Ripple

Ripple sits in the heart of Sonoma Valley, on open grounds shaded by mature trees, with Sonoma Plaza in one direction and Glen Ellen in the other. Both are worth the short drive. The Plaza, the largest in California, is where the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846 began, and it is still ringed with tasting rooms, restaurants and shops. Glen Ellen is the valley's small-town counterpart, a village of tasting rooms, local markets and trailheads at the door of Jack London State Historic Park, where the author made his home and ran his ranch. Kunde, B.R. Cohn and Ledson are among the wineries along the valley floor. The house itself was made for privacy and space, a classic California retreat where the pace slows the moment the car is parked.

Indoors, a large living room gathers around a fireplace, the chef's kitchen is fully equipped for cooking in, and a dining table seats eight. Three bedrooms sleep six: a king primary with an ensuite walk-in shower, a queen room, and a room with two twins that can be joined into a king on request. The yard is where the days go. A black-bottom pool with a sunning ledge invites a long afternoon, rocking chairs wait under the trees, and a firepit looks out over the valley as the sun goes down. Then there is the private pickleball court, ready for a friendly match before dinner, and a patio with a barbecue for whoever wins. Pool heat is included from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.