Stanley Residence

Healdsburg, California

This is a stunning ridge-top location on the west side of Healdsburg, off West Dry Creek Road, with vineyard/valley views east toward Healdsburg, and forest/valley views to the west. The existing vineyard wraps around three sides, with the forest framing the fourth. The compound of buildings are a unique mix of craftsman, contemporary, and rural vernacular styles. Comprised of the main residence, guest ‘bunkhouses’, and garage/workshop/potting shed, the layout for the compound follows a strict geometric armature, taking advantage of the key views while creating sheltered, private exterior courtyards and garden spaces. As a result, the landscape occurs primarily in the courtyards and breezeways among and between the buildings. The swimming pool, bocce court, fire pit, fountain, spa, site walls and paths all support this geometry, with the plantings serving to soften and provide counterpoint.

Roche+Roche drew from the same palette of materials used on the buildings for the built landscape: the board-formed concrete and pre-cast concrete caps continue in the site walls, entry courtyard fountain, bocce court and master spa, while the crushed gravel of the paths and auto court matches the flat built-up roofs.

The swimming pool sits in an integral-color concrete courtyard framed by the main residence and the bunkhouses, with a shade arbor at one end, and a board-formed concrete gas fire pit that converts to a serving table at the other. Protected seating areas with plantings outside the master wing and the bunkhouses flank the pool deck. A loose grove of River Birch winds its way through the pool courtyard, playfully breaking the rigidity of the design. Through a rolling gate, the private master garden features an outdoor shower and a raised, board-formed concrete spa flanked with Juncus.

Featured In:

Architecture:  Jeffrey Trapold, AIA 

Construction:  Jim Murphy & Associates

Landscape Construction:  Robinwood Construction

Photography:  Marion Brenner