Wexford estate has ‘Fantasyland’ feel

Enter this showpiece Granite Bay property and let the fantasy begin.
“It looks like Disneyland,” said Valisa Schmidley, of Keller Williams Luxury Properties.
Shmidley is referring, of course, to 5102 Ellington Court in Granite Bay.
Massive and magnificent stone dominates the backyard landscape. A grotto-style spa, wading area, and pool rival visitors’ favorite childhood swimming holes — all are fed by waterfalls and meandering river-rock filled streams.
The water works create a most peaceful getaway.
The 1.2-acre property is pure fantasy for kids, offering a lawn and plenty of room to play.
But parents will enjoy the swim-up bar, and outdoor family room with fireplace and wet bar as well — all designed with utmost privacy in mind.
Located in Wexford, one of Granite Bay’s most aspired-to addresses, the five-bedroom classic home is well known in the area.
“It has been featured on several home tours, including Eureka Union School District’s inaugural home tour,” Schmidley said. “This home is also the site of many fundraisers, including the Sacramento Children’s Home’s ‘Party with a Purpose’ each year. I’ve seen this home with six or 700 people in it.”
Fantasyland doesn’t end when you step into the 7,200-square-foot estate.
The wine cellar is perhaps the home’s feature that garners the most wows from friends and neighbors.
Filled with delicious nectar of varying hues, the 2,300-bottle wine cellar never fails to elicit awe, even from those who don’t imbibe.
The room is temperature and humidity controlled, chilled to deliciously comfortable temperatures, even during toasty Granite Bay summers.
Complete with refrigerator, dishwasher and sink, not to mention pop-up plasma television, and hand-painted murals, there’s no need to venture far from the idyllic step-down cellar.
“This has been a great place for the guys to sit and watch the game, or for the ladies to enjoy lunch and wine tasting,” Schmidley said.
The ornate, yet rustic light fixture above is one of the Realtor’s favorite features of the home.
“The wine room alone cost nearly a quarter of a million dollars. The backyard, $500,000,” Schmidley said. “This was a $3,000,000 home — it’s such a value.”
It’s not hard to imagine where the money was spent.
Tasteful and elegant, awash in clouds of caramel, crème and honeyed hues, it’s obvious that no expense was spared.
Built by Jennings Construction, the quality home is filled with classic examples of craftsmanship — box-beam ceilings, triple-crown moldings and wainscoting throughout.
In spite of the home’s large size, it never overwhelms.
“It never feels cavernous, as some homes this size would feel,” Schmidley said. “Buyers tell me this home just feels good. Because of its expansive, open space, it entertains beautifully on an intimate scale or expansive scale.”
The home includes both an upstairs and downstairs master.
“Dual masters are pertinent today,” Schmidley said. “The downstairs junior master suite has a separate outdoor entrance — perfect for an in-law or au pair quarters.”
The upstairs master — described by Schmidley as “sumptuous and romantic” — contains a semi-separate retreat area and newly remodeled bath.
The home includes an expansive living room, family room and a formal dining area that can easily accommodate 16 to 20.
“The home is elegant, but without pretense,” Schmidley said. “It is the epitome of graciousness.”
A commanding box-beamed mahogany office with fireplace provides a quiet respite for reading, reflection or the perfect place to close a business deal.
The dual oven, dual-dishwasher kitchen, with rich, cherry floors offer a convenient picture window to observe kids’ play in the pool or to gaze at the lush landscape and take in calming, picturesque views.
“This is a true Wexford estate,” Schmidley said. “The property feels that way from the moment you arrive.”
Fantasyland, indeed.