staircase leads to a small shrine or statue, surrounded by tall hedges and terraces. Pergolas, gravel paths, and structured greenery create a tiered, enclosed layout.
Listing agent: Nick Sadek of Nick Sadek Sotheby’S International Realty, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Wine Country Estate
Located near Jack London State Park, this 6,018 square foot estate includes three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a bonus room on nearly 9 acres of park-like land. Originally built in 1975 and priced at $9,250,000, the single-level home features open interiors, French doors, and a historic connection as the former residence of W. Howard Lester, CEO of Williams-Sonoma. The property offers a pool, guest cabin, pond, trails, and extensive flat outdoor space in a private setting just 45 minutes north of San Francisco.
Where is Glen Ellen, CA?
Glen Ellen is a small town in Sonoma County, California, located in the Sonoma Valley. It is known for its wineries, as well as Jack London State Historic Park, which preserves the author’s former home and ranch. The town has a rural feel and is surrounded by oak woodlands and vineyards. It also serves as a quiet base for exploring the broader Wine Country region.
Dining Area
Large open space combines the dining room and living room, anchored by a brick fireplace and vaulted ceiling with exposed beams. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors wrap around the rear, leading to the garden. Dining table sits on a striped rug, flanked by modern and rustic chairs.
Kitchen
Yellow cabinetry and a butcher block island define the kitchen, centered beneath a skylight and a hanging pot rack. Open shelving and glass-front cabinets offer storage along both walls. Natural wood floors and tin ceiling panels complete the vintage-inspired layout.
Bedroom
Exposed beams and soft wood paneling set the tone in the bedroom, where a four-poster bed sits opposite a brick fireplace. French doors and clerestory windows bring in natural light across the vaulted ceiling. Lounge chairs and neutral tones add comfort to the expansive layout.
Bathroom
Central soaking tub is built into a raised white tile platform with integrated shower and glass enclosure above. Dual doors on either side lead to vanities and closet space, surrounded by paneled walls and vaulted ceiling. Rich wood floors contrast the white fixtures.
Pool Area
Rectangular pool is surrounded by stone pavers, cushioned seating, and umbrellas arranged for relaxation. Backyard includes a mix of manicured shrubs, trees, and open lawn beyond the deck. Furniture is grouped in sets, offering shaded and sunlit zones across the perimeter.
Listing agents: Daniel Casabonne, Gina Clyde of Sotheby’S International Realty, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
4. Mid-Century Modern Equestrian Estate
Designed by architect Hirsch Morton and built in 1971, this 3,202 square foot Mid-Century Modern home sits on over 10 acres and includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Listed at $9,950,000, the estate features expansive glass walls, original finishes, and panoramic views, blending architectural authenticity with California landscape. The property includes equestrian facilities such as an approximately 3,000 square foot 8-stall barn, a covered round pen, and access to Las Trampas State Park, with potential for parcel division.
Where is Lafayette, CA?
Lafayette is a city in Contra Costa County, California, located in the East Bay region between Berkeley and Walnut Creek. It’s known for its highly rated public schools, hilly terrain, and Lafayette Reservoir. The downtown area features restaurants, shops, and a BART station for easy access to San Francisco. Lafayette also emphasizes open space and community events.
Garden Entrance
Wood pergola leads into a landscaped path with blooming shrubs and climbing greenery. Pathway curves through flowering borders and large boulders up to a rustic wooden facade. Outdoor air conditioning unit is discreetly placed near the edge of the garden.
Living Room
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room reveal panoramic nature views beyond a stone fireplace wall. Wood planks line the ceiling and walls, while dark leather and tan chairs arrange around a geometric rug. A small open alcove displays decorative plates and connects to another room beyond.
Kitchen
Open-concept kitchen includes wood cabinetry, a central bar with five high stools, and a drop ceiling light feature. Floorboards run in the same direction as exposed ceiling beams, creating visual continuity. Adjacent dining space sits beside sliding glass doors looking into the landscape.
Bedroom
Large windows wrap around the corner of the bedroom, letting in surrounding greenery and views. A lounge chair and footstool rest in one corner beside dark wood furniture. Neutral walls and flooring frame the layout, which centers around a bed on a plush rug.
Aerial View
Expansive hillside landscape surrounds the property with sweeping views of valleys and distant neighborhoods. A driveway leads to a home partly hidden by tall trees, blending into the lush surroundings. Open terrain and trails run through the area, creating a buffer of privacy.
Listing agent: Carissa Brikken Brown of Christie’S Intl Re Sereno, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
5. Saratoga Hills Estate
Built in 1985 and priced at $14,880,000, this 5,500 square foot estate in Saratoga features five bedrooms and seven bathrooms on a 13.2-acre parcel with plans for subdivision into three lots. The home blends modern luxury with custom craftsmanship, offering features such as a gourmet kitchen, media room, wine cellar, game room, and a master suite with panoramic views. Located just 1.25 miles from Saratoga Village, the property also includes a pool, spa, two offices, and high-end finishes throughout.
Where is Saratoga, CA?
Saratoga is a city in Santa Clara County, California, located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, west of San Jose. It is known for its quiet residential neighborhoods, wineries, and historic downtown district. The city is home to cultural landmarks like Villa Montalvo and Hakone Gardens. Saratoga also offers access to hiking trails and preserves in the surrounding foothills.
Living Room
Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around this main living room, offering expansive panoramic views of the valley below. A white sectional couch sits on a textured rug, anchored by a sleek wood coffee table and facing a flat-screen TV. Off to the side, a telescope and dining area occupy the open-concept floor plan.
Kitchen
Multiple workstations define the kitchen, which is centered by a large island with built-in cooktop and overhead vent. Cabinets stretch to the ceiling with glass-front upper panels and wood finish throughout. An informal breakfast table and bar seating are positioned near sliding glass doors leading outdoors.
Dining Room
Striped wood floor inlays frame this dining room, where a rectangular table with a colorful runner is surrounded by eight black chairs. A vintage-style pendant light hangs above the table, and wall paneling highlights transitions into adjacent rooms. One open doorway leads into a hallway, while another faces toward the living area.
Patio and Pool Area
A narrow in-ground pool follows the curve of the stone patio that lines the home’s rear exterior. Black lounge seating overlooks rolling hills and the valley beyond. Landscaping is minimal at the pool edge, with shrubs separating the outdoor space from the view.
Aerial View
Thick forest encircles the property, which sits elevated above the surrounding neighborhood and roads. The multi-level house features curved walls and large window panels facing out from the hillside. A circular driveway and tiered retaining walls are visible among the dense canopy.
Listing agent: Frank Liu of Alliance Bay Realty, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
