Secluded Russian River retreat: nature & privacy in pastoral Duncans Mills.

NEWLY LISTED as of June 2024. This home offers complete privacy in a tranquil forest setting, surrounded by second-growth redwoods, ferns, and Japanese Maples from the west, east, and south. The lush grounds back into the Sonoma Land Trust's Freezeout Redwoods Watershed Preserve, nestled within the picturesque Sonoma Beach State Park. The architect-designed house boasts solid craftsmanship, picturesque views, and includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms over two levels. A new 2024 hot tub is adjacent to the downstairs bedroom, while a heated patio with BBQ on the upper deck overlooks the Russian River ravine and surrounding hillsides. This section of the Russian River is uniquely wild and undeveloped, frequently visited by foxes, deer, river otters, and seals swimming upstream from Jenner. The area is also an open aviary, home to egrets, herons, ducks, mallards, shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors like ospreys and occasionally bald eagles.

Beyond the property, guests can enjoy walking-distance river access and the popular Islands in the Sky trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. The historic town of Duncans Mills is a scenic one-mile walk away, offering various local events and activities (https://duncansmillsvillage.com/events/). Nearby attractions include renowned wineries crafting Russian River Pinot Noirs, such as Fort Ross, Hartford Family Winery, Korbel, and Iron Horse. A few miles east leads guests to the Northwood Golf Course, designed by famous golf course designer Dr. Alister MacKenzie (known for Augusta National, Pasatiempo, and Cypress Point). Golf.com ranks it as the 30th best 9-hole course globally, and TravelAwaits.com places it as the 8th best public course in California. The majestic Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve is a few miles further east, in Guerneville, which boasts massive first-growth Redwood stands. From the property, a seven-mile drive west leads to the mouth of the Russian River at Jenner and the dramatic beaches of West Sonoma County, featuring hiking trails and tidepools. Close to Jenner, the Kortum hiking trail leads to the famous Sunset Boulders, a blueschist rock formation believed to have been used by mammoths as a scratching post 40,000 years ago. Whether exploring West Sonoma and Duncans Mills or just relaxing with a book and a glass of wine, this location offers a perfect retreat.