Willow Pond House is a 5,000 square foot, multi-storied red barn style house with an open-plan ground floor and views of neighboring vineyards (the adjoining artist studio boasts an additional 2,200 square feet). The living space contains six bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a spacious open-plan kitchen / bar / dining / living room, all leading out to the covered patio with stone walkways, jacuzzi and fire pit: perfect for soaking in Edna Valley’s sunsets. In addition, there is a theatre room on the 2nd floor which seats 8-10 people.

The studio is a 2,200 square foot working artist studio, which adjoins the main house and will be the site of workshop activities. It is a gorgeous, light-filled space with a 30-foot vaulted ceiling and two huge roll-up glass doors. It also features large, movable display panels on wheels and a number of work tables. The space easily accommodates up to 26 people. We have previously hosted workshops in disciplines from encaustic wax to collage, and bookmaking to clay sculpture with live models.

Evenings at Willow Pond Retreats will be enjoyed at the pond: listen to the hooting of owls and resident bird sounds, feed the friendly ducks and Koi fish, or simply relax with a glass of local Central Coast wine under the willow tree, while savoring a cheese and charcuterie board before dinner. The island is reached by a narrow bridge, which is a perfect perch for viewing the resident Koi fish. Lately, however, they have become a little reclusive given the presence of the bald eagle, osprey, heron and egret…but with enough coaxing (and treats), they will show themselves in all their beautiful colors!

For two years, we were fortunate to collaborate with a young French chef, Julie Simon, living in the area, who created a small farm around Willow Pond. The banks boasted rows and rows of vegetables: cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini and pumpkins. In between these rows sprung wildflowers. Cosmos, so pretty on the banks…and then Dahlias – so many Dahlias! Harvesting these vegetables in mid-August, Julie would create exceptional dinners on the island for up to 70 people: fine, farm fresh dining under the stars and often accompanied by a full moon. Read the article about these dinners and Julie in Edible magazine here.

The ducks live year round at the pond and are the offspring of the original two bright orange, days-old baby ducklings we purchased about four years ago. Since then, they have welcomed many little ducklings – all birthed at the pond.

They are the domestic English-breed called Magpie ducks, and they are so dang cute and friendly! Each morning on our walk to the pond with our dogs, they strike up a lively chatter and waddle out to meet us, then boldly lead the way to their favorite feeding place at the end of the island.

I became enthused with growing these flowers after the aforementioned French chef who lives in the region introduced me to them and gave me a starter collection of bulbs. Since then, it has become a passion and a joy to plant both Dahlias and Zinnias every Spring. Shown here is a gorgeous bouquet of Cosmos which now self seeds in patches on the property - wherever it’s memory holds true.

Alternatively, you may prefer to relax in the beautifully designed built-in jacuzzi and enjoy the sunset over the surrounding vineyards, as the light fades to dusk.

Dinner will be enjoyed on the patio year-round, and on cooler evenings, the outdoor fire pit will be lit to encourage reflection and conversation as the stars emerge. Our meals will be prepared by a local chef with produce from the area farms…and a touch of Central Coast flair!

There is a fire pit on the lower patio level close to the jacuzzi animating the idea of fire and water! It is surrounded by stone semi-circle bench seating, perfect for roasting marshmallows or late-night inspired conversations. *Due to the high fire-risk area we are located in, the fire pit may only be lit if one of us is present.

Word has gotten out! There are fish in the pond and these big birds are opportunists. Often during the day, we will see one of them perched on the bridge, an ideal vantage point – or on the banks of the island.

We have chickens who generously give us eggs on most mornings. They used to roam around the house and would only go into the coup at night, but we think that they are safer in the coup as their home now, after a few close brushes with coyotes.

Willow Pond has its own honey, harvested from the resident bees who choose Willow Pond as their home. Don’t worry: the hives are kept well away from the house and you won’t see them – but you will surely get to enjoy the delicious honey.