If you’re searching for Guerneville real estate with acreage, privacy, sunshine and easy access to town, 17340 Watson Road is an interesting property to see. I recently toured this home while out on the local real estate agents’ tour, and what immediately stood out was just how private the setting feels.
Located a short drive from downtown Guerneville and near Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, this property combines 4.4 acres of private land with a shared approximately 60-acre scenic easement. You get the feeling of being deep in the country without being completely isolated from Guerneville and the Russian River.
17340 Watson Road, Guerneville, CA 95446
3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Approx. 2,200 Sq. Ft. | 4.4 Acres
Listed at $1,350,000 | MLS #326066966
Listing courtesy of Brendan Martin, Keller Williams Realty.
If you have questions about this property or you're looking for Russian River real estate, call me, David R. Millar, at 707-217-1786.
A Private Guerneville Property on 4.4 Acres
The property sits at the end of Watson Road behind a gated entrance. According to the listing information, the 4.4-acre parcel also benefits from a shared approximately 60-acre scenic easement used with two neighboring properties.
That additional open space contributes significantly to the property's secluded feeling.
When you arrive, there is a large circular driveway, extensive parking and a good amount of cleared space around the house. The setting has a great combination of redwoods, sunshine and open areas.
For buyers looking at homes for sale in Guerneville CA, this is a very different experience from many of the smaller parcels closer to downtown and the river.
Approximately 2,200 Square Feet With an Open Living Area
The home has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and approximately 2,200 square feet of living space.
According to the listing, the original home and two later additions were architect designed, and the property was built and occupied by a contractor.
You can see that attention to detail when walking through the house.
The main living area is a large open room with high ceilings, a wood-burning stove and a wall of glass bringing in plenty of natural light. Sliding doors connect the interior with the deck and surrounding property.
The house also has extensive wood accents throughout. The listing identifies maple flooring and straight-grain fir doors, along with custom cabinetry and other wood detailing that gives the house a warm Northern California character.
Open Kitchen and Living Space for Entertaining
The kitchen opens directly into the main living area, making this a house that could work particularly well for people who like having friends or family together in one large space.
The kitchen includes Dekton countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry and plenty of workspace.
From the kitchen and living areas, you can look outside toward the decks, pool and surrounding acreage.
Three Bedrooms Plus Office Space
Upstairs you'll find the primary bedroom along with additional bedrooms and office areas.
One thing I noticed during the tour was the amount of natural light upstairs. High ceilings, windows and sliding glass doors help keep the rooms feeling open rather than enclosed.
The additional office/library and office space could also be valuable for buyers who work remotely.
That's increasingly important with Russian River homes, where buyers may be looking for a second home that can also function as a place to spend longer periods of time while working remotely.
Outdoor Living, Decks and Pool
Outdoor space is a major part of this property.
There are covered and uncovered decks, including an area for year-round outdoor entertaining. An above-ground pool off the back deck provides a place to cool down during warm Russian River summers, and the property is already wired for a spa.
There's also a large yard area and plenty of room around the home to enjoy the property's wooded setting.
The combination of sunshine, redwoods and privacy is one of the things that makes rural Guerneville real estate so appealing.
Solar, Metal Roof and Rural Property Features
The home is connected to the electrical grid and also has solar.
Another feature that caught my attention was the metal roof. In rural Sonoma County, I always pay attention to construction, vegetation and the area immediately surrounding a house because wildfire and insurance considerations are an important part of evaluating country property.
The listing also notes a fire-prevention sprinkler system and cleared areas around the home.
The property has a shared well and a septic system. According to the listing agent's information, a newer shared well was installed on the easement and provides gravity-fed water to the house.
These are exactly the types of systems buyers should understand when comparing Russian River properties. Rural homes can be very different from buying a house in a typical subdivision.
Covered Parking, Workshop and Plenty of Space
The property doesn't have a conventional enclosed garage listed, but it does have covered parking, workshop space and extensive uncovered parking.
I particularly liked the covered parking configuration.
During our rainy Russian River winters, being able to pull under cover, unload groceries and enter the house without standing in the rain is a small feature that can make a big difference in everyday life.
The property has enough parking to accommodate a larger gathering as well.
Close to Guerneville and Armstrong Woods
One of the strongest features of 17340 Watson Road is its location.
You get a secluded rural setting without having to be a long distance from town. Downtown Guerneville, restaurants, shopping and the Russian River are only a short drive away, while Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is nearby.
For someone looking for a private Guerneville home on acreage, that combination can be difficult to duplicate.
You have the feeling of being in your own retreat while remaining connected to the community.
One Important Restriction for Buyers
There is an important detail for anyone considering this property as an investment or vacation rental.
According to the MLS private remarks, vacation rentals are not permitted under the property's CC&Rs.
There is also a small homeowners association associated with the property. The MLS reports annual dues of $500, which contribute toward the gate and annual road dust-proofing.
Buyers should review the CC&Rs, easement documents, HOA information and property reports as part of their investigation.
Is 17340 Watson Road the Right Russian River Property for You?
This isn't your typical Guerneville house.
It's a larger home on significant acreage with privacy, sunshine, redwoods and enough interior and exterior space to accommodate family, guests and entertaining.
For a buyer searching for a Russian River retreat, a Guerneville home with acreage, or a full-time residence in a private country setting, 17340 Watson Road is worth considering.
Every rural property in the Russian River area comes with its own set of questions. Wells, septic systems, easements, road access, fire risk, insurance and property boundaries can all matter just as much as bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.
That's why understanding the property and its location is so important before you buy.
If you're considering buying or selling Russian River real estate, call me. I specialize in homes and properties throughout Guerneville, Forestville, Monte Rio, Cazadero, Duncans Mills, Jenner and the surrounding Russian River communities.
David R. Millar
The Millar Group
707-217-1786
