From the vineyard valleys of Napa to the forested hills of Marin, California is home to a breathtaking array of secluded estates that redefine luxury living. These private retreats offer more than space—they provide sanctuary, whether through panoramic vineyard views, solar-powered sustainability, or tucked-away terraces framed by sycamore and oak.
With features like infinity-edge pools, villa-style guesthouses, and wine libraries, each property is a masterclass in refined design and complete escape. Explore five extraordinary estates that blend architectural elegance with the quiet grandeur of California’s most peaceful landscapes.
1. Contemporary Craftsman Estate
This contemporary craftsman estate in Napa Valley was built in 2015 and offers 6,700 square feet of luxury living space with 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Set on a private 10-acre gated property near Meadowood Resort, the home includes high-end features such as a chef’s kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, Control4 smart automation, radiant heating, and resort-style amenities including a pool, spa, and sports courts.
Listed at $7,500,000, this single-family residence blends refined design with panoramic vineyard and valley views.
Where is St. Helena, CA?
St. Helena is a small city in Napa County, California, located in the heart of the Napa Valley wine region. It is home to numerous wineries, vineyards, and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. The downtown area features boutique shops, tasting rooms, and historic architecture. St. Helena plays a central role in the region’s wine production and tourism industries.
Living Room
Stonework wraps around the fireplace at the center of the living room, framed by large leather sectionals and wooden ceiling beams overhead. Sliding glass doors open to a deck with a hammock, offering views of the surrounding greenery. A ceiling fan and recessed lights complete the relaxed layout, with natural tones throughout the space.
Kitchen
Wooden cabinetry and stainless steel appliances line the perimeter of the kitchen, anchored by a granite-topped island with a built-in sink. Double refrigerators and a professional range hood sit between windows that bring in wooded views. Beamed ceilings and warm flooring carry the rustic-modern feel across the open layout.
Bedroom
Large corner windows in the bedroom frame a view of distant mountains, stretching behind a stone fireplace built into one wall. A king-sized bed sits below wooden ceiling beams, with glass doors leading out to a private terrace. The room combines soft blue-gray walls with rich trim and wood flooring.
Rec Room
A long wet bar runs along one wall of the rec room, complete with stools, cabinetry, and a microwave. A foosball table sits in the center of the open floorplan beside a large TV, while glass doors provide access to the deck. Dark wood beams and ceiling planks match the flooring and furniture throughout the room.
Pool Deck
Infinity-edge pool extends toward a forested valley beyond the deck, bordered by lounge chairs and shaded umbrellas. Wooden planks surround the pool, offering seating areas and space to walk along its edge. Views stretch out across treetops and rolling hills under open skies.
Listing agent: John Bruce of Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Sonoma Retreat
Located in Sonoma, this 4,349 square foot single-family home was built in 2008 and includes 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Listed at $6,995,000, the estate sits across a serene creek surrounded by oak and sycamore trees and features a main residence with a chef’s kitchen, spacious primary suite, guest suite, wine room, and library. A private guest house adds additional living space with its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area.
Where is Sonoma, CA?
Sonoma is a historic city in Sonoma County, California, located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is known for its central plaza, preserved mission, and role in California’s independence from Mexico. The city is surrounded by vineyards and is a key part of the Sonoma Valley wine industry. Sonoma also hosts seasonal festivals and farmers’ markets centered around its plaza.
Living Room
Steel beams span above the living room, where a large wood-paneled wall integrates a fireplace and built-in cabinetry. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the seating area with natural light and views of surrounding hills. Neutral-toned furniture is anchored around a low black coffee table with a large planter centerpiece.
Kitchen
Two long countertops run parallel in the kitchen, separated by a glass-topped oval table with modern stools. Wood cabinetry and black granite surfaces are paired with stainless steel appliances, all oriented toward a large window framing the hills beyond. A narrow skylight above the dining area adds vertical light to the space.
Library
Tall shelves line one wall of the library and study, filled with books and paired with a white sectional tucked into the corner. Large gridded windows stretch up to the ceiling, offering a full view of the sloped landscape outside. A glass-topped desk and modern chandelier define the room’s multifunctional setup.
Bedroom
Custom wood cabinetry frames the fireplace in the bedroom, with open shelving and drawers built around a central recess. The bed faces floor-to-ceiling windows and a private outdoor view, grounded by slate tile floors. Above, exposed beams match those in the adjacent spaces, linking the room with the rest of the home’s design.
Terrace
Wicker lounge furniture and a dining table are arranged on the outdoor terrace, set beneath a slatted awning for partial shade. Glass railings preserve wide views across the wooded valley and rolling terrain below. Potted plants and a minimalist aesthetic keep the space open and aligned with the surrounding environment.
Listing agents: Maurice Tegelaar, Matt R Sevenau of Compass, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
3. European-Style Villa in Glen Ellen
Located in Glen Ellen, this 4,598 square foot European-style estate was built in 2010 and features 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, including a guest house with its own bed and bath. Priced at $6,495,000, the property sits on over 5 acres with sweeping views of the Valley of the Moon and includes radiant heated floors, French oak flooring, custom cabinetry, and lush landscaping with a bocce court and garden. Additional amenities include a Villa Barn with RV storage, a detached three-car garage, and a garden-view studio.
Where is Glen Ellen, CA?
Glen Ellen is a small town in Sonoma Valley, California, located north of Sonoma and surrounded by vineyards and oak-covered hills. It was once home to author Jack London, whose ranch is now a state historic park. The town features local wineries, tasting rooms, and a laid-back village center. Glen Ellen is also known for nearby nature preserves and hiking trails.
Living Room
Vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams rise above the living room, where a white sofa and armchairs face a rustic coffee table. A long dining table sits beside a set of windows, with woven chairs arranged to catch natural light. Arched doorways and soft yellow walls give the open-concept space a warm, cohesive feel.
Kitchen
Cream cabinetry and a soft backsplash wrap around the kitchen, anchored by a center island with a built-in sink and polished surface. A large window behind the stove offers tree-framed views of the valley beyond. Pendant lights hang above the workspace, and black-and-brass accents add contrast to the pastel tones.
Bedroom
French doors in the bedroom open to a Juliet balcony that overlooks treetops, allowing fresh air and filtered light to flow inside. Pale upholstered chairs and a subtle floral bedspread complement the soft color palette. A curved window on the side wall adds another source of daylight to the peaceful room.
Bathroom
Marble detailing runs along the lower walls and continues into the walk-in shower and around the soaking tub in the bathroom. Twin vanities stretch along one side, with a central set of windows framing garden views. Glass doors and white cabinetry keep the space feeling open and bright.
Pool Area
Freeform pool curves around a sun-soaked patio enclosed by the home’s stucco walls and terracotta roofing. Round shrubs, flowering bushes, and stone retaining walls soften the edges of the courtyard. Lounge chairs and colorful beach balls suggest a relaxed, private outdoor retreat.
Listing agent: Nancy Gillespie of Compass, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
4. Modern Sustainable Estate in West Marin
Tucked into the rolling hills of West Marin, this 7,437 square foot estate offers a striking fusion of modern design and self-sufficient living on 10.23 acres. Built in 1988, the residence features 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and includes an attached ADU with private access. Priced at $6,995,000, highlights include a solar-heated pool, koi pond, orchard, expansive terraces, and smart-home systems supported by solar power, water storage, and high-speed fiber internet.
Where is Nicasio, CA?
Nicasio is a rural community in western Marin County, California, situated inland from Point Reyes and west of San Rafael. It centers around Nicasio Square, with a church, general store, and the historic Rancho Nicasio roadhouse. The area is primarily agricultural, with open pastures, ranches, and low hills. Nicasio Reservoir nearby supports fishing and seasonal recreation.
Living Room
Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the living room, showcasing the surrounding forest and letting in natural light from all sides. A tall dark-tiled fireplace anchors the space, framed by sectional seating and paired armchairs. The vaulted ceiling peaks above a geometric pendant light, emphasizing the vertical openness.
Kitchen
Black granite counters and white cabinetry contrast across the kitchen, with a wood-topped island positioned at the center. Stainless steel appliances, including a double-door fridge, run along the back wall under recessed lighting. Four woven barstools line the outer counter that extends into the adjacent hallway.
Dining Area
A wooden dining table sits beside multiple sliding doors in the dining area, surrounded by white-upholstered chairs and a black drum pendant light. Glass walls open on three sides, connecting directly to decks and landscaped patios. Greenery outside blends with clean-lined decor for a unified indoor-outdoor flow.
Library Lounge
An open mezzanine library above the lounge features built-in bookshelves and a black metal railing, mirroring the design of the lower-level shelving. Two velvet swivel chairs and a low black table form a sitting area near the staircase. A fur rug and vases add soft texture to the minimalist layout.
Bedroom
A tiled fireplace stretches vertically in the bedroom, dividing the space between a king-sized bed and a corner reading nook with a cushioned lounge chair. Large windows and high ceilings maintain the open, airy tone of the design. Neutral textiles and soft carpet keep the room grounded in comfort.
Listing agents: Isaiah Chass, Sean Payne of Livxplore Real Estate & Lifestyle, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
5. 50-Acre Property in Fairfax
This Fairfax estate spans 4,457 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms in the main home, built in 2018, and includes a separate 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU with approximately 720 square feet. Priced at $7,200,000, the property covers 50 acres, much of it open space, and includes parcels earmarked for development, including 20 affordable homes and additional single-family residences with ADUs. The existing homes feature a chef’s kitchen, radiant heated floors, and scenic views of Mount Tamalpais, along with an almost completed swimming pool.
Where is Fairfax, CA?
Fairfax is a town in Marin County, California, located at the base of Mount Tamalpais, northwest of San Rafael. It has a compact downtown with live music venues, cafes, and locally owned shops. Fairfax is known for its progressive culture and outdoor access, including biking and hiking trails that connect to nearby open space preserves. The town hosts annual events like the Fairfax Festival and EcoFest.
Entrance
Concrete steps lead up to the front of the house, framed by native plants and mature trees along a wood-chip path. A modern façade features wood siding under a flat roofline, with black-framed glass doors at the entry. A bench and potted plants near the doorway add warmth to the minimalist design.
Kitchen and Dining Area
Wood cabinetry and stone countertops line the kitchen, which includes a central island with bar seating and a prominent range hood. Pendant lights hang above the island, and a large window behind the sink brings in views of the trees. Dining tables extend into the open plan, with upholstered chairs arranged beneath recessed lighting and decorative textiles.
Meditation and Living Space
Floor cushions, a large area rug, and low décor elements designate a meditation zone beside a lounge area filled with woven furniture and vibrant throws. Art scrolls and potted plants line the walls, blending cultural elements with natural tones. An open layout connects seamlessly with the kitchen and dining areas in the background.
Bedroom
Soft daylight filters through three windows in the bedroom, where a blue comforter and neutral rug set a calm tone. A small desk, tall bookshelf, and decorative pottery create a lived-in yet uncluttered feel. Light wood floors and white walls keep the space grounded and bright.
Bathroom
Stone textures dominate the bathroom, where a deep tub with a wooden surround sits beside a walk-in shower and rainfall fixture. A round stone sink rests atop a wood vanity under a minimalist mirror and lighting. A skylight over the shower casts soft natural light into the enclosed space.
Listing agent: Michael W Jackson of Luxe Places International Realty, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
