On a lovely autumn day the Vixens fell in love…  with Park Winters.  This property is incredible and has so many qualities it will be difficult to list everything and give all the credit deserved.  We met with John Martin, co-owner of this showplace and was quite impressed with his vision, style, grace and ability to “get it.”  The owners have a background in hospitality (most recently running an extremely successful B&B in San Francisco.)  The country life called them to Yolo County and to this gorgeous 1865 Queen Anne Victorian.  The motto is “Simple Country Luxury.  Amen to that!

We drove the short 1 hour drive from downtown Sacramento (and it’s only about 1 ¼  hours from San Francisco), to reach the countryside and farming communities that surround Park Winters.  The freshly painted white ornate gingerbread Victorian has quite a presence in the natural setting.  Through the 140+ years of its existence, landscaping has been added with majestic Heritage valley oak trees shading much of the manicured lawns, hedges and bushes.  Flower beds, planted pots and lovely Koi ponds and fountains accent the gardens.  We saw blooming lily pads with lotus blossoms and cute little water turtles playing in the fountain pond – love it!  The recent installation of surround sound throughout the grounds makes a nice addition for weddings, garden parties, socials and company picnics that can easily fit within the lawn spaces of the property – and the views of the distant hillsides and crops of the nearby farms are serene.  We were told that this season’s crop of sunflowers was outstanding.  Because of the configuration of the gardens, various sizes of functions can take place… from a lovely wedding ceremony, to a corporate shebang for 600.

The interior space of Park Winters is exquisite.  The fine  workmanship of days gone-by was evident at every turn.  Leaded and stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, ornate carved wood staircase with beautiful banisters and turn posts are works of art.  Polished floors and handsome area rugs in front of fireplaces… and all this just on the first floor!  The 6 sleeping rooms are beautifully appointed with antique furnishings, but please don’t think of this as being some musty old house… the owners have upgraded just about every inch with Wi-Fi, in-room air conditioning and heating controls, fresh paint in shades of whites/creams/ivory and super luxurious bedding – and the bathrooms are gorgeous, too (the Vixens have a future invitation to spend the night and totally immerse ourselves into the full experience).

Now for those readers who wish more country… just steps away, one can meander the paths and gardens to discover the treasure of a garden potting shed, fantastic tractor (I see photos ops here!) and the most incredible “museum of collectibles” which are being displayed and showcased in the original owner’s farmhouse/barn.  While the grand house was being built, this is where the owners lived – rustic, plain and simple, but what a cool place to explore!

There is so much more I can gush about – such as the on-site orchards, organic vegetable gardens, crops, but also the very upscale and decedent “walk in” swimming pool … you just need to make a visit to Park Winters to see what all the fuss is about.

Our Visiting  Vixen, Shannon (floral designer and owner of Flourish) who is pretty darn handy with the camera, took many if these great photos. Thanks, Shannon!  We have been adding other photos taken by the owners and various photographers.  So many photo ops, it’s impossible to stop adding images!

~ Vixen Lora

Check out their VIXEN VALUE!

Pool at Park Winters
Entrance sign at Park Winters
Gorgeous grounds at Park Winters
Chef Park Winters
Wooden staircase at Park Winters
Dining Room at Park Winters
Brick patio at Park Winters
Vanity at Park Winters
Levely bedroom at Park Winters
Mansion at Park Winters
Evening lighting at Park Winters
Park Winters
Park Winters
Park Winters
Gorgeous Mansion at Park Winters
Lush lawns at Park Winters
Park Winters