Serenity in Sacramento Valley

Coming across a Campbell & Wong-designed home on the market is both a pleasure and a rarity.

Our latest for-sale discovery of the Bay Area architectural team's work is a luxury mid-century modern estate in the Northern California agricultural town of Colusa. It's an exquisite example of the firm's output, and certainly deserving of our attention.

Custom built for the Wilmarth family of ranchers, the home was chosen in 1964 as one of the 20 most significant houses in the country for Architectural Record magazine's annual 'Awards of Excellence for House Design.'

Honored alongside projects designed by fellow architects of renown, including I.M Pei, Craig Ellwood, and Richard Meier, the distinctive home stands out as a singular residential achievement.

Located at 400 Roberts Road, the 4,856-square-foot Wilmarth Residence is listed at $1.4 million by Amber West Torres of eXp Realty of California. Colusa is 65 miles north of Sacramento.

"It's like nothing you have ever seen or experienced,” says Torres. "Driving up to the house is like being in the middle of a movie set. And then when you step inside, it's what dreams are made of.”

Back in 1964, Architectural Record described the home as an expansive ranch house that forms its own oasis. Today, the 1961-built mid-century modern estate still sits on a dozen acres, embracing stunning sunset views among the trees.

Designed around a central 'living court,' each of the rooms enjoys its own private walled garden area. Nine-foot glass sliders lead to private terraces, and to a custom courtyard with a central swimming pool that forms the heart of this home. Of special note is a bridge that gently arcs over the swimming pool, and a cantilevered diving board on the opposite side.

Planned for a family of five, the four-bedroom/two-bath home is arranged for large-scale entertaining, "dinner parties for 14, to cocktail parties for more than 100,” according to the 1964 article. You'll find not one but two large living rooms, a formal living room pictured with a 13-foot credenza, dining room with a floating buffet, plus a den with a retractable table.

"I just imagine the grand events and gatherings that were held here,” Torres says with wonder. "The courtyard pool has been turned into a true piece of art. And you feel so peaceful there, and really anywhere on the property!”

A particularly captivating detail is the home's Murano color-glass block walls, fitted with a mid-century palette that catches the natural light, offering privacy and reflecting a rainbow of color.

Constructed of redwood and black-stained Douglas Fir, the post-and-beam home features peaked roofs over the main living areas, and adobe brick and mahogany walls. A sea of brass-railed creme terrazzo floors, built-ins, floor-to-ceiling windows, custom lighting, and travertine fireplaces add to the casual-yet-sophisticated design.