Villaggio di Vigneto

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in Tuscany, surrounded by golden hillsides and gorgeous wine grapes maturing in the warm sun, you should head right over to the new Villaggio di Vigneto community in Penn Valley. The builder is starting to frame the first home in the 53-acre community, and once buyers see the stunning setting, Villaggio is certain to be a big seller.

The vision of developer Ted Schall, a Lake Wildwood resident, Villaggio di Vigneto (Village of Wine) features 49 homesites and 30 acres of dedicated green space. Overlooking the deep blue vista of Lake Wildwood, literally across the street from Wildwood’s North Gate on Pleasant Valley Road, Villaggio will transport its residents into the atmosphere of a Tuscan village.

Prices and sizes for the lots range from one-quarter acre to two acres, from the mid $200s to $1 million plus. The first phase of 17 lots is now open for sale. Wildwood West is handling the real estate sales for Villaggio. In the first phase, lot prices range from the mid $200s to the $400s.

To achieve the Mediterranean ambience, Schall has brought authentic touches to Villaggio. The stone entrance, featuring a repeat series of round, Romanesque style arches, sets the tone for the community, throughout which Schall has planted olive trees. The site is a series of rolling hills dotted with mature oaks and pines that provide buyers a beautiful natural environment.

Many of the Villaggio homes feature outstanding lake views and Schall and his architects have designed the homesites to stagger them in such a way that residents can enjoy privacy and unobstructed views.

Schall was inspired to create the Villaggio concept after traveling to Tuscany with his wife, Rita Perotti, who is of Italian descent. “As I was traveling, I thought, ‘this looks like the property here,” says Schall, “the rolling hills, the olive and chestnut trees.”

Vineyard Living

One of the pleasures of living at Villaggio di Vigneto, and adding to the Mediterranean flavor, is being able to live right next to vineyards. Villaggio builder Len Stevens is a partner in the local Pilot Peak Winery and they are planting Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Viognier at two sites within Villaggio. Some of the homes will back right up to the vineyards. A special treat for Villaggio residents: those who would like to be part-time vintners can participate in the harvest, picking the grapes and helping with crushing and bottling. They can taste the fruits of their labor when the Pilot Peak Villaggio di Vigneto vintage is released!

To further preserve the Mediterranean look and feel, Schall has set strict standards for the estate style homes. All the homes must have tile roofs and the exterior will be stucco and opulent stone work. Even the landscaping is authentic Mediterranean. Buyers have a list of 250 plants they can choose from and oleanders are definitely out, says Schall.

As you can expect, the homes will be top of the line quality with all the modern amenities, including wine storage rooms for the wine lovers in the community. Homes must be 2,300 square foot minimum and the design cannot interfere with the views of neighbors. Len Stevens is building the model home, “Trasimeno,” 3,400 square feet, priced at $1.25 million on a 7,000 square foot lot. Trasimeno is one of three essential styles, the other being “Savona” at 3,000-plus square feet and “Murano” at 4,173 square feet. All styles features two levels, stone foyers, great rooms with fireplaces and entertainment centers, covered decks with outdoor kitchen options, slab granite kitchen countertops and media rooms. The homes are smart wired for the latest high tech connections and all utilities are underground. Villaggio residents will not have those outdoor propane tanks near their home since the new community will have a central propane source, with individual lines to each residence.

Villaggio di Vigneto will also have a 3,500-square foot clubhouse and pool. There will be homeowner’s association dues of about $1,000 a year, says Schall.

Picture yourself relaxing on your deck at the end of the day with a glass of your own personal vintage, admiring the lakeside view and enjoying the serenity of the oaks and olive trees. How cool is that?

For information on lot availability, contact Wildwood West at (530) 432-3400. The broker is Bob Nix and agents on the team are Larry Rihl, Terrie and Larry Collins and Susan Panzica.

For information on building at Villaggio, contact Len Stevens at (530) 432-3643.

Pilot Peak Winery can be reached at (530) 432-3321.

Community Highlights

Villaggio di Vigneto-Penn Valley

Zip code: 95946

Elevation: 1400 ft.

Location: Northern California, off Hwy 20. Nevada County.

Population: 1,387

Public Schools:

Nevada Union High School: 9-12

Pleasant Valley Elementary: 4-8

Ready Springs Elementary: K-8

Williams Ranch Elementary: K-3

Vantage Point Charter: K-12

Penn Valley Community Day: 6-8

Colleges/Universities nearest to Penn Valley:

America River College (About 39 Miles)

California State University-Sacramento (About 47 Miles)

Sierra College (NC Campus, -8 Miles, Rocklin Campus- 29 Miles)