Sunrise Ridge Gardens in Sonoma County
Much of the top of the ridge is planted with
Provence lavender which is harvested
and distilled into oil and floral waters.
Flowering plants are interspersed to attract beneficial insects, that
protect the plants from pests, and humming birds that increase
pollination. The pond also attracts migrating water fowl and creates a
relaxing atmosphere for lazy afternoons. Smaller ponds are distributed
throughout the property to create variety of habitat that attracts
insects, wildlife and birds.
The grounds include a main house, caretaker’s cottage and a guest
house, each set apart and landscaped for privacy. The main house which
was designed by the architect Christopher Alexander was completed in
2005 and uses passive solar design. It’s thick walls are built of shot
crete. Recycled and sustainable materials were used as much as possible.
For example, the wooden floors in the formal room are recycled mahogany
from crates used by Sunkist to bring tuna to California at the turn of
the 20th Century, and the upstairs floors are made from old-growth
redwood recycled from chicken Coops from Petaluma. The kitchen cabinets
and the stairway are made from a sustainable form of eucalyptus. The
redwood on the outside of the office wing came from an old farmhouse
built in the 1800s. Most other floors are acid etched concrete with
radiant heat.
The guest house which is used as a
vacation rental also designed by Christopher Alexander was placed
for magnificent views and maximum privacy. The house is surrounded by a
citrus grove, orchards and fields of strawberries and blueberries in the
under story. The path leading from the drive is lined with a Belgian
fence of heirloom peach trees. A private terrace with a hot tub offers
great star gazing and a sunny spot for morning relaxation.
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