Sonoma Ridge House | Holder Parlette

Set lightly on the edge of a ridge in the Sonoma Hills, the Sonoma Ridge House is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Situated high above the Sonoma Valley, the home embraces sweeping views while integrating seamlessly with the landscape. Created for a young San Francisco couple, the residence steps down the ridge line, weaving around oak trees and carefully following the land’s natural contours. Designed by Holder Parlette, a firm known for its integration of architecture, landscape, and interiors, the Ridge House exemplifies a deep commitment to connecting the built and natural environment, capturing the beauty of its site.

Chris Parlette, one of the firm’s principals, explained that the design of the house was intended to reflect the natural character of the site, responding thoughtfully to the uneven terrain and oak trees. The orientation was carefully planned to create a strong sense of arrival as the view toward San Francisco gradually unfolds upon entry. That sense of arrival is created through a central hallway that gently steps down with the ridge, leading to a dramatic Great Room at the heart of the home. Here, an 18-foot-wide sliding door opens completely to a sprawling outdoor living area with a vanishing-edge pool extending to a view of the San Francisco skyline. The home is composed of several wings that flank this central corridor, housing bedrooms and private living spaces that extend into the surrounding landscape. The master suite, tucked in between oak trees, is both serene and spectacular: 16-foot-wide windows frame the view from the bed, while a soaring ceiling and skylit bath open the space to the sky. A 35-foot wall of glass offers uninterrupted sight lines into a private garden filled with mature olive trees.

Materiality played a critical role in the design process. Holder Parlette, in collaboration with Greg Foster of Summit Builders, selected materials that would create smooth transitions across the home’s interior and exterior spaces while emphasizing sustainability. Board-formed concrete provides texture and fire resistance at the entry and garage, contrasting with dark-stained cedar walls that mirror nearby oak trees. Solar panels supply the home’s annual energy needs, and for every tree removed during construction, another was planted. The landscaping includes a mix of native oaks, olives, and maples, offering shade and privacy.

Interior designer Kate Marby of Holder Parlette created beautiful interior spaces, layering custom-finished white oak cabinetry, Vadara quartz in the kitchen, wide oak flooring, and custom furniture throughout. Every detail was meticulously considered to support the architecture and the land it inhabits, elevating everyday living while framing the site’s natural beauty.

Project Info:

• Architects: Holder Parlette
• Country: Sonoma, United States
• Area: 5000 ft²
• Year: 2023
• Photographs: Adam Potts Photography
• Design Team: Chris Parlette, Kate Marby
• Office Lead Architects: Chris Parlette, Kenneth Holder

• Interior Design: Holder Parlette