Frankly, I was about to pinch myself, but I didn't want to break the spell.

The sunset and the surroundings were too perfect. A second glass of wine might have convinced me that I wasn't really in Penn Valley at all, but in Tuscany. Besides a heartfelt welcome, Sharon Ruth Rose and Stefano Woods told me the story of their home, their marriage, triumphs and tragedies. Like most of our lives, when highlighted, they are magical and musical — like an opera — filled with great personal loss, love and a passionate approach to life.

You might ask how is it possible that a girl from Sioux Falls meets a Toronto-born man in Florence — and together they create a Tuscan-style home in the heart of Penn Valley. But they did, and the life they share is both meaningful and beautiful.

Sharon fell in love with Nevada County, and moved here in 1999. Some of you will remember her as the manager of Grandmere's Inn in Nevada City. Although born in Canada, Stefano spent nearly four decades teaching and traveling throughout Italy.

“I became enamored with the lifestyle there,” he recalls enthusiastically. “Although I'd have moved anywhere to be with Ms. Rose (as he affectionately calls her), I wanted to take some of Tuscany with me.”

“It worked for both of us,” Sharon says with a smile, “and here we are.”

The tranquil, five-acre meadow property they purchased in 2000 is now graced by a magnificent Tuscan-style home they built themselves. Sharon's 93-year-old mother, Claire, lives with them — and daughter Amy and son Todd are frequent visitors. Sharon's two sisters, who live nearby, are other regulars.

What impressed me is the way the 3,300-square-foot home is used. The largely open floor plan flows — with its doors wide open, illuminated by two levels of windows. There are always mountains of pasta and carafes of good wine. The home attracts and encourages lively conversation and personal connection.

“It's not unusual for friends to ask us casually, if they could cook dinner for their friends at our home,” Sharon says, “and Stefano and I are delighted. We've even had marriages celebrated here.”

Ah, perhaps “celebration” is the key word. Although the home is impressive, a warmth and informality prevail. You feel it the moment you arrive. The parkland setting, the huge, ancient-rock formations, even the 100-year-old barn on the property, make you feel relaxed and glad to be there. Numerous events and several youth-club Halloween parties have been hosted in the 3,500 square-foot barn. Wherever you go, you feel as if you want to raise a glass, and toast the joys of life.

Bud Bollinger of Auburn designed the home, which according to Sharon, “kept getting larger than originally planned.” Pointing a playful finger at Stefano, she reveals, “His vision was so inspirational, I couldn't help but share his enthusiasm.”

A hearth-felt hug

“As the floor plan increased,” Stefano reflects, “the original marble fireplace surround looked a bit thimble-like, just too small for the space. The actual fireplace measured seven feet across. After discussing it with Sharon, we decided to encase the marble with a massive 14-foot mantle of rough-cut timber from North San Juan.”

The result reflects Sharon's refinement and Stefano's self-proclaimed “rough-hewn exuberance.”

“I read by the fireplace, and feel its generous warmth,” Sharon adds, “and the large, earthy wood surrounding it reminds me of a hug. My marble is embraced by a big, solid hug from Stefano. It's a metaphor that brings great comfort.”

Shades of gold and terra cotta add warmth to the abundance of natural light. While the great room is large, area rugs, furniture groupings, plants and angles create different spaces for different purposes. Claire has her special table in the brightest corner for the best reading light. Another area is for media and music. Even when you want privacy, there's still a harmony with others.

Recycling renaissance

Friends of Stefano and Sharon were remodeling, and invited them to help themselves to cabinets, lighting fixtures, sinks and such. Hence, the kitchen and bathrooms are enjoying a renaissance at RoseWoods (the name they've given their home). Other friends offered furniture, including many fascinating antiques. Although different in style and origin, they live together in a harmonic tapestry.

Earlier I mentioned tragedy. When the property was purchased in 2000, it included a small, older home. A fire destroyed the home the following New Year's Eve, and Rose's 19-year-old daughter, Tiffany, lost her life. A lifetime of family furniture, paintings and treasures were lost as well.

“Our friends' support and generosity have helped so much,” Sharon admits. “There just are no words for the loss, the love and our appreciation.”

Whether you're by the fireplace in winter or enjoying the summer scenery from a patio or balcony, you're never far from an angel sculpture. Much like the home itself, they offer unspoken reassurance that one cannot live a complete life without tragedy, connection, creativity and love.



Every home reflects the life within. Sometimes that life is jubilant or sacred. Sometimes it's creative or practical. Often it's a magical mixture of many characteristics. A home is the blank canvas, and how we fill and enjoy that space is always a fascinating discovery. We'll feature another home and another lifestyle soon.