Sonoma adobe: historic landmark gets a modern makeover

Scribe Winery founder Andrew Mariani preserved a 1847 adobe structure in Sonoma County, subtly blending old and new in a renovation that prioritizes intimate gatherings.

Historic roots, contemporary design

The property, once home to the town’s mayor – a figure infamous for briefly holding up Union General William T. Sherman – underwent a four-year transformation spearheaded by multidisciplinary design firm Post Company, with Architecture by Robert Baumann and landscaping by Terremoto.

Mariani, driven by a desire to give the dilapidated, single-room adobe a second life, sought a renovation that honored its history while accommodating modern needs. The project, however, wasn’t a straightforward undertaking.

Preservation regulations—strict due to the building's landmark status—imposed limitations. The original adobe walls remained untouched, forcing the addition of a discreet, U-shaped wing behind the existing structure. A key connection point was a heavy structural beam aligned with a skylight, allowing the new construction to exist independently yet feel intrinsically linked to the 19th-century adobe.

Inside, the original 1847 section now centers around an expansive dining room, anchored by a 13-foot vintage table sourced from the Round Top antiques fair. Vintage chairs, originally from a Dutch church, add to the room’s character. The design deliberately eschews overhead lighting, relying on wall sconces and candlelight to create a moody, intimate atmosphere.

The kitchen, fitted with handcrafted English Shaker cabinetry, offers a surprising juxtaposition to the adobe’s age. Open to a spacious courtyard, the design facilitates a flow of indoor-outdoor entertaining.

The new wing boasts modern lines, steel-framed windows, and aged cedar siding, yet avoids competing with the adobe. A narrow staircase leads to a tiny attic, now a secluded lounge revealing layers of the building’s past – including centuries-old newspapers used for insulation.

The color palette throughout the renovation is restrained, featuring limewashed walls (Blondie by Portola Paints) and a Drop Cloth by Farrow & Ball. The primary bathroom showcases tadelakt Moroccan lime plaster. The bedrooms maintain a minimalist aesthetic, ensuring the original structure remains the focal point.

The courtyard, featuring a serene water feature, provides a tranquil setting. The renovation is a testament to thoughtful preservation—a delicate dance between honoring the past and embracing contemporary living.

The adobe's history extends beyond its architectural significance; it witnessed the Bear Flag Revolt, a pivotal moment in California's history. This storied structure is now poised to host a new era of gatherings, a legacy carefully cultivated.