Mayacama: I Found Paradise in Northern Cali’s Wine Country. And I Will Never Be The Same

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Late last summer, 2011, we were in Sonoma County, California where I toured a most amazing property called Mayacama. I credit finding this property to my trusted veterinarian, Dr. Barret Jiranek here at Lover’s Lane Animal Medical Center (Dallas). Or maybe I should give my precious Doodle Bree the credit. She had an ear ache, and I took her to see Dr. J before leaving town, like any good mother. He told me his sister lives in Sonoma — “in God’s country,” he said, and told me I needed to cover the development on this blog: 675 secluded acres amid rolling hills and northern California vineyards; wine and golf. Home ownership opportunities. I was intrigued.

Then I saw it with my own eyes. I have been to a lot of beautiful properties, from La Jolla to Rancho Mirage to Clint Eastwood’s Tehama. I adore Calistoga Ranch and Costa Rica. Mayacama is definitely one of the most elite and exclusive private clubs in the world, and yes, fractional second home ownership is available!

Whole ownership of any of these properties would be several million dollars.

Mayacama golf is to-die for!

The club is named after the Mayacama Mountains that separate Napa from Sonoma, tucked away, all surrounded by vineyards. If you were to draw heaven, this would be it. Yet it is surprisingly close to San Francisco, even allowing for the usually annoying California traffic. You head north on Highway 101 about an hour north of San Francisco and go about five minutes north of Santa Rosa. You steer up to a gate with guards, take a two mile drive to the clubhouse though a thicket of trees and hillsides that suddenly give way to an open meadow. And there it is.

Mayacama was founded and developed by the Wilhelm family in 1997, along with Forsythe Investments. It was built on land once belonging to Peanuts creator Charles Schultz, an avid golfer who, with a group of friends, envisioned developing a world-class semi-private golf course within the 3500 acre site. Environmental concerns put those plans on hold. The 40,000 square foot clubhouse evokes images of a Tuscan country estate. The villas and casitas are uber first-rate, beautifully designed and decorated.

But here, golf,  is supreme.

The property takes full advantage of the site’s natural elevation, which make the golf course rather challenging. That and the majestic oaks which dictate shot placement, I’m told. The course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened in August of 2001 and of course Nicklaud played the first round. It’s the variety of the landscape that heightens the golf experience. In fact, this was where my husband felt the closest he ever has in the U.S. to the U.K., when he golfed at Skibo Castle in Scotland. Mayacama has a strong caddie program so members and guests can uphold the tradition of walking the course.

Say You Own a  Home in the Wine Country

Golf is great, but you are here in the Northern California wine country — partake. In addition to counting more than 30 of America’s leading vintners among members, the club at Mayacama regularly hosts tasting events showcasing some of the area’s and the continent’s finest wines. There is a full time Concierge, beautiful fitness center and spa, tennis courts, Olympic sized pool, play room for children, and one of the highest rated spas in the country: European style, professional masseuse always on duty. Each member also has their own private wine locker, temperature controlled, to store wine they may buy in the area. In addition to being an amazing escape where you can indulge in golf, fitness, spa, Mayacama serves the glorious food of Northern California as well with top-rated chefs in the kitchen.

There are casitas and villas. Casitas are one bedroom, one bath 840ish square feet fully furnished with every amenity: fireplace, living area, kitchenettes, soaking tub and a staple of the region, the outdoor shower. Villas are three bedroom, three and a half bath, 3000 plus square feet of indoor/outdoor living with decks and panoramic views. All lodges are fully maintained with constant maid service, and like most fine residences the staff will prepare for your stay, shuttle you, and store personal belongings. There are 12 casitas and 19 villas and a fractional ownership here nets you 28 days in one of each.

It’s simply heaven.

Candy Evans

Candy Evans

4 Comments

  1. […] just now. Guess who is now Timbers’ Resorts newest member? Mayacama. I am beyond psyched. Click on over to SecondShelters to learn more about this amazing second home property and learn abou… my precious vet at Lovers Lane Animal […]



  2. […] just now. Guess who is now Timbers’ Resorts newest member? Mayacama. I am beyond psyched. Click on over to SecondShelters to learn more about this amazing second home property and learn abou… my precious vet at Lovers Lane Animal […]



  3. Joanna England on September 13, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    Beautiful! This spot is in one of my favorite places, too!



  4. Joanna England on September 13, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    Beautiful! This spot is in one of my favorite places, too!