Behold, Beneath A Santa Ynez Valley Estate Lies The King Of Wine Kivas

Wine cellar
The more than 2,000-square-foot wine cave has storage for 1,000 bottles, a tasting area and a media/game lounge.

The Santa Ynez Valley is the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country on California’s Central Coast. Popular with tourists as well as vintners, the valley has more than 150 wineries, 250 boutiques and more than 60 restaurants, according to the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau.

About a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and four from San Francisco, this newly completed estate set on 12.5 acres is near the town of Solvang, known for its Danish cultural heritage and Old World architecture. Wine tasting rooms, art galleries, bakeries, cafes and antique stores fill the quaint business district.

The newly completed house takes in 360-degree views from its ridge-top position. (VILLAGE PROPERTIES)

The modern farmhouse is set on a ridgeline, taking in 360-degree mountain, vineyard and ranch views. Topped with a gently sloping cross-hipped roof, the home opens to an expansive limestone courtyard with multiple living spaces and anchored by two mature trees. Beyond the courtyard are a pool deck and an infinity swimming pool.

A lounging area equipped for media and gaming sits at one end of the kiva. (VILLAGE PROPERTIES)

The estate’s most spectacular feature is not so immediately apparent. A river stone doorway leads to a mammoth subterranean wine cave. Long hallways double as open wine display and art walls.

Wide plank floors and vaulted beamed ceilings are among interior details. (VILLAGE PROPERTIES)

At the terminus of the two wings is a wet bar and tasting area. A sitting area/media room with a river rock fireplace sits under a domed ceiling at the end of one of the halls. French doors open to a lookout terrace.

The more than 2,000-square-foot kiva has wine storage for up to 1,000 bottles, a kitchen and a powder room.

The 5,500-square-foot main house is awash in details: high vaulted ceilings, French doors, wide-plank European oak floors. Custom finishes include hand-crafted steel doors, built-in cabinetry and lighting.

The main living spaces flow into one another through wide openings. A center island with a sink and eat-at space anchors the kitchen.

The home opens to a courtyard terrace with an outdoor fireplace. (VILLAGE PROPERTIES)

There are four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an outdoor shower and two garages — one is attached, the other detached.

The site has plenty of room to add a guest house, equestrian facilities or other amenities.

Views take in the valley and distant mountain ranges. (VILLAGE PROPERTIES)

Carey Kendall and Emily Kellenberger of Village Properties are the listing agents for 2111 Random Oaks, Solvang, California. The asking price is US $8.5 million.

Author

During four decades of covering luxury and celebrity housing, I’ve looked into people’s homes, lives and property records through many lenses. I was the Los Angeles Times Real Estate section editor for eight years, the Hot Property columnist for six and did stints as a newspaper reporter, copy editor and page designer. My work for The Times Business, Home and Real Estate sections has garnered in-house and national awards for blogging, editing and feature writing.

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