Sonoma Ridge House by Holder Parlette

Nestled gently along the edge of a ridge in the Sonoma Hills, the Sonoma Ridge House by Holder Parlette is a study in harmony between built form and the natural world. Perched high above the Sonoma Valley, the residence unfolds along the contours of the land, stepping down the slope to follow the ridge line and weaving around mature oak trees. Designed for a young San Francisco couple, the house offers sweeping views of the valley and distant city skyline, while maintaining a discreet, grounded presence that respects the surrounding landscape.

Embracing the Site

Holder Parlette—an architecture firm known for its integrated approach across architecture, landscape, and interiors—crafted this home with deep sensitivity to its context. Principal Chris Parlette describes the house as “a response to the site’s character,” shaped by its topography and heritage oaks. The architecture does not impose itself on the land; instead, it flows with it, creating a sense of arrival that gradually builds as the view unfolds.

The main axis of the home is a central hallway that gently steps down the ridge, culminating in a dramatic Great Room. At its heart, an 18-foot-wide sliding glass wall opens entirely to an expansive outdoor living area, complete with a vanishing-edge pool that seems to merge with the horizon. From here, unobstructed views stretch toward the San Francisco skyline—an ever-present yet distant connection to city life.

Architecture in Dialogue with Nature

The layout is composed of several wings flanking the central corridor, each housing private living areas and bedrooms that extend into the landscape. The master suite, nestled between oak trees, is a private sanctuary with 16-foot-wide glass windows framing tranquil vistas, a vaulted ceiling, and a skylit bathroom that connects directly to the sky. A 35-foot wall of glass in the bathroom reveals a secluded courtyard garden planted with mature olive trees, providing a serene indoor-outdoor experience.

Thoughtful Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection played a critical role in grounding the architecture within its context. The design team, working closely with builder Greg Foster of Summit Builders, opted for a refined palette that emphasizes both sustainability and tactile warmth. Board-formed concrete, used at the entry and garage, adds both fire resistance and rich textural contrast, complementing the dark-stained cedar siding, which echoes the tones of the surrounding oak bark.

Sustainability is integral to the project’s ethos. Solar panels generate the home’s annual energy needs, and a tree-for-tree replanting approach ensured minimal ecological disruption during construction. The landscaping, composed of native oaks, olive trees, and maples, provides a natural sense of privacy while blending seamlessly into the hillside.

Interiors That Elevate and Resonate

Interior designer Kate Marby of Holder Parlette created interiors that are quiet, restrained, and deeply attuned to the architectural vision. Custom-finished white oak cabinetry, Vadara quartz countertops, wide-plank oak flooring, and tailored furniture selections form an interior environment that is at once luxurious and grounded. The finishes and furnishings serve not to distract but to heighten the experience of living within and among the land’s natural beauty.

Conclusion

Sonoma Ridge House is not just a residence—it’s a refined, deeply intentional response to place. Through its choreography of movement, materiality, and light, it creates a seamless dialogue between architecture and nature. Holder Parlette’s design philosophy—centered on integration, context, and subtle luxury—finds full expression here, offering its inhabitants not only shelter, but a profound daily connection to the ridge, the valley, and the horizon beyond.

Photography: Adam Potts Photography