Kenwood Real Estate Girl

Horse Property for Sale

2012-01-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

Sonoma County Horse Property $799,000

6000 Locust Ave, Cotati

On almost ten acres in Cotati with 3bd/2ba cedar log house, pole barn, 3 stalls, arena area, separate artist studio and detached carport, this super horse property is perfect "country living" or has possible vineyard potential on level pastures with majestic oaks and redwoods.

The level land is sandy loam soil which is easy on the horses. There is plenty of room for an arena or to build other structures. This is a perfect opportunity for that country living so desired in Sonoma County.

Inside cedar home with free standing wood stove...lots of wood...feels like a Tahoe cabin!

The barn is pole constructed with three stalls, two paddocks and has water and electricity.

Alice in Wonderland could live in the Artist Studio, happily-ever-after!

The darling artist studio, with high ceilings, checkerboard flooring is a perfect space for an artist retreat or the extra space for guests. Check out more photos of this great property at

www.6000LocustAve.com

2011-12-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all my clients for making this a successful year!

2011 SOLD PROPERTIES
9489 Jessica Dr, Windsor $310,000
6518 Meadowgreen Pl, Oakmont $345,000
469 Woodley Pl, Oakmont $445,000
12320 Manzanita Ave, Glen Ellen $545,000
715 Hillmont St, Santa Rosa $411,000
2046 Illinois Ave, Santa Rosa $248,000
2043 Nordyke, Santa Rosa $210,000
305 Twin Lakes Dr, Oakmont $325,000
4331 Grace Ct, Rohnert Park $284,000
6437 Meadowridge, Oakmont $288,000
4739 Golf View Ct, Santa Rosa $1,265,000
1290 Adobe Canyon, Kenwood $505,000
6440 Meadow Creek, Oakmont $520,000
1440 Lawndale Rd, Kenwood $1,226,000
6524 Stonecroft , Oakmont $345,000
5212 Blank Rd, Sebastopol $460,000
Thank you so much! I appreciate your business!

Sold!

2011-12-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

SOLD!
1440 Lawndale Rd, Kenwood

Success! I just completed the sale of 1440 Lawndale Rd in Kenwood. This had been a very bittersweet process for the seller. It means leaving Kenwood after 30+ years. It is a new beginning and a downsize to city style living,...

The new buyers from San Franisco will soon be "Kenwoodians"! and what a beautiful home site to aquire. A change from 'city life" to "county life". There will be lots of new adventures....like the bobcat that crosses the property regularly! Welcome to the country!

2011-11-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

1440 Lawndale Rd, Kenwood, Ca ( Pending Sale!!!)

A Busy Day...
What a day.. Who says the housing market is dead? I am as "busy as a bee"! I am working on three homes that are in contract and one that just closed (SOLD) escrow last week! Whew, I need a break!

Don't get me wrong... I'm not complaining. In the real estate world, a slow time doesn't pay the bills. So, I'm happy to be busy. But, mostly I'm happy when I'm successful for my clients who chose me to get their home sold, or to help them find a home to buy. Both events either buying a home or selling a home are very intense, time consuming and exhausting. Everyday I "juggle" different parts of the process.

Like today, I was the messenger, picking up and delivering documents, getting signatures, dropping off this and that, driving here... driving there....talking on the phone, driving and talking on the phone, again...oops, dropped the phone... talked to lender, get this , get that...but, I got the job done. I made it happen and tied up all the loose ends. The home is now in contract with the new young buyers! I was the real estate agent who hand delivered the signed documents here and there, to the lender, to the title company, to the listing agent, so that the doctor or the teacher or the mechanic didn't have to stop his or her busy day to do the "busy work" of buying a home!

Like today, when I stopped in to the young Veterinarian to get another paper signed for her new house, she was "busy" multi-tasking; by that I mean, between surgeries, she was answering emails, eating lunch and "pumping" breast milk for her twin boys, while back at home Mr. Mom (dad) was caring for them. What a busy gal. She is my hero! This was an awesome sight. Such perseverance to get all the jobs done that HAVE to be done, all at once. Because, she has no choice.

That's why you hire a Realtor. To get the job done. They are the professionals that do all this "stuff" for you, so you don't have to think about it. They are good at it. They are organizers, secretaries, negotiators and appointment makers....and sometimes baby sitters...plus, they are really nice people, too.

Just like my last appointment today, I met with buyers who were signing papers to secure the loan for their new place. They were so excited and happy and grateful to me for helping them find the "perfect" home. We spent many weeks together searching for that home. It was fun and exciting and rewarding. And now, for them, the anticipation of getting the keys to their new house is like the feeling on Christmas morning. It's so exciting!

That is what I like best about being a Realtor. I like the job well done. I like to be "busy as a bee!" I like helping people. I like a satisfied client. I like what I do.:-)

1440 Lawndale Rd in Kenwood

2011-05-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

Offered at $1,395,000

I've just listed this fabulous home in Kenwood, in the Sonoma Valley of the Moon. This perfect wine country retreat is minutes away from the towns of Kenwood, Glen Ellen and Sonoma.

Perched on a hill top sits this remodeled Spanish style ranch home on almost 9 acres with views down the Sonoma Valley and beyond to San Pablo Bay! Enter into the tiled courtyard through decorative iron gates with babbling water fountain that creates a peaceful entrance to this three bedroom, three bath home. The surrounding patios offer outdoor living with terraced steps down to the natural setting of the black bottom in ground pool.

Features include tiled kitchen and baths, master suite with jetted tub, lots of natural light with views out every window, great room with built-in cabinetry and detached three car garage.
Price has recently been adjusted to $1,395,000. Call for Susan for an appointment at 707-481-5025 or visit www.1440LawndaleRd.com

2011-04-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood... finally, the sun is out and the greening of California begins.. yahoooo! Here, I stopped to take a picture of the blooming mustard on the Kunde Ranch in Kenwood. This picture doesn't even begin to show how vibrant the colors were... yellow mustard, blue sky and white cloud streaks across the sky. Amazing. I love living in Kenwood!

Dogs and Water

2011-03-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

Dogs and water! Dogs and ball in water! Dogs all wet! Dogs are soo.. much fun! This is the arroyo at the back of our property that only runs after a BIG rain...wet dogs for sure.

After the rains, the entrance to my running trail is flooded...so, I'm forced to re-visit an old favorite running course: the parameter hiking trail around Spring Lake that meanders in and out of Annadel State Park.

The 3 mile trail is well traveled by runners and hikers wishing to escape the crowded paved paths of the lake. I splish and splash through the mud, chilled by the cold spring wind and warmed by the peak- a- boo sun both at the same time.

It's Spring Break and schools out.. so, lots of kids and families are out for a "bit of fresh air" before the next rains come. Good to see, but Brrrrrr...

Snow in Sonoma Co?

2011-02-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

Doesn't happen every year, but when it does it's a thrill to see and feel the chill.. I'm talking the snow we got in Sonoma County this weekend...up to two feet in some places of Lake County! I used to live in Cobb Mountain, Lake Co and it was such a rarity and an inconvenience because the snow would virtually halt all things moving...we even lost power for a few days and ended camping in our living room near the wood stove to stay warm and ended up cooking a chicken in the wood stove! Such was rural mountain living. Back down in the flats of Sonoma County it was much more fun to SEE the snow than to actually experience the white stuff!

715 Hillmont St Santa Rosa, CA- $539,000

2011-02-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

Home for Sale at 715Hillmont St in a great neighborhood of Rincon Valley! This two story home has "curb appeal" and "great bones"! Three Bedroom and 2.5 baths with bonus room for a great price of $539,000! The original owners have said good-bye after 33yrs. The kids are gone, so the home is too big...time to move on. I am proud to have the opportunity to market and sell their home.
It was just one year ago, on Valentine's Day weekend, that I was holding open another home for sale in the area when this couple enters...
" So, are you going to buy your Sweetie a home for Valentine's day?" I said. Of course, just joking around to break conversation, when he answers...

"Why, yes...we are looking for a home to buy today!"

Wow! I quickly gather my thoughts and we discussed their 'Wish List'. (This is a very quick summary of all the must have's when out shopping for a new home). They were specifically looking for a single level home with updated kitchen and ...very important...a North/South orientation for the home's setting. This was a really big point in the search as they had lived for years in an East/West orientation and the evening sun that baked down on the rear decking was so uncomfortable, this was a feature they didn't want in the new home.

... I did have a home in mind, to show them that day... off we trotted to THE ONE! This newer single level home was everything they had asked for! But, before they would write an offer, they needed to go home and think about it.

Well, of course, as always...if YOU like something, it means, someone else likes it, too!

By the next morning, there was another offer on this home. I knew from past experience, that a back up offer may be the way to win in the end. So, we secured that 2nd back up offer. As this story ends...three weeks into this offer, as luck would have it, the first buyers backed out...my buyers got the house they wanted and all ends well!

This was exactly one year ago, Valentine's Day Weekend...now, I have been asked to sell their family home at www.715HillmontSt.com. Take a look and meet me at the OPEN HOUSE this Valentine's Weekend! I can help you find a home for your Sweetie, too!

Peace and Love in Kenwood

2010-12-21T07:54:00.001-08:00

Ho,Ho,Ho! Merry Christmas!

What's so special about Kenwood? Here's one reason...the people who live here are cool!
Peace and love from the land of the Wine Country in Sonoma County! Us, old hippies can't resist a peace sign to spread the spirit of the season. My neighbor Dave created this fun piece out of an old hula hoop! We neighbors all like this so much I think the message will stay up all year :)

Open House Sunday!

2010-12-19T13:56:00.000-08:00

Torrential downpours have dampened this Open House Sunday! The deer don't seem to mind as they traverse the back yard looking for something to eat. The winds blew my open house signs over, then the winds unhinged the signs and they blew down the street! Ugh! Now, I'm sitting by the warm, cozy firelpace in this Oakmont home for sale at 6518 Meadowgreen Place warming my thoughts and spirit. The real estate market has screeched to a halt! No buyers....I guess it's time to "hunker down" and hibernate until after the New Years holiday. It's supposed to rain for a whole week in the wine country. Well, looky...the rain has stopped for now...maybe someone will come....you know, real estate is like fishing...set the pole with bait, throw out the line and ...wait..for the buyers to come...it can be a lonely sport!

Colors at Christmas!

2010-12-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

This year the colors of fall are on fire! My own front yard is lite up light giant fireballs as the maples change from green to various shades of red, yellow,orange and purple! I can't remember when there has been a more magnificent display.

Real estate in the Sonoma Valley has almost screeched to a halt as buyers and sellers interests have turned to Holiday preparations instead. But, I do have a new listing in Oakmont, the 55+ community. It's an updated a two bedroom, two bath Manzanita on a private creek setting. After months of remodeling, then staging the home is ready for market just in time for Christmas! The address is 6518 Meadowgreen Pl. Come see it at Open House 12/12 1-4pm.

My First GranFondo

2010-10-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

10/9/10

My GranFondo Ride

I did it! I rode in my first road bike event !

I am new to road bike riding and wanted to see what this sport is all about. This second GranFondo had been is the making for over a year trying to capture enthusiasm and support for a bike riding community in Santa Rosa and to honor our town’s famous rider, Levi Leipheimer . The best part is that all proceeds from this event go to our schools and charity! Wow, that is so cool! The Fondo is a community event welcoming all levels of skill from young to old. I chose to ride the Piccolo of 35 miles while others chose the Medio 65 miles or the Grando 100 miles. Being my first road bike event I had no idea what to expect. Certainly, not the 6000 other riders who showed up! But it was well organized and well manned with a huge volunteer staff directed by Carlos Perez and his expert assistants! One in particular, Devon was superb in overseeing several hundred volunteers over the course of the 2 day event.

Early 5:30am Saturday morning I donned on my spandex outfit hoping to look like a veteran rider complete with head scarf under the helmet, clear shield eye glasses( for the dark descents into the canyon roads) bike gloves, new bike shoes and my jersey pockets filled with the “necessities: goo, Clif blocks, pump, patches, sweat wipes and iphone (it’s the one cool tool everyone has!) Some even had their iphones mounted on the their front cross bars to map the route or “talk” to those left behind. I have to admit I carried mine( for emergency use only) and was very tempted to stop and take pictures to send to the world…but, I resisted.

I think I passed the test, as I lined up with the mob of other “veteran” riders waiting to start…pretty good, no one laughed at me and my new little red used Bianchi steel bike. I looked and felt “cool” enough. The start happened somewhere up front…, but it took twenty minutes for us all to get past the gates and onto open roads to find a good pace . I had planned on riding with some other ladies, but once I got in the “groove”, I couldn’t hold back. I let myself go and sailed ahead with a wonderful feeling of flying and freedom! This is my new found love! The kinetics of flying along on two wheels is such a liberating feeling. I am a kid again! …but, you must concentrate…there are pitfalls to watch out for - loose gravel, ruts in the pavement, other bikers in front and back, cars on one side, dirt on the other…no drifting off to sleep…pay attention! This was my first time in a throng of people jockeying around fast on two wheels. Luckily, this was not a race, but a Fondo, a community ride so the atmosphere was super friendly. The ride was supervised by a great group of Riding Marshalls who announced any dangers or asked if you needed assistance. What support! I know that when I ride again, I will have to be more cautious because I will not have this road guidance. Thank you, Marshalls!

The half way rest station in Graton was a bit more hectic as thousands of bikers descended on the sleepy little west county town. Cars and trucks must not have gotten the memo that we were coming! We all crowded into a parking lot with the most exquisite store of snack foods I have ever seen at a sports event! too numerous to list, just suffice to say that from potatoes to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and all kinds of fruit, nuts and snacks in between it was a smorgasbord of delights!. I felt very special and it was all free!!!

Met a few people I knew, regrouped and headed back the way we had come. The trip back was a little disappointing mainly because I had already seen this route and I wanted to keep going west to see new sights, to the ocean but, I knew that would eventually be a trip beyond my training ( which was none).

So, I concentrated on learning the sport from the riders around me. I kept a pretty good pace and passed a few until I dipped behind one woman rider who rode so smooth and steady. I followed her for miles admiring her style and her beautiful Specialized carbon–something-or-other–bike. What a million dollar piece of equipment …not really, but this ride was a showcase of the best of the best! All were out with their special rides. Can you blame them?

To wrap it up, I pedaled into the last mile to the finish with another rider and just for fun we pretended to race( you know, really fast pedaling) to the finish line. Through the gates and Yea, I did it! Fun! Fun! Fun!

Off the saddle, hand your bike to the Bike Valet, grab a beer, choose a meal from the many fine food vendors, watch some people, buy some stuff, listen to music, and feel good that Santa Rosa is creating a biking community event that everyone can participate in and share.

Thank you, GranFondo. It was fun! See you next year!

2010-08-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

12320 Manzanita Ln, Glen Ellen, CA has Sonoma Valley Views! The Price is awesome at $699,000 for over 2 acres. This home has such a great feel to it. I was just up there, the other day, talking with the owners and sitting in the sun on the deck, when an agent from San Francisco came up to view it. We walked all over the two acre hill top parcel and discussed all the possiblities for this property. It would make a great Wine Country get-away! The original owners of 35 years, have meticulously maintained it and the home is move in ready! There is also, a bonus room with separate entrance and 1/2 bath and a workshop. RV parking and lots of viewing areas to see the valley below. These current owners are getting on in their lives and would like to move closer to the family. OK, all you buyers out there...come see this place, it's awesome! Directions: Hwy 12 south to Left on Trinity Rd ( only 1.7 miles up ) , then R. on Manzanita Ln. There are only four other homes on this cul-de-sac with views out the the west, Sonoma Mountain, Santa Rosa and the Kenwood Valley to look at. Or visit www.12320manzanitaln.com for more photos. Or call me, the Kenwood Real Estate Girl for a showing at 707-481-5025. Thanks for looking!

Hot August nights???

2010-08-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

Check out this photo of a WARM summer day in Kenwood, California's Wine Country! I miss this.... because
tonight the fog is rolling in over the Annadel State Park mountains into the Kenwood Valley and it is sooo cold! Where did the summer go?? The temperatures have not been normal for August this year and highs are only into the mid- 70's. It's so cold, I am already thinking far ahead to Christmas and deciding, whose turn is it, anyway to host the family dinner?!

My two grown children are married and out of the area. Sarah & Thad in Arizona and Austin & Brooke, in San Diego....So, who will be coming home? Or will we be going to whom? This is the only time I wish everyone lived really close, so we didn't have these decisions.

Maybe I should buy them all a Wine Country home right here in Kenwood. Then we could all be neighbors! A big family compound, now that would be fun. Let's see, I could but the home at 12320 Manzanita Ln in Glen Ellen. ( www.12320manzanitaln.com ) Only a short drive up Trinity Rd 1.5 miles with gorgeous views! It's a wonderful two bedroom on 2 acres with views of the Sonoma Valley for $699,000! Or I could buy 8771 Egg Farm Rd in Kenwood, a three bedroom on 2.5 acres with horse barn and views, right next to Chateau St Jean Winery for $1,245,000! There are so many properties for sale in the area I will have a hard decision to make.

I just sold a great home on the golf course in the retirement community of Oakmont. This was a beautifully remodeled Juniper model with Tuscan wall finishes. Everyone loved it who walked in. It was a fairly quick sale ( 45 days). My seller accepted the first offer (at my suggestion) as the first offer usually is the best offer. There are few buyers out there and so many properties to choose from. As a Sonoma Valley Realtor, I say grab that first buyer when they are interested and make a deal!

So, anyone interested in buying some Sonoma Wine Country real estate, give me a call!

2010-07-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's smack dab in the middle of summer! Where did the time go???? I have been busy selling real estate, celebrated my son's Wedding, camping, bike riding and generally keeping more busy that I'd like to be!
The Wedding
My favorite event to share is the wedding of Austin & Brooke that already happened on July 3rd! The"small" event planned turned into a larger event with 60 family & friends gathered in the backyard and hosted by parents,Ivy & Matt Petersen & Jeannie Gerbich, mother. It was really pretty with the poolside decorated in white summer umbrellas, floating candles, flowers in glass vases & red rose petals everywhere! A look straight out of a magazine, for sure! I tip my hat to all the family who orchestrated this professionally staged event. The bride was dressed in strapless white & groom in white linen with kahki pants, both wore summer "flip flop" sandals. Austin invited his Navy friends as well as his Kenwood friends. It was a nice mix of "new" & "old"friends. Close family was invited including, Austin's grandma, Anne Wickham, (who turned 92yrs the day before!) was there along with his sister Sarah & Thad Phelps from Arizona. Brandon Hughs, an old Kenwoodian, turned minister, offered the joining ceremony.
After the "The Kiss", the party exploded with music, drink & catered BBQ that went on into the night. Lots of dancing and pretty girls & boys rock'n! The father of the bride was the first to jump into the pool...which sent others in one by one!
Mr. & Mrs. Campbell honeymooned at the Sonoma Mission Inn for two days before traveling back to home in San Diego. Austin is stationed in the Navy and Brooke is office manager for YMCA.
Camping Trip
Quickly, following that event, the next day in fact...John & I and Sarah & Thad packed the dogs,trucks, camping gear and off we went north California to the Trinity/Shasta National Forest. We landed 40 miles east of Redding, past a town called Haympom..think the movie "Deliverance" and that is how far out there in nowhere we were! Camped above the South Fork of the Trinity river with the campground all to ourselves. We met some of Thad's family & his dad's old family friends who also were staying in the area. Very cool, this town is the remains of the logging industry and those who have stayed on are either really old, living on social security or really young, living on the "new" cash crop, cannabis! Anyway, cool rushing river to swim in everyday. Was an adventure for me to cross a swift river, or to float with the current down the river to an "eddie", then it "spits" you out to shore. The dogs even did it, though, I'm sure they were bewildered & and uneasy about that.
Well, we are back in our safe, cozy home in Kenwood with compfy beds & showers. I love this time of year as my garden is green, the roses are in bloom and everything is just perfect! I have a little fire pit in the backyard that we frequent quite a bit. We invite the neighbors to share a glass of wine and enjoy the sparking fire of our own home camp!
Kenwood Real Estate
Back to selling real estate. I just sold a home in Oakmont at 205 Belhaven Circle on the golf course for $555,000. I am the realtor who goes the "extra mile".. I even held a two day Estate Sale for my seller, because there were no estate services available to help. It was fun and I met a lot of people in another capacity besides being a realtor. I think my seller is happy with the out come, though, there in not much money to be made in second hand furnishings...people really want to bargin!

I still have the Kenwood home for sale at 8771 Egg Farm Rd for $1,245,000. This is a 2.5 acre property near Chateau St. Jean Winery is the perfect wine-county-get-away! It's been over 100 days on the market...Why doesn't someone make an offer??? I will post some photos.
Another great Sonoma Valley property opportunity is my listing at 12320 Manzanita Ln in Glen Ellen. This property has views to die for! Only 1.7 miles up Trinity Rd, this is a great will maintained home on 2 acres. The price is only $699,000! What a steal! But, I'm having trouble getting agents to even show it...why? Any feedback?

2010-02-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

Sonoma Appellations

I have lived in Sonoma County for 25 years. I have worked in hospitality as a fine dining waiter at the Kenwood Restaurant for 20 of those years. I live in the heart of wine country, in the Valley of the Moon…so, you’d think I know a lot about our Sonoma County wine appellations, but I don’t. That’s why I signed up for a very entertaining and informational short course,called Sonoma Appellations, at the Santa Rosa Junior College instructed by wine enthusiast and wine judge, Bob Fraser.

One interesting fact was to learn that Sonoma County’s wine industry is relatively new and really only bloomed in 1970’s when forward thinking farmers turned older agricultural crops into vineyards and "gentlemen farmers" gambled on a few acres of grapes to see if they could produce a fine wine. These were the beginnings that helped cultivate a new industry.

The first thing I learned is that Sonoma's wine regions are now called AVAs or American Viticulture Areas and federally designated. A unique climate zone or soil composition are some of the criteria that gets voted on to create an AVA .

Sonoma County is divided into 13 AVAs. I live in the Sonoma Valley AVA and I am pretty familiar with the climate and geography of my valley, but I didn’t know the reasons for some of the grape growing techniques or the soils needed for certain varietals. I’ve learned that Cabernet Sauvignon grows better on elevated terraces on the Sonoma Valley due to the longer sunlight on the mountaintops. This varietal needs a longer growing season. Or that head grown old vines are not necessarily “better” than trellised grapes. The last 30 years of grape growing knowledge has turned into a science and new wineries are popping up all over the county financed by mega corporations guiding the course. This opportunity had turned many family grape growers into millionaires. Marketing is the key to sales and touting a unique region or AVA of a wine is what educated consumers want. A Chardonnay from the Caneros AVA or a Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley AVA on a wine label and the sales increase. This is amazing to me that a type of soil can influence the grape, that produces a coveted wine from a named prestigious wine AVA and commands a certain price… and this makes the market.

My favorite AVA thus far, is the Russian River Valley RRV. I love, love, love Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noirs. This region has always had my favorite wineries to visit, but I didn’t really know why until I took this class…it’s all about the climates, soils and wine maker’s techniques

The Pinot Noirs of this region are mostly bright cherry fruit forward. There are many variations of winemaker styles, but those of Graton Ridge, Kenwood Russian River, Davis Bynum, Hop Kiln to name a few that I like, offer this style.

Another fact that was news to me is that Chardonnay is the most widely grown varietal in Sonoma County! The Russian River Valley is a large producer because grapes are grown on valley floors in gravely sediment soils, and cooling weather. Resulting in crisp, clean and citrus fresh flavors for Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays. One of my favorite wines is the Kenwood Sonoma Valley Sav Blanc made from a blend of Sonoma Valley and RRV grapes.

I have enjoyed the stories of how this industry has taken shape over the years . The history of how these farmers built communities and an industry along the way is interesting.

I am an avid hobby gardener, so this study of why grape varietals grow better in certain areas and take on the flavors of the terroir has always fascinated me. I only wish I had started this interest earlier in life…I may have been a wine grower or wine maker, by now… well at least, I’ve become an avid wine drinker.

The Kenwood House...A Place To Stay

2010-01-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hey, need a place to stay in the Wine Country? My friend Don MacNair owns The Kenwood House...a vacation rental that is sooo cute! Check out his information link www.kenwoodhouse.com More on this later.....

Sonoma County Real Estate

2010-01-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

We've hit bottom and are on the way back up! So says the front page news in the Press Democrat. I'm talking Real Estate. 'Sonoma County's median home price rose 9% in December to $389,000, the largest monthly jump since July.' The total sales of single family homes in 2009 reached the highest level in four years! Read more at http://www.pressdomocrat.com/ Sooo...this is good news! All you buyers out there who have been waiting to buy when the market is low...may have missed it! My advise to you is get to your nearest Realtor and buy that real estate now!

2010-01-06T18:38:00.000-08:00

What's for Sale in Kenwood?

144 Griswold

Interested in what's currently for sale in Kenwood? Want to know behind the scenes information about the area? My goal is to inform about the latest homes for sale. This fabulous 3 bedroom on almost 1 acre corner lot, room for pool, near Kenwood Plaza and within walking distance to the Kenwood School. An added feature is the 1 bedroom vacation rental above the garage. Totally remodeled! Plus barn and workshop. Price $1,015,000!

Monster Mushrooms!

2010-01-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

Wow! Check out this monster mushroom that bloomed in our neighboring field! It's huge! I've lived in Kenwood for 25 years and never seen a mushroom this big. There is a large grouping under a pine tree...I've seen lots of seasonal mushrooms before, but these are the biggest ever! Can anyone identify these mushrooms?

Thanks to my FaceBook friend, Cecile Beaupin, who identified these poisonous pods....read on!!!

Amanita muscaria var. muscaria, the toadstool is a different type of fungal intoxicant producing Class F poisoning (Poisindex II). The onset of symptoms occurs 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating the mushrooms and is due to the toxins muscimol and ibotenic acid which are found in both Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina. A small amount of muscarine is present in these mushrooms as well. The symptoms are drowsiness, confusion, euphoria, staggering, muscular spasms, repetitive actions, dilation of pupils, dizziness, visual disturbances, dullness of colors, impression of heaviness but unusual strength, fragmentation of time, conviction of dying, deep coma-like sleep, with some patients reporting hallucinations upon wakening. Some people become violent. Complete recovery comes in 6-24 hours.

Wine Country Christmas...and Real Estate.

2010-01-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

It's cold and foggy and damn cold! This is not my favorite time of year in Sonoma Wine Country. The leaves have fallen off the vines and trees. The sky is dark gray and all colors are gone. Foggy fingers slide over the tops of the hills to snug the ground. It is beautiful in a cold gray day way. This is in bright contrast to all the colorful lights of Christmas celebrations last week. Every winery in Kenwood and along Hwy 12 in the Sonoma Valley were festively decorated with lights. I always enjoy the lights of the season... my own front yard trees were laboriously outlined with tiny white lights that mirrored the branches. I love this look at night so much so that I think I will keep them illuminating all year long!

Well..enough of that...on to real estate... not much activity over the holidays....everyone is waiting until the spring to launch new property to the market. But, some buyers are poised and ready... I am surprised at the properties that have sold this last week. The property at 3 Turtle Creek in Kenwood sold in 5 days! If you are a savvy buyer, you can make a bid on a property when attention is elsewhere. Bargains can be had at this distracted time of year.

For that reason, I am holding an open house at the property 9808 Courtney in Kinnybrook, a secluded gated, community above the Kenwood Winery. This 5500 sq.ft. Mediterranean Estate on 22+ acres is a fabulous custom rammed earth home. The price tag? Only $2,985,000! Such a deal! Come on by to see it..Sunday 1-4pm. Let's make a deal!

Wine Country Realtor

2009-12-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

That's me...Wine Country Realtor, serving the Northern Sonoma Valley. Also, called the Valley of the Moon....Glen Ellen, Kenwood and Oakmont properties. This northern part of the valley towards Santa Rosa is a special area graced with three state parks, Mt. Hood, Annadel and Sugar Loaf. So much green space that will stay forever open space is one of the reasons I chose Kenwood to live in. I've lived here 25 years! Wow! I frequent Annadel State Park three times a week for my daily runs or a bike ride. What a great place to live!
If you want more information about the Kenwood area, wineries, schools and wine country livin'...give me shout! I can tell you why I chose Kenwood to raise my family in!

9808 Courtney, Kenwood for Sale

2009-10-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

New listing in Kenwood...a fabulous, one-of-a-kind Mediterranean Estate on 20 + acres in the desirable Kinnybrook community above the Kenwood Winery. Designed by Suzanne Brangham, this rammed earth construction home has open beamed ceilings, radiant tile floors, grand fireplace, gourmet kitchen and pool patio for entertaining. Offered at $2,985,000!

In Memory of Janet...

2009-10-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Janet Laursen, passed away last week. She was diagnosed a year and a half ago with lung cancer and it slowly engulfed her body. She passed at home with her family close. I had recently taken her to the hospital for an oncology appointment and knew from her doctors' tone that she was not improving and that she had weeks to a month left...on our way home, Janet talked a little about not being afraid to die, but also, she had hopes of "getting better"...I knew she was being optimistic..this was her way..she never wanted anyone to worry for her...I knew that she would not get better...her body would not do the things she needed to do. Walking was becoming impossible...and there was pain...I suggested to her sister that it was time to bring in Hospice to get prepared for her possible passing....this service counsels the family in the stages of dying...I'm glad she did....the last days were anxious for Janet and she was calmed by the care giving medications that are part of the Hospice program...she died peacefully and quietly in her own bed, in her own house, on her own mountain, Sonoma Mountain, the place she loved the best! She and her sister, Judy have lived in Glen Ellen for over 20 years and this was her favorite place. I will always remember Janet as a high spirit who always had something good to say about everyone. I think of our times together and that trait is the one thing that I enjoyed most about her...she always put a positive twist on everything. Our first times together were on our weekly runs through the Glen Ellen Regional park, or around Spring Lake Park in Santa Rosa. We both worked as waiters at the Kenwood Restaurant and our fun time was getting together for our weekly run/chats and then go have lunch. Usually, sushi at Yao Kiko. We tried lots of sushi, but that restaurant was our most favorite! We both loved shopping... probably, too much, but we always shared our "good finds" and that was fun. Our favorite adventures were our trips to Yosemite. Our first time there was hiking the Half Dome trail all in one day! We felt very accomplished as we pulled ourselves up the last 100 yards of the unsupported wire cables that lay on the granite rocks! The final top was so exhilarating! We were the only ones up there! This all day event "hatched" the next trip... backpacking the trail where we stayed overnight in little Yosemite Valley campsite at the base of Half Dome. This was great fun in planning as Janet was the organizer and had every little item necessary for camping out. We even packed in a bottle of red wine for our evening dinner only to have forgotten... THE wine opener! We thought we were so prepared! I simply pushed the cork into the bottle and we were in business. That evening was also memorable because of a bear that raided our camp! As Janet and I pretended to be invisible, we huddled together in our make shift log jam fortress thinking that this pile of logs would protect us from the bear! We survived and made it down the trail to celebrate with beer and pizza. Nothing tasted better! That was a good time. Janet, I will miss you.

The Helicopter Ride

2009-03-23T21:01:00.001-07:00

Wow! I just had the most amazing experience....my first helicopter ride! What an amazing bird's eye view of the surrounding Sonoma Valley that I live in. I flew with my son, Austin, who at 19, has his helicopter pilot's license. We met at the Charles Schultz Airport in Santa Rosa. I was really exited about my first fly. Austin has spent over a year learning to fly and I wanted to show my support by flying with him. I was a little nervous at first, but after watching him set up the helicopter, check the start up proceedures and call in to the control tower, I felt confident that he knew what he was doing...finally, take off!. It was fantastic. He lifted us up in this little bubble of a flying machine,the Robinson 22, no bigger than a small two-seater compact car.... steady and slowly...into the air over Santa Rosa....only 800 ft. up! What a view! I could see cars on the freeway, people in their backyards, kids playing on the soccer at the high school. WoW! Birds are so lucky to see this view!

A Wedding on Christmas Eve!

2008-11-24T23:04:00.000-08:00

My daughter, Sarah and her boyfriend, Thad have announced they are going to be married on Christmas Eve! I think that is so romantic! As Thad said, the best Christmas present he could ask for would be to wake up Christmas morning and be married to Sarah! Congratulations to you both for finding a love to share your life with. The ceremony will take place in Phoenix, AZ., a pool side affair with family gathered. Pictures to follow.... it was a beautiful evening wedding with candles, lights, festively decorated tables, dinner and dancing!

1340 Kinnybrook in Kenwood

2008-11-24T22:42:00.000-08:00

I think it’s time to update this blog… I have been very busy preparing a home for sale in Kenwood. It is a lovely custom home on over 6 acres with incredible westerly views. The sellers are the original owners and have lived here for 16 years. This home sits on the hillside and from inside as you look out over the canyon treetops, you feel as if you are in a treehouse. Abundant windows and the unique architecture featuring eyebrow windows and cured roof lines are the highlights of this 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home. A rare offering in the gated community of Kinnybrook above the Kenwood Winery. See more pictures of this special home at www.1340kinnybrook.com

There are so many wonderful “Wine-Country-Get-A-Way” properties on the market right now. There are many buyers who can’t decide what to buy…and with the economy crunching everyone’s pocketbook, the buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting to see if the economy will recover or if there will be more price reductions. I think this is the wrong approach. The best thing for the economy is money flow…so, if you are able to purchase real estate, in any price range, now is the BEST time to buy… seller’s are anxious to sell! Real estate prices are at bottm prices. So, get out there with your extra money and invest in real estate. (Spoken like a true realtor!)

Wow! This year’s fall color is incredible! I haven’t seen the fall colors so vivid in years! I believe the mild weather has left the beautifully colored leaves to hang on the vines and trees longer. Usually, our early fall rains knock off all the leaves leaving bare branches for Thanksgiving. Warm weather ( 90 degrees Nov.14th) adds to the ambience of the wine country. People visiting from other parts of the country are surprised we still have this warm of weather.

Kenwood Wine Country Estate For Sale

2008-10-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about my new listing in Kenwood...I will be marketing for sale 1340 Kinnybrook in the private, gated community of Kinnybrook....I think it will sell quickly because it is soooo very unique...here's the copy..."Enchanted Wine Country home on 6+ acres in the private community of Kinnybrook. Custom architectural features include curved roof lines and eyebrow windows that evoke a storybook style with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, expansive windows and a split level living area with canyon views to the southern hills. Privacy and seclusion, yet close to wineries and the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit www.1340Kinnybrook.com for more pictures. A rare offering at $1,575,000." I think it's priced to sell...

Sonoma Country Air Show

2008-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

My son Austin is learning to fly a helicopter. We spent a day at the Sonoma County Air Show with other people who are interested in airplanes. What a fabulous gathering of new and old aircraft to view! He, of course, was hosting with other instructors and pilots, the information booth for helicopter rides. The owner Jeremy Makin hopes to launch a flight school, right here at the Sonoma County Charles Schultz Airport. I sat in this little seat of the Robinson 22 helicopter and marveled at how this little thing could fly! Austin was the pilot with another instructor and flew one of these up from Long Beach last week on a delivery flight. What an amazing 6 hr. adventure trip! He said you could actually see people standing in their Malibu beach front estates as the helicopter flew up the coast! Cool!

Sonoma County Air Show

2008-08-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

2969 Old Bennett Ridge Rd.

2008-07-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a great property for sale in the hills above Kenwood off Bennett Valley Rd. Don't let the 1 bedroom by county tax records stop you from looking... this unique, contemporary 2,200sq.ft. home with 2 master suites /office, decks with mountain views has it all... room for horses, RV parking or a pool! Extra storage down below in a basement/office which could be a wine cellar. The beautifully remodeled kitchen has granite counters, cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances included. The master suite includes a granite fireplace and master bath with jetted tub.
This is an older neighborhood of 100+ homes or more and was first developed in the 1970's. Most of the residents have been here since the beginning. Many are artists. Once a year in September, they have a community art show. There is access to the trails of Annadel State Park for those who enjoy hiking or biking. All this privacy on mostly level 3.4 acres. New Price $745,000! Please call Susan for more information or a showing at 707-481-5025 or email: susan.campbell@camoves.com.

Kenwood Parade

2008-07-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

Another Kenwood, July 4th...the 10k & 3k footraces, parade and festivities in the park are what makes Kenwood such a great place to live! . This year, several of us who watch on the sidelines of the parade, say "Boy, we should be in the parade!" but, we never do...but, this year, as the last fire truck crawled by...a group of us picked up our chairs and followed as the last "caboose" of the parade. Every time the truck stopped, we stopped, sat back down in our lawn chairs and waved "parade style" to the onlookers! It was so much fun, so impromtu! At the end, we received participant ribbons and people came by to thank the "chairpeople" for such a fun entrance. We will have to do it again next year!

July 4th, 2008

2008-07-11T23:49:00.000-07:00

Wow! I did it, again! The Kenwood 4th of July Footrace! Up and over 6.2 miles of hilly terrain, through Kenwood, through the vineyards and back to the finish at the town plaza, is a race put on every year by the Empire Runners club of Santa Rosa. Ive been running this event for over 20 yrs. Some years I say it's the last time I am going to run it, ( just because I am lazy that day ) but I keep showing up ..it's a tradition that I can't let go! This year I woke up at 6:30am and made it to the starting time by 7:30am! Talk about spontaneous brain functions! I had no prior commitment to run this race... I just decided that morning to do it for fun. After it was over, I was glad that I finished the race, no matter what time I came in. This year my time was way over my age(ok, 59 minutes, if you must know)but, I don't really care about the times anymore, I just enjoy the accomplishment of completion! There's always a good field of experienced runners verses the "weekend warriors" and the regular daily runners. I fit into the 3 miles, 3 times @ week category....regular "for exercise" category runner.

Garden Time in Kenwood

2008-04-20T22:53:00.000-07:00

It's garden time in Kenwood! Every April I get the urge to dig in the dirt! I am a self-taught gardener and love the planning/planting process every spring. Here in Kenwood in April the wildflowers and green hills are breath-taking! It makes me want to get out and plant something! I have a little patch of garden and every year I plant new flowers or move existing ones and busily tend to the chores of gardening. I love it! It's my relaxation and quiet time. But, it also brings out the hungry rabbits and deer! They love my garden, too! I am in the middle of a natural habitat: fox,deer,rabbits,vultures,and coyotes challenge my garden everyday...but,they are the reason I choose to live in this area...nature is still abundant in the Sonoma Valley. There are many wineries in and around Kenwood...some say they are "wildlife-less" deserts, sterile and controlled, from too much spraying,tilling,fertilizing, but I disagree. I live behind the St. Francis Winery and there is much wildlife activity everyday... Coyotes howl in the distance, some chasing rabbits,fox hunting, jack rabbits darting here and there, Blue Jays and Wood Doves chatting in the trees, snow geese flying overhead on their way north stopping in at the vineyard pond for a drink, deer eating my roses...again!!! Yes...I share my garden space with all these animals...I am so lucky to live in the Sonoma Valley!

The Amgen Bike Tour

2008-02-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

What an exciting day to see the Amgen bike tour come to Santa Rosa! My husband and I pedaled our mountain bikes from Kenwood through Annadel State Park to Spring Lake and on into downtown Santa Rosa( 1/2 hour ride) in time to witness the festivities of the biggest event to come to our area, the Amgen Bike Tour. The streets were lined with over 7,000 fans waiting for the pack of racers to finish the final laps around the Santa Rosa plaza. Amazing! And it was over in minutes...swooosh, there they go....it was great to be among all those enthusiastic fans watching those amazing atheletes!

Ahhh...motherhood.....

2008-02-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

Good morning! A beautiful day in Sonoma County! As I walk out the 1/2 mile to get my morning newspaper(yes,I still get a printed copy of the news),I know spring is just around the corner. The hills are covered in a fresh green blanket of new grasses only so famous in California. The Robins are busily foraging for bugs and there's a warmness in the air. Of course, this is just a "teaser" for there's more winter storms to shower before it's TRULY spring!
And now the BLOG...I'm like a new mother....exited, but nervous about what to do...I started this site to report about the things that go on in our town of Kenwood...now realizing, that it requires some thought and structure and daily attendance just like raising a child! I'm also a little self-conscience about my writing skills, since this blog idea was hatched by my web-savy, 23 yr.old writer-daughter who's quite comfortable with the written word. Anyway,this will be fun to see where it goes...and how I progress to tell the tales of Kenwood...

Hey, did you visit the Fred Parker art studio? Located behind the Vineyards Inn in Kenwood, this multi-media artist has some great work reflecting landscapes around the valley. Check it out.

"Kenwoodians"

2008-02-04T21:12:00.001-08:00

What a beautiful day! After thirteen straight days of rain, I was glad to get out on my morning run in Annadel State Park! What a great place to have in my own backyard of Kenwood! This park is 25 sq. miles of trails, water ways and wildlife. I am sure that there are a lot of people out there that have not even been to Lake Ilsanjo, which is the treasure destination at the top of Richardson Trail. I try to use this park three days a week. Sometimes I run with others, sometimes alone. It is my workout, my santity , my space, my communion with nature--and it's right here in my town of Kenwood--well, it's really Santa Rosa officially, but, the trailhead on Lawndale Rd. is 1/2 mile from the Kenwood borderline....so, I think it's O.K. to say Kenwood.

About that. I like to call myself a "Kenwoodian", which, if you are part of anything to do with Kenwood, you are in the "loop" and you can then call yourself a "Kenwoodian". That said, we Kenwoodians are proud of our small town village with it's eclectic group of people...artists, winemakers, families, and transplants from everywhere bigger that this town!

I must add this information about our Sonoma County Parks. Many use Sonoma County parks and don't pay the useage fee. They park outside the gates and walk, bike or run in. Remember these parks are underfunded...a donation to the Sonoma County Trail Council(http://www.sonomatrails.org/) would be a great way to show your appreciation for these open spaces.
That's all for now...see you in Kenwood...and maybe on the trails of Annadel!

The recent Rain Storm

2008-01-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

The recent rains here in Sonoma County were exciting! Look at the damage of fallen trees in Kenwood resident, Randy Colfer's front yard...a freak wind toppled 8 trees on his property on Sat. 1/28...Wow!

2008-01-28T22:59:00.000-08:00

This is a site in the works...I will be posting happenings, current events and other musings about living in my home town of Kenwood in Sonoma County, Ca.

The view from my backyard...

2008-01-28T19:36:00.000-08:00