Northern California's Premier Wine Country EstateSuperbly situated near the southern end of The Valley of the Moon, Shanel unfolds as you climb up the rolling hills of Sonoma Mountain. Like a rambling country estate, much of the approximately 362-acre property is moss covered oak woodland or sun-splashed meadow, carpeted with wildflowers, teeming with game. Ridges and Valleys to the north are home to deer and fox. This timeless backdrop provided the perfect setting for a residential compound reminiscent of an Italian mountain village.The gardens and grounds at Shanel are a tribute to the vast talents of Berkeley landscape architect Mai Arbegast. With Sonoma's temperate climate, Arbegast designed a landscape to be enjoyed all year, one that fits seamlessly with the wild surroundings. As reported in the August 1997 issue of Architectural Digest, "With the exception of the intimate hedged and walled rose garden, her design is as much forest as garden, with more color coming from foliage than flowers." In harmony with the indigenous landscape, Arbegast planted some 2,000 trees and countless shrubs and bulbs. A greenhouse and lathe house for tropical plants, a fruit orchard, raised vegetable beds, a gourd patch and an herb garden provide bounty and color for the table. Completed in 1995, the meandering hillside mansion looks like it was built and expanded over the ages. Without a single 90 degree angle, the residence wraps around a spacious courtyard on one side while offering panoramic views of Sonoma Valley and San Francisco Bay on the other. Dedicated to authenticity, San Francisco architect Sandy Walker imported centuries old Italian roof tiles and 200-year old beams from a Nevada barn owned by Pony Express rider Snowshoe Thompson. Walls of hand-smoothed plaster are colored in a pale ochre and radiant heat brings modern comfort to beautiful Travertine and oak floors. Shanel's seven fireplaces cast a warm glow and provide the perfect remedy for Sonoma Valley's cool ev
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