Do you like wild turkey with your wine? In this part of the world, it’s not what you think. Once an endangered species in California, wild turkeys have made a comeback due to conservation efforts set in place in the mid ’90s. And the birds seem to have developed a taste for grapes.
A newly listed Loomis, California estate boasts some 600 vines, but don’t let a few turkeys deter you – it’s an entirely manageable situation. “Just put nets over the vines and they’ll be protected. If you don’t, the turkeys will invite themselves in and have a party!” laughs Parmis Pourarian, residential real estate agent at GUIDE Real Estate.
This sprawling 5-acre property, listed at $3,600,000, was built in 2003, and the cabernet sauvignon and merlot grapes planted shortly afterward are now producing about 900 bottles of wine annually. Impressive output for a hobby farm of any kind. Especially impressive when the owners created their own label, the Small Ass Vineyard, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the family’s two pet donkeys, Prince and Penelope.
Not into wine but like the romantic notion of strolling through your very own vineyard? These established vines are as picturesque as they are productive. But anyone considering their first vineyard purchase shouldn’t be daunted if they haven’t a clue about the ins and outs of oenology. A partnership with a Napa Valley winery takes care of the pressing and bottling for the present owner, and a new resident could follow suit.
One of just 15 properties in the Loomis Hills Road gated community, this charming estate feels “like you live out in the country – it’s so secluded and private,” says Pourarian. “But with the town of Loomis just five minutes away, you have every amenity you can imagine.” Those amenities include good schools, grocery stores, restaurants, art galleries, farmers markets and golf at Indian Creek amid all the small-community charm one would expect. Outdoorsy types will appreciate the close proximity to Auburn and Foresthill for hiking and rafting. Skiing at Lake Tahoe is a short 1.5-hour drive, and a Napa Valley winery lunch and tasting a similarly short journey.
As with most of Northern California, the area enjoys four distinct seasons, and the autumn months offer a spectacularly colorful show, especially on this immersed-in-nature residence.
Driving up to the estate leads to a circular driveway at the front entrance that is nothing short of grande. That’s grande with an ‘e’ – plain grand doesn’t quite cut it. “When you drive up over that bridge,” says Pourarian, “you really feel the ambience, the character of this home and just cannot help but say ’Wow!’ The design is traditional and feels like you’re transported somewhere else,” she adds. Visitors to the property during the annual Loomis Basin Holiday Home Tour agree that the storybook setting, lush landscaping, leaded glass windows, stone awnings and archways pique interest about what’s inside this 6,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home.
Living and lounging spaces flow through the house, in keeping with the exterior architecture. “It was designed to bring the outside in,” says Pourarian. “Even some of the glass is curved inside to bring that softness indoors.” Exposed stonework in ceiling archways seems reminiscent of winery caves where barrels age wine to perfection.
The outdoor spaces take full advantage of the natural surroundings and create vignettes to match any mood, activity or season. Drop a lazy line in the fishing pond, well stocked with bluegill and largemouth bass. Or take a cooling dip in the sparkling grotto pool with its protective rockery and meditative waterfall. Golden hour plus the soothing sound of rushing water – you can just feel your blood pressure lower and your shoulders soften.
The backyard begs to be the center of at-home entertaining, whether that’s weekend barbecues, patio happy hours (Did you really make this delicious merlot?) or cozying up around a circular fire pit underneath a pergola flickering with twinkling lights. Japanese maples, rambling ground-cover plants, cascading bougainvillea and tall shade-providing trees… this is a property unapologetic about its dreamy design and romantic vibe. The perfect excuse to open one of those 900 bottles.
