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A Sonoma Estate Rooted in California History

March 25, 2020 by

HOUSE OF THE DAY

A couple was inspired by the Spanish Missions dotting California’s landscape to create this family compound in Sonoma. The property is on the market for $11.3 million. -Sarah Mulholland

Price: $11,300,000

Van and Merrill Kasper purchased this sprawling estate in Sonoma, Calif., as a weekend retreat close to San Francisco. PAUL ROLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Mr. Kasper, an investment banker, was based in San Francisco and the couple was looking for a county home for weekends and retirement when they purchased the property in 1988. The couple ended up moving to Sonoma full-time, according to Mrs. Kasper. The Kaspers estimate they have invested roughly $10 million into the property, including the construction of the 7,500-square-foot main house, renovating the early 20th century farmhouse and planting 7 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Mr. Kasper, an investment banker, was based in San Francisco and the couple was looking for a county home for weekends and retirement when they purchased the property in 1988. The couple ended up moving to Sonoma full-time, according to Mrs. Kasper. The Kaspers estimate they have invested roughly $10 million into the property, including the construction of the 7,500-square-foot main house, renovating the early 20th century farmhouse and planting 7 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

The main house was inspired by traditional Mexican architecture, fused with the couple’s contemporary sensibility and the use of indoor and outdoor space. The marble counters in the kitchen were imported from Portugal. The floors are a mix of mahogany and stone from Durango, Mexico.
The couple took care to create intimate corners and settings for entertaining both large and small groups, according to Mr. Kasper. The property is on the market for $11.3 million. Maurice Tegelaar and Matt Sevenau with Compass have the listing. PAUL ROLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

The main house has three bedrooms, four bathrooms and two half-bathrooms. The farmhouse -where the couple’s daughter lived with her family for a time – and a separate apartment on the property comprise six bedrooms, three bathrooms and one half-bathroom.

The home features an extensive wine cellar, which incorporates reclaimed redwood, according to Mr. Kasper. The space features a room to host events for 80 to 90 people. PAUL ROLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY
The home features an extensive wine cellar, which incorporates reclaimed redwood, according to Mr. Kasper. The space features a room to host events for 80 to 90 people. PAUL ROLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

‘We wanted the building to be modeled into the landscape,’ Mr. Kasper said. The property boasts sweeping views of the entire San Francisco Bay area.

Mr. Kasper, 82, and Mrs. Kasper, 69, also own a home in Scottsdale, Ariz., where they spend a lot of time, but they would like to maintain a house in Sonoma to be near their granddaughters, according to Mrs. Kasper.

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