A Hillside Homesite Reimagined
Following the loss of the original residence, Christopherson Builders rebuilt the home with a design that responds directly to its dramatic hillside setting. Positioned on a downslope homesite within the prestigious Skyfarm community, the residence captures expansive views overlooking the Riebli Valley and adjacent golf course while thoughtfully integrating with the natural contours of the land.
The multi-level floor plan takes full advantage of the site’s topography, creating two distinct yet connected living environments. The primary living spaces occupy the upper level, while the lower level functions as a separate gathering area, offering flexibility for extended family, guests, or multi-generational living. Rather than working against the hillside, the design embraces the property’s unique characteristics to create a home that is both functional and connected to its surroundings.
Architecture Rooted in Spanish Colonial Tradition
Designed as a contemporary interpretation of Spanish Colonial architecture, the residence embraces the enduring qualities of one of California’s most recognizable architectural styles. Smooth stucco walls, low-pitched clay tile roofs, deeply recessed entryways, exposed rafter tails, and hand-forged metal accents establish a timeless architectural language that feels naturally at home in the Sonoma County landscape.
Rather than relying on elaborate ornamentation, the design emphasizes proportion, craftsmanship, and authentic materials. A prominent entry tower serves as the focal point of the front elevation, while a series of interconnected rooflines break down the home’s scale and respond naturally to the downslope homesite. Custom wood garage doors, steel-framed windows, and carefully detailed exterior lighting contribute warmth and texture while maintaining the home’s restrained architectural character.
The home’s organization is equally intentional. Public living spaces are positioned to capture expansive views across the Riebli Valley and surrounding hillsides, while covered terraces and outdoor gathering spaces strengthen the connection between the residence and its setting. From the arrival sequence at the front entry to the rear patios overlooking the landscape, each elevation was thoughtfully composed to respond to the site and reinforce the relationship between the architecture and the natural environment.
The Heart of the Home
At the center of the residence, the great room serves as the home’s primary gathering space, where vaulted ceilings and expansive glazing frame views of the Riebli Valley and surrounding hillsides. The kitchen, dining area, and living room are organized as a single open environment, creating clear sightlines that extend through folding glass doors to an expansive covered patio overlooking the landscape. Designed as an extension of the interior, the outdoor living space provides generous room for dining, entertaining, and enjoying Sonoma County’s temperate climate throughout much of the year.
The floor plan balances shared gathering spaces with thoughtfully separated private retreats. The primary suite occupies its own wing of the home, creating a quiet sanctuary with direct access to the outdoor living areas and surrounding views. On the opposite side of the residence, a private Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) with its own entrance offers flexibility for extended family, long-term guests, or independent living while remaining connected to the home.
Additional spaces were carefully integrated to support everyday living. A dedicated office opens to a Juliet balcony overlooking the hillside, providing a quiet workspace with abundant natural light, while a gallery-style foyer establishes a gracious arrival sequence that leads visitors through the home toward the great room and the panoramic views beyond. A wraparound deck further extends the living spaces outdoors, offering multiple vantage points from which to experience the property’s dramatic setting.
A Second Living Environment
Designed to respond to the property’s downslope topography, the lower level functions as an independent living environment while remaining fully connected to the residence above. Opening directly to covered porches and the surrounding landscape, these spaces enjoy the same natural light and hillside views as the home’s primary living areas.
The lower level includes additional bedroom suites for family and guests, a comfortable secondary living room, and a dedicated media room designed for movie nights and casual gatherings. A versatile flex room provides adaptable space for a private fitness studio, wellness sanctuary, hobby room, or other evolving lifestyle needs. Together, these spaces create a flexible extension of the home, allowing the residence to comfortably accommodate multigenerational living, extended stays, or larger gatherings while maintaining privacy and independence for everyone.
