Chiltern

String courses, Gothic tracery, wall panels, copings, oriel windows, and parapets adorn the walls, and stone artifact carvings and coats of arms are integrated into the stone facing at carefully selected points.

Introduced by a vestibule dressed in circa-1633 Jacobean panelling, the interiors abound with museum-quality artifacts. The 18-foot carved oak panels in the stately grand salon incorporate 15th-Century Gothic doorways, while the breathtaking 45-foot-high great hall is adorned with 17th-Century panelling from the Dyffryn House in Wales. Many of Chiltern’s 16 fireplaces have exquisitely carved mantels and fire surrounds also dating to the 17th Century. More than 250 pieces of stained glass date from as early as the 13th Century, including the “St. Giles” and “St. Catherine” panels from the Hearst collection. Many of these pieces are featured in "Studies in the History of Art", published by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Additionally, numerous rooms display beautiful marbles, granites, and onyx, as well as such semi–precious stones as tiger’s eye and 350-million-year-old fossil stone.

The second-floor master suite occupies its own wing, offering a sumptuous bed chamber, his and her dressing rooms, a panelled sitting room, and an office. Accents of walnut burl, black granite, Persian green onyx, and fossil stone distinguish these regal quarters.

On the third level, intricately carved antique bronze doors open to an ­office suite, private art gallery, and sculpture terrace overlooking the bay. Automated systems include elaborate security measures, computer-controlled lighting, heating and air conditioning, access control, and intercom. The media room is superbly appointed with a THX sound system, as well as state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment that is networked throughout the house. Chefs will appreciate the vast array of ­commercial-grade appliances found in the richly detailed and efficiently designed kitchen. Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy all the amenities of a luxury resort, ­including a 25-meter indoor pool, ­racquetball and squash court, tennis court, gymnasium, and whirlpool bath.

Chiltern ­embraces the preservation of nature as a guiding principle, displaying a deep appreciation and respect for the magnificent mature redwoods that grace its environs. The lush manicured grounds foster spiritual enrichment with splendid 60-year-old gardens, a 50-tree ­orchard, numerous rose gardens, a walled English garden, maze, French parterre, greenhouse, and koi garden. A pond and waterfall, rose-­covered arbors, fountains, gazebos, and nature trails provide ­additional spots for romantic relaxation. Stone walls, some as high as 25 feet, weave through the grounds.

Unique in its aspirations, its quality, and its refinement, Chiltern is a monument to the idea of architecture as art, and a jewel to treasure for generations to come.