The Magic of Stoney Bottom

Designed to immerse you in beauty, Stoney Bottom is an idyllic private estate in the heart of the Anderson Valley wine region just two hours north of San Francisco. Inspired by an English strolling garden, the 6-acre property and gardens were designed and built over the course of 20 years by the former director of the San Francisco Botanical gardens. The gardens and rolling lawns are landscaped with gorgeous botanicals, (some of which are very rare and unusual) and roaming pathways that connect the gardens with the property’s three charming residences.

The Residences

The three remodeled homes offer beautiful spaces designed with a modern farmhouse feel. Each is uniquely landscaped and tucked within the gardens to offer privacy and lovely views no matter the season.

The “Little” House (approx. 1,200 sq.ft.):

This charming 2-bedroom / 1 bath home features a full kitchen with a dining area overlooking the sprawling lawn, a living room, office area, full bathroom with jet bathtub, and a master suite with fireplace and private patio off the master bedroom. Office area could easily be converted into a third bedroom. Includes washer/dryer, Propane Fireplace, Electric Heat/AC, Propane Rinnai heater, Fridge, Stove/Oven, Covered Garage

The Cottage (approx. 540 sq.ft.):

This 1-bedroom / 1 full bath former dance studio exudes a bright and airy feeling with vaulted ceilings; a fully-equipped kitchen with a small dining area; a fireplace; bathroom with a stall shower; and sleeping and seating areas that open onto two private decks overlooking the gardens. Includes Propane Fireplace, Electric Heat/AC, Fridge, Stove/Oven.

The “Big” House/Main Residence (approx. 2,080 sq.ft.):

Formerly a church and the largest of the 3 residences, with a light-drenched main living area perfect for entertaining. There are 3 bedrooms; Office/Bonus Room; 2 full bathrooms, one of which features a 2 sink vanity and a spa-jet bathtub; a master suite with bathroom and glass doors to a private deck overlooking the verdant gardens; an open floor plan kitchen, dining and main living area with a powerful wood-burning stove; sliding glass doors that open onto large decks overlooking the gardens. You couldn’t ask for a more ideal setting from which to enjoy one of Anderson Valley’s epic sunsets while dining al fresco. Includes washer/dryer, Woodburning Fireplace, Electric Heat/AC, Fridge, Stove/Oven, Dishwasher

Sustainability

The property offers many sustainable modern conveniences. The compound is powered by solar (which powers all 3 homes, 3 wells (only one in use), and irrigation system); electric-powered AC and Heat in all homes; Starlink offers high-speed internet; and exterior electricity across the property to better enable outdoor living or large events.

With 2 of the 3 residences currently operating as successful short-term vacation rentals, a new owner will have turnkey income potential from day one. But Stoney Bottom is a property unique in the Anderson Valley. As its next steward, you will have the opportunity to create your own vision. Maybe your vision is a tasting room collective, or an outdoor event venue. With three separate residences, it could be a family compound or group purchase, creating an ideal neighborhood while maintaining your autonomy with stunning gardens as your backyard.

THE GARDENS

Stoney Bottom offers a botanical garden right in your own backyard with just over half of its 6+ acres planted with lush specimens. Inspired by an English strolling garden, the gardens and rolling lawns are landscaped with gorgeous botanicals, some of which are very rare and unusual.  Specific areas include a succulent garden, blossom garden, cutting flower garden, a fenced off vegetable garden with 17 raised beds, a bamboo grove, rosemary grove, and a redwood grove. More than 20,000 bulbs of different varieties have been planted throughout the gardens offering vivid pops of color, virtually all year long. The property is completely deer-fenced, with gated access to 1,100 running feet along Anderson Creek.

Garden Highlights

Truffle-inoculated English oaks

A young (21 years in ground) redwood grove

A single alley of deciduous maples

65 ornamental trees including:

• Ash
• Bays
• Black walnut
• Cedars
• Conifers
• Dogwoods
• Gingkoes
• Japanese Maples
• Weeping cherry blossoms
• Native oaks

A spectacular collection of unusual plants & bulbs including:

• Lilacs
• Dogwoods
• Camelias
• Peonies
• Lavender
• Matilija poppies
• Lilies
• Hellebores
• Ornamental grasses
• Rhododendrons
• Native Wildflowers

A 100’x100’ lawn, and a 30’x30’ lawn

Owners Note: Don’t be intimidated if you have less than a green thumb. These gardens are well-established, the irrigation is automated, and the gardens only require the attention of the existing landscaper/handyman about twice a month.

Stoney Bottom by the seasons

Spring

As the daffodils begin to fade, the rest of the gardens wake up. The peonies, magnolia and dogwoods begin to bloom, studding the gardens with pops of pink. We walk the property each day to discover what’s new. We leverage the greenhouse to start as many seedlings for the raised beds as we can handle. During quiet meditations in the cedar a-frame near the creek, you can watch the parade of deer families who stroll along the fence line. At night, you can hear the sound of the creek, frogs, and crickets from the homes.

Summer

While the surrounding hills turn golden in summer, Stoney Bottom is a lush sanctuary of vibrant flowers and swaying trees. The gravenstein apple tree is bursting with fruit and the pear and quince start to form. The sprawling lawns offer you an opportunity for the most memorable picnics. Our gardener can easily mow the lawn, but in truth, it's a fun “chore” to do on your own with the help of the ride-on mower, some good music playing in your headphones, and a cold drink in the cupholder! There’s opportunity abound for how to use the pavilions. They’ve seen weddings, concerts, and events, but they’d also be the perfect spot for some outdoor furniture and a hot tub. Standing under the various varieties of bamboo makes you feel small and our children love running through them like a maze. The vegetable gardens offer more produce than you’ll need - plenty to share with friends and neighbors. The irrigation for them is automated, so on days when we’re enjoying a swim at the river or a drive to Mendocino, we don't have to worry about watering. Golden hour is nothing short of magical. The hot sun on rows of lavender, rosemary, and bay trees fills the property with their aroma. Sunlight streams through flower petals and leaves. An outdoor dinner on any of the decks at this time of day, in this time of year, is unforgettable. Market lights are strung from an ancient black walnut tree, illuminating the center of the property so that you can enjoy the outdoors even after sundown. Grab a glass of wine, a good friend, and enjoy long conversations into the night in the warm summer air.

Fall

The change in seasons offers an array of new colors. The vineyards throughout the valley become rainbows of fall color. The row of deciduous maples turn shades of cranberry and pumpkin, and the various ginkgos on the property become pillars of vivid yellow, blanketing the ground in gold as their leaves fall. The persimmons turn a deep orange, vibrant against the shifting landscape. On crisp fall mornings when the leaves have a layer of frost on them, you can hear the “plink” of them fall to the ground as the morning sun hits them.

Winter

In winter, the town grows quiet and it feels like you’ve got the valley to yourself. The sight of mist on the hills in the mornings is postcard-worthy. We’ve thought about cutting our own Christmas tree from the plentiful varieties that are currently growing on the property, but we settle for putting lights on them instead. Thousands of cream, lemon, and peach daffodils - 18 varieties - blanket large swathes of the grounds. When we lived in the city, winter was an inconvenience. At Stoney Bottom, it’s a treat. The sound of rainfall on the metal roof is meditative. We often turn off music or the tv to enjoy it. There are fireplaces in each of the 3 residences and it’s the perfect time to crank them up and enjoy the warmth and glow. Outside the giant windows and glass doors, you see various species of birds and squirrels hopping around in the rain. And then of course there’s the rainbows! 

Stoney Bottom offers an opportunity unique in the Anderson Valley, the chance to create your own vision. 2 of the 3 residences are operating as successful short term vacation rentals, offering you turnkey income potential on day one. Maybe your vision is a tasting room collective, or an outdoor event venue. With three separate residences, it could be a family compound or group purchase, creating your ideal neighborhood while maintaining your autonomy with stunning gardens as your backyard.

Additional Property Features:

• A 3-tiered pavilion - fabulous for events
• 5 acres of the property fully landscaped with beautiful plantings, and a land and water potential for another 1+ acre for whatever you envision
• 1,100 running feet along Anderson Creek, (protected by Fish and Game)
• 8’ deer fencing surrounds the property (fence lines not always following property lines)
• Each dwelling has its own on-demand water heater and septic systems
• 3 wells – One main high producing well is the only one currently in use. There are 2 other hand dug wells that are not in use at this time
• Less than a mile to town - a flat stroll into charming Boonville for coffee, breakfast, dinner, or a glass of Anderson Valley wine
• 40 minute plane ride from San Francisco to the Boonville airport, then 1.4m to Stoney Bottom. You are allowed, for a small daily fee, to park your plane and your vehicle at the airport
• Approximately 2 hours drive from San Francisco, 70 minutes from Napa and 1.25 hours from Santa Rosa
• Property has been used for retreats, weddings, events and short-term rentals

Revenue Generating Functions

• Vacation rentals licensed - approx $65k - $75k annually
• Events
  • 5 every 6 months, up to 100 guests - $50k annually
  • Elopements, unlimited - revenue dependent on how many and package price
• Shed can function as a shop
• Flower Sales & arrangements - bouquets, arrangements to local restaurants/tasting rooms several clients over 3-year time span

Additional potential revenue sources:

Paid Garden Tours

Tasting Room

Cooking Classes

Olive Grove for Olive Oil Production

Vineyard for Wine Production

Vegetable Production for sale

Events Hosted pro bono to community:

AV Land Trust, community awareness fund raiser Garden Tour

AV Medical Clinic Garden Tour fund raiser.

AV Museum fund raiser

AV High School fund raiser Garden Tour

AV Ambulance/Fire fund raiser Garden Tour

AV Senior Housing fund raiser Garden Tour

Mendocino Botanical Garden fund raiser, Garden Tour

Mendocino Community Foundation Reception, Community Awareness/Grant award (325 attendees)

AV Wine Growers Association Annual Meeting

National Garden Conservancy fund raiser (2 years)

American & International Conifer Society Garden Tour