Hillside Farmhouse

Over-sized lift-n-slide doors showcase views and expand space in this design by Backen Gillam & Kroeger Architects. This warm and inviting residence, designed in the California Wine Country farmhouse vernacular, for which the architectural firm is known, features an underground wine cellar with adjoining tasting room. The home’s expansive, central great room opens to the outdoors with two large lift-n-slide doors: one opening to a large screen porch with its spectacular view, the other to a cozy flagstone patio with fireplace. Lift-n-slide doors are also found in the master bedroom, the main house’s guest room, the guest house and the pool house. A number of materials were chosen to lend an old farm house ambience: corrugated steel roofing, rustic stonework, long, wide flooring planks made from recycled hickory, and the home’s color palette itself. Modern touches for easy living include: the remote-controlled and concealed screen system for the great room porch, the state-of-the-art A/V system, and the extensive use of concealed LED lighting to save energy and properly showcase the owner’s collection of Native American pottery. Additional structures included a guest house, pool house, swimming pool, tennis court and tennis pavilion.