The Neighborhood

To the East. This is a new estate built in just the past few years but it dovetails nicely with the country Tuscan theme established at 2247, yes? It was just purchased this year by someone rumored to be on the board of the 49ers. Separating Here from There is a 2-acre parcel of empty land that had been (and may still be) owned by the former Mrs. Mike Grgich, the 90-year-old winemaker at Grgich Hills Estates below St. Helena.

From the East. This view looks across the Grgich parcel in May when the spring wildflowers (mostly peas) are still blooming. By early June, this and every other parcel around will be cut short to prevent grass fires. (But Chicory and Queen Anne's Lace will pop up over the summer.)

Purple Peas to the East. Unfortunately, these are cut down in early summer to reduce the fire danger.

To the North. Out in the back yard, toward Mt. St. Helena (which is almost due north) is the former vineyard and home an ex-patriot from the Silicon Valley who held the pseudonym Vinegar Joe.

From the North. The view toward the back yard and Spirit Oak from the north side of Vinegar Joe's vineyard.

Just a bit further from the North. This view to the back yard was taken standing on Greenwood Lane, not far from the entrance to Vincent Arroyo Winery. Taken in May, with the grapevine shoots just starting to push, you can see into the yard ... but in another few weeks the canopy will block out the entire first story of the house.

To the North West. Taken from the back of the back yard, this is a new winery, still under construction, owned by Vincent Arroyo and just across Greenwood Street from Vince's eponymous winery. Vince told us it was started by his daughter and son-in-law but the lad grew impatient with the permit process so it looks like he (Vince) will be the one to finish it.

To the West. Looking out of the studio's west window, this is the home of Clayton Craeger (a geological engineer who spends a lot of time on a river project in Oregon) and Martha Craeger (an elementary/kindergarten teacher at Calistoga Elementary). Currently, two sons (the eldest Joel and Kyle), recent college graduates, live at the home where they grew up, while they establish economic foundations in the Valley. You'll notice there are two homes on this 2-acre parcel. After the contractor somehow got permitted by the City to sub-divide the parcel and build these spec homes (late 90's), the loophole was eliminated and now all of the home lots on this city street must be at least 2 acres.

The second "front" house to the West. Owned by Merik and Carol Lee (with a Czech last name I can't spell). They used to own a B&B just off Highway 29 (Foothill Blvd.) on the southern entrance to Calistoga. They are the original owners of this home (as are the Craegers in the back house). They built this winery/studio a few years back amidst their Cab vines.

To the South. Taken from the front yard. In 10 years, we've never met the owners of this vineyard estate. They visit rarely, and hire a vineyard management firm to manage the grapes. Directly on the other side of their house is the yard of Pacific Tree Service ... so they're the ones to call for wood chips. On the other side of their vineyard is a large property purchased by the Calistoga School District a few years ago in case they needed to build a new school. But it's doubtful they will ever need to build a new school ... so who knows the fate of this former Old Zin vineyard?

Frequent visitors. There are at least 10 wineries within walking and bicycling distance from the house ... which is nice.