Steeped in Northern California history, this nine-acre creekside estate sits in the heart of the Alexander Valley in the Sonoma County town of Cloverdale, about 80 miles north of San Francisco. The property was originally home to an early 1900s steam-generating power plant that serviced three towns as well as the historic Italian Swiss Colony winery, now owned and operated by the E. & J. Gallo Winery. In 1946, the abandoned plant caught the eye of Arthur Foster, a Bay Area banker and heir to the Northwestern Pacific Railroad family, who converted it into a private residence he aptly named the Power House.
Decades later, San Francisco landscape architect Todd Cole purchased the L-shaped concrete structure. With the help of interior designer Myra Hoefer, he transformed it into a French Country-inspired weekend home. Cole kept the dwelling largely intact while creating grounds framed with manicured boxwoods, ancient olive trees, and gravel pathways.
Continuing its legacy of thoughtful stewardship, Bay Area residential developer John Parker Willis and Compass agent Donna Goldman acquired the residence in 2022 for $2.4 million and later held their wedding there. Following an extensive modernization, the couple has now brought the thoughtfully renovated digs to market for $3.75 million, with Goldman holding the listing.
Custom-crafted Sapele wood doors seamlessly connect the great room to the outdoor gardens.
Jeffrey Frisk
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Set beyond gates on two parcels bordering Big Sulphur Creek, which flows from the Geysers in the Mayacamas Mountains—the world’s largest complex of geothermal power plants—to the Russian River, the two-story home offers three en suite bedrooms and four bathrooms across 3,700 square feet. An entry courtyard still bears the original power plant inscription, “No Admittance. Danger,” with tall double doors opening into a sprawling 40-foot-by-40-foot great room donning a 20-foot redwood-trussed ceiling, polished concrete floors, and a monumental fireplace with herringbone firebrick detailing and a sculptural steel hood.
Other highlights include a spacious dining area beneath the glow of iconic George Nelson Bubble Lights, per the listing. Just steps away, the kitchen is outfitted with pale yellow cabinetry, a vintage Wedgewood stove, a marble-topped island, and a crystal chandelier imported from Florence, Italy.
The European-inspired grounds were designed by landscape architect and former owner Todd Cole.
Jeffrey Frisk
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Rounding out the property are the picturesque grounds, which host a series of distinct vignettes perfect for relaxed entertaining. A swimming pool, fire pit, and pavilion sit alongside flower and vegetable gardens, creating a serene creekside oasis.
The couple, whose primary residence is in San Francisco, have decided to sell the property because they aren’t able to spend as much time there. “A home should be lived in,” Donna said. “It’s hard to let go of though, and since the market is slow, we will take advantage of the house when we can until the right buyer appears.”
Click here for more photos of the Sonoma County residence.
Jeffrey Frisk
Authors
Wendy Bowman
