Open Season

One family finds comfort amid the vineyards of California's majestic wine country.

- Kelly Allen

"It's not always our vision, but the vision of the area that speaks to us," designer Marshall Watson explains. For the St. Helena, California, vacation home of some longtime clients, that meant devising a modern, barn-style structure that's truly one with its idyllic setting and infused with plenty of wine country charm.

"The vineyards are right out their back door, front door, and on both sides," the designer says. "Beyond, you can see the Mayacamas Mountains and the Sierras. They're nestled in this little haven; it's very comforting." 

Watson worked with his designer Mercedes Ganes and architecture firm Zimmerman Miller Montanari to build a single-level flow of indoor and outdoor spaces across 9,000 square feet. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom home's U-shape layout ensures each room has its own private outdoor setting.