High in the hills west of Sonoma is a rambling subdivision of 1960’s California ranch houses scattered amongst rugged Live Oaks and serpentine outcroppings. Riding trails wind throughout the terrain, giving way to views of wineries, cattle ranches, and the San Pablo Bay in the distance. This is quintessential California ranch land.

The new owners were primarily interested in retaining the character of the original design, with a few concessions for modern living. Separate kitchen, living, and dining areas were combined into a single great room. Reorganization of the plan allowed for inserting two new bedrooms and bathrooms, without enlarging the footprint. The deck, with its fabulous view, was replaced, and a new pool terrace and guest house designed (though these were not constructed and exist here as renderings of what might have been).

The house sits high on a knoll and low to the ground, surrounded by gnarled oaks. Downhill, a view opens up of the bay, with Mount Diablo visible in the far distance. The house is long an boomerang shaped, with each room taking advantage of the downhill view.

The White Oak Residence was originally constructed in 1969 and owned by one family prior to our remodel work. The house was designed by the homeowner. Its design combined the low-slung, openness of typical mid-century homes with a nostalgic nod to “old California.” A low verandah and extra wide redwood eaves surround the house, reminiscent of Spanish mission or hacienda.

Architecture and landscape design were by CWA. Interior design was by Alyson Howe Art & Interiors. Alyssa Little AD Home Styling provided staging for these photos, which were expertly captured by Bart Edson. Brodie Construction Management provided vision and management for the whole project.