Buy your own petrified forest in Northern California. See the 500-acre estate
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- A 500-acre historic Petrified Forest estate in Calistoga listed for $10 million
- Property includes five parcels with redwoods, building potential, and vineyards
- Estate features historic visitor center, Craftsman house, and vintage diner
A 500-acre Petrified Forest and estate in Northern California’s wine country is for sale for nearly $10 million.
Recognized as California Historic Landmark No. 915 and managed by the same family for three generations, the forest is located in Calistoga in the heart of Napa/Sonoma wine country.
“Strolling through The Petrified Forest is like entering a timeless haven where history whispers through towering redwoods and meandering creeks,” Compass co-listing agent John Gray said in an email to The Sacramento Bee. “The estate’s historic charm and serene setting invite reflection and inspiration, while the promise of cultivating a wine country legacy adds a sense of exciting potential. “
In 1914, pioneering woman Ollie Bockee purchased the land and the forest for $16,000, according to Compass. The primary parcel of 146 acres houses one of the longest continuing visitor centers in the region. Since 1870, visitors have been drawn to the living Sequoia Redwoods that stand alongside 3.4 million-year-old petrified trees to get a glimpse into the prehistoric past.
Diverse parcels
The property includes five diverse parcels with both charm and potential. The tranquil Porter Creek meanders through an adjoining 125 acres of untouched land, while another 230 acres come with the opportunity for building homes among the redwoods and cultivating a wine vineyard.
The property features a 1917 Craftsman House and a 1950s diner, too, said Compass co-listing agent Avram Goldman.
A charming main building encompasses the gift shop, while the remodeled house, a serene cottage and the vintage Coffee Shop Diner dating back to 1956 “add rustic elegance to this enchanting estate,” the property listing states.
The living space spans nearly 7,000 square feet with eight bedrooms and six bathrooms.
80 miles from San Francisco
“The property could be an ideal site for a live-off-the grid lifestyle, yet is less than 80 miles from San Francisco,” Goldman said in an email.
Tim Hayden of Compass is also a listing agent for the property, which hit the market in May. The property at 4100 Petrified Forest Road previously came to market in 2024, but the listing was removed.
The Petrified Forest Estate is owned by Janet Angell, according to public property records. She’s been a steward of the property with her sisters since 2010, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
“The Petrified Forest Estate is a rare offering with endless possibilities, whether you envision a private sanctuary, a vibrant visitor attraction, or a legacy estate for future generations,” according to the official property listing.
Turned to stone
The petrified forest was created by a volcanic explosion 3.4 million years ago as ash buried the trees quickly, preventing decay and turning them into stone.
