Two Retreats Close to Downtowns

If you like wilderness of the retreat, but wouldn't mind to be not more than 20 min away from the downtown, here are two retreats for you, one 20 min from downtown Palo Alto and another 15 min from downtown Santa Rosa.

Bear Gulch Rd, Woodside listing, courtesy of Jim Irizarry of Terrace Homes, available for lease, lease with option to buy or purchase:

Have you heard about Bear Gulch in Woodside area? It is the place where supposedly last grizzly was sighted and shot on the Peninsula around 1860. Today, there is a private road along the Bear Gulch from Woodside (R 84) to Skyline Blvd. by the way, once I am on "the bear subject", according to San Francisco Chronicle, bears are back  on the Peninsula! But coming back Bay Gulch Rd is a perfect retreat 10 min drive from downtown Woodside (OK, it is not much of a town) and 20 min from University Ave in Palo Alto. So crossing the gate of the private road takes you back and forth between civilization and wilderness. The area is zoned RM (Resource Management) and there a lot of benefits to this type of zoning!

This 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, approx. 3,600 sq.f  property, adjacent to Wunderlick Park, is situated on approximately 3.5 acres. It offers spectacular views of the bay & nature from practically all living areas.

Warrington Rd, Santa Rosa, courtesy of Karen Roberts, Keller Williams:

This private retreat offers amazing panoramic views and sunsets and is located just minutes from town. This 3000 sq. ft home also works well as a 4 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms home with a 2 bedrooms /1bathroom guest suit. The 23+ acres allows for numerous uses such as horse property, mini ranch, vineyard, etc. It is newly remodeled with an open floor plan and lots of light. It has abundant trees, wildlife, pasture and deed to a natural spring.

 

So, if you like to switch from and to seclusion with ease - these places are for you. 

A More “Remote” Retreat...

Were you looking for a hexagonal house? Here it is:

Where? This unique property on over 40 acres of land I would like to tell you about is 20 minutes from Fort Ross and the ocean but not in the fog (Fort Ross Rd, Courtesy of Joe White of Joe White Office and NorCal MLS). It is slightly over 2 hrs from San Francisco.

Have you ever been in Fort Ross? If not - I strongly recommend. Not only you will experience an amazing and exciting ride along the cost, but discover a wonderful part of California's history. See for yourself:

But about the house. You will not be entirely isolated. It is 40 minutes from down town Guerneville and Russian River and over 1 hr from Santa Rosa. The property is nice, clean, turnkey, offers panoramic views, privacy, 1/3 gentle, orchard, ridge top large redwoods. It is extremely well planned and built with excellent materials. It was built by professionals (copper shakes primary house is in a shape of hexagon). There is also a sleeping cabin and deck, coop for chickens, dogs, guinea pigs. There is a garden and it could be a horse property. Here are more pictures of the house and the property:

I almost forgot to tell you about the price. It all comes below $500,000 (it was around $700k before) plus $533 HOA fee. It is time to discover!

Retreating Not Too Far...

Scotts Valley at Its Best for less than $880k - courtesy of Judy Brose, Century 21 Lad Realty 

If you are looking for a nice 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms house 1hr 15 min drive from San Francisco, don't look any further. This Scotts Valley property offers fantastic views across your own valley - a beautiful 26 acre parcel with 2-3 usable acres near home. The house is  full of light and views are from everywhere. There were many upgrades done to the property since 2006.   Over 500 sq. f. addition was placed over the garage and can be accessed from home. It is only 12 minutes from Scotts Valley and  30 min from San Jose.

Just see for yourself:

or if you prefer your retreat even closer to San Francisco - please check this one in

A Stunning Contemporary House in Los Gatos Mountains on the 21 acres parcel for less than $1.6 M - courtesy of Nancy Cole, Coldwell Banker

It is a 5 bedrooms, 3 and half bathrooms house with extraordinary views, award winning remodel. Beautifully remodeled 20 x 30 ft. living room which is the most extraordinary focal point of the home, a second level gallery w/art displays overlooks the living room. It also features beautifully remodeled kitchen with slab granite counters,built in refrigerators, abundant cabinet storage and much more. Again, see for yourself:  

Hope you enjoy seeing these properties. Please do not be shy with your comments.