Improving on that can be tricky, but the Whittakers found a way to do so in a wonderful way! The ranch offers a lovely domestic use pond, perfect for small gardening projects and/or play. The meadows are fenced and cross fenced with each separate pasture having a walk-in animal barn. They added a hobby vineyard so they could bottle Anderson Valleys best varietals Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gewrztraminer. They drilled a well to supplement the hearty spring that was developed on the property. They placed a country bridge over Anderson Creek.

They did all of this while living in the original ranch house, a quaint 2B/1B home with a covered porch and lovely views. And, before moving in they shored up the under carriage, repairing and replacing the tired timbers. This is now a great second home on the property perfect for extended family, a caretaker, guests or as a rental.

Then they began construction on their lovely custom home (2800 sq ft 3B/3B). It is always wise to live on a property before deciding on the building spot and it is obvious that occurred! The home is located at the crest of the property, overlooking beautiful Anderson Valley and enjoying a majestic redwood forest backdrop. Completed in 1998, this lovely home is a perfect country estate home many special, custom details all of which work together to create a beautiful & practical ranch home. Skylights and custom lighting give every room a special glow. Radiant heat provides a special warmth, supplemented by the central heating sytem and the Great Room wood stove. Loewen wood windows bring the outside in offering wonderful views from every room. Closet and storage space abounds.

The Chefs Kitchen offers multiple work spaces, granite counter tops, a Butlers pantry, lovely & well designed Alder cabinetry and top of the line appliances. The bank of windows over the sink provide wonderful light and beautiful views of the valley below and the hills beyond! The Great Room welcomes as you enter the home. The windows feature expansive easterly views of the valley, hills and distant mountains. The low maintenance slate floors are warmed by radiant heat. A woodstove offers evenings by the fire. And, high ceilings with skylights add to the light, open and spaciousness of this wonderful room. The Master Suite also enjoys the expansive views. Watch the seasons change from the comfort of your bed! A large walk-in closet meets the needs of all. The Master Bath features a jetted tub, a large walk-in shower and his & her sinks. The Guest Bedroom/Bathroom and a third Bedroom/Office complete the sleeping spaces. The Mud Room offers a bathroom with shower and a laundry area perfect space to shed boots and work clothes. A large 3-car garage offers space for cars, the ranch ATV, wine and projects!

Knowing that friends and family would be frequent visitors to their paradise, they added a Guest House 1B/1B with a mini-kitchen, lovely deck and a large garage/shop. And, a small redwood cabin sits at the entrance to the property, providing yet another sweet home for guests, a caretaker or a tenant.

This one-of-a-kind ranch will meet the needs of all those seeking an active lifestyle will find it to be a perfect farm property close to town, acres of gentle, fenced pasture, good water including a riparian water right due to Anderson Creek frontage and plenty of room for hiking or riding. Those seeking a quieter life can just relax and enjoy the never ending natural beauty. And either lifestyle can enjoy animals horses, goats, cows, llamas (bring your favorite 4 legged friends), vegetables from the garden, fruit from the orchard and wine from the vineyard. The ranch is in the Ag Preserve (grazing contract), offering low property taxes.