Explore luxe mountain estate in CA Gold Country. It’s Murphys’ priciest listing
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Murphys listing offers 5,050 sq ft Mediterranean estate on 42.3 acres for $2.5M.
- Property borders Stanislaus National Forest, provides gated privacy and vast vistas.
- Home features resort pool, bocce, two primary suites and turnkey furnishings.
Bordering thousands of acres of protected national forest and surrounded by pine and fir trees, one of the most coveted estates in the Mother Lode is for sale for $2.5 million.
The 5,000-square-foot home is not only the highest-priced residence in Murphys and Arnold — part of California’s Gold Country 85 miles southeast of Sacramento — but it may be the gold standard when it comes to secluded Sierra luxury, entertaining and timeless architectural design. The Mediterranean-inspired mountain estate is so private, you can almost hear the silence.
This property, set across 42 pristine acres at 4581 E Highway 4, has known only one owner since its vision first took shape in 2001. The home gives off the vibe of a mountain fairytale infused with classic California style and ambition.
“My wife’s sister originally found the parcel, and we immediately fell in love with how private it was — you can’t see any neighboring homes, and the property borders thousands of acres of (Stanislaus National Forest)” Austin Vanchieri, the estate’s owner and executive chairman of the board of Visual Edge IT Inc., said in an email to The Sacramento Bee.
“We worked with renowned Murphys architect Rudy Ortega, who hand-sketched the initial concept. We fell in love with the design and moved forward with highly respected builder David Sidel. Every aspect of the home was thoughtfully built with family, entertaining, and enjoying this incredible location in mind,” Vanchieri said.
Privacy like nowhere else
Few properties can claim their own enclave entirely, untouched by neighbors and insulated by evergreens, like this one does.
“You are completely undisturbed here — no neighbors in sight — and the vistas are truly amazing,” Vanchieri said.
The estate is accessed via a gated drive that winds past tranquil woodlands and opens to a stately courtyard with a fountain. Beyond that, an ornate front door made of imported wood stands.
“The front doors were imported from Brazil, featuring handcrafted steelwork created locally — a striking architectural focal point,” the seller said.
The location and design of the property embraces every shade of California’s four seasons. Dappled sunlight peers through the trees into living spaces designed to capture the gentle hues of sunrise and sunset. Huge windows and strategically placed terraces evoke a serene, treehouse ambiance, from which to take in natural beauty as far as the eye can see.
Did we mention winter?
“The fireplace setting in the winter is absolutely fabulous — warm, inviting, and perfect for relaxing evenings,” Vanchierii said, noting the massive stone hearth commanding the elegant great room.
The estate was built with celebrations in mind.
“When entertaining, you can open all the doors and create one continuous flow from the kitchen, living room and veranda. The matching flooring carries from inside to outside, creating an expansive space that’s perfect for gatherings. It’s truly a fantastic party house,” Vanchieri said.
Celebrations at the house can spill onto the veranda and out to the resort-like pool area. Patios, a pool, spa, bocce court and horseshoe pit create a resort-like ambiance, while miles of open space offer possibilities for horses, livestock, or private trails.
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Luxury and comfort in the details
The home features four bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms and endless flexibility for hosting guests or enjoying quiet retreat. There are two primary suites, each purpose-built for comfort and luxurious seclusion.
“The master bathroom is a favorite room — spacious, soothing and beautifully designed,” Vanchieri said. “The shower and tub make it feel like a private spa suite to be enjoyed.”
Upstairs, a private sanctuary offers more options for recreation and relaxation.
“The upstairs space offers a private area to play cards, enjoy a drink or unwind away from the main living areas,” Vanchieri said. “A window-wrapped game room and bar connect to an intimate terrace, ideal for long conversations under the stars.
True luxury is found in the customized details of the Calaveras County property. For example, every tile throughout is a functional piece of art.
“All the tile work in the home is custom and was installed by the same artist, adding a cohesive and artistic touch to every room,” Vanchieri said.
Modern amenities serve both convenience and entertainment: Smart, remote-controlled thermostats offer convenience and modern efficiency; a full Sonos speaker system pumps out whole-home audio; and a comprehensive security system allows for round-the-clock peace of mind.
Nature + refinement hand in hand
This estate is not just about the house and the architecture. The rare setting is equally impressive. Gently manicured grounds balance native flora with lush lawns and elegant landscaping, a blend of cultivated beauty and wilderness.
The home is turnkey by design, according to listing agent Kristina Agustin of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, making the transition to the next owner seamless and immediate.
“All furnishing (is) to remain excluding select personal items,” she said.
Just minutes from Murphys and Arnold, the location places residents at the crossroads of Sierra adventure and wine country leisure. The historic Gold Rush town of Murphys offers boutique shopping, acclaimed dining and thriving wine tasting rooms—all amid the character-rich backdrop of California’s Mother Lode.
