A stacked-stone fireplace takes center stage in the expansive space, while shades of cream and white play foil to the dark-wood floor beneath. A glorious view, custom mouldings and show-stopping accents like the three-dimensional oversized metal flower make for a memorable entrance. A gorgeous grand staircase accentuates the estate's elevated ceilings while the scrolled chandelier illuminates the to-the-top custom woodwork.

This Macmillan Ranch estate is a study in organic rustic refinement - a mixture of gleaming stonework, hand-scraped wood floors, exposed wood-grain beams and artistic renditions of nature. Surrounded by gorgeous greens and gardens, , the home recently went into escrow with Sand Canyon real-estate expert Morgan Gonzalez.


A rustic-carved archway, exposed-wood beams and hand-scraped wood flooring add a sense of casual refinement to the space. Guests and family alike love to sink into the deep-cushioned couches generously topped with cozy pillows and faux-fur blankets. The room opens directly to the yard, providing the perfect environment for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Everyone wants to pull up a chair at the rustically-refined bar. The wood-grained ceiling, timeless stone top and inviting ambiance make this a place guests want to stay a while.

"This home is a stunning example of what Sand Canyon has to offer, and Macmillan Ranch in particular. The only guard-gated community in the canyon, Macmillan Ranch is one of the most coveted addresses in Southern California. The homes are exquisite, the neighbors are friendly and the properties are expansive," says Gonzalez.


Gleaming white surfaces, a sink-installed island, professional-grade appliances, a fabulous farm sink and custom tile work throughout make this gourmet kitchen one that beckons the chef in all of us. The casual kitchen-side dining area mixes a bench with chairs to best accommodate the simple picnic-table design of the piece. The casual corner lends a relaxing ambience to the room, where sipping the morning coffee and reading the paper are made all the more pleasurable, thanks to the filtered sunlight that trickles through the oversized framed window. The formal dining space's gracious design invites guests to take a seat while soothing shades of grey settle the senses. The twin chandeliers brighten the subdued space, while the view from the garden brings an organic energy to all who gaze upon it.

Gonzalez, having been in Sand Canyon for over 25 years, knows that the Canyon is a special place unlike any other. "Macmillan Ranch and the entire Sand Canyon area is so distinctive because of the unique properties, but the community also benefits from the rich natural surroundings. My clients and I say that the stressors of the world fall by the wayside the minute you hit the canyon. It's like you're entering a completely different world.

Conversation flows naturally when seating encourages face-to-face interaction. Planation shutters, oversized artwork featuring the beauty of nature, a simple brick fireplace and minimal accessories support, rather than distract from, authentic connection. A traditional four-poster bed coordinates beautifully with the antique-carved mirror. The room is all at once a nod to the past while a woven rug and neo-modern lighting introduce elements that are contemporary. An oversized soaking tub is the master bath's prime destination and the star of the show, proven by the sparkling orbs of light above. The chevron-patterned stone tile in organic shades of grey, cream and white bring a natural sophistication to the room. His and her sinks, a built-in vanity and angled mirrors make for easy morning prep.

We have a significant amount of high-profile clients who could live absolutely anywhere - but they choose Sand Canyon because of the energy and ambience of the place. It's instantly relaxing," explains the expert.


The vintage cast-iron guest bed is the ideal base to a collection of whimsically-tiered coverlets, wool blankets and plenty of other-era pillows. The paneled ceiling ensures that guests' last glimpse before drifting off to sleep is a pretty one. A sweet window seat is brightened by vintage-style iron lighting and equally-rustic shuttered mirror. Even the estate's laundry room is pristine and perfect; the galley-style space offers plenty of room for linen storage; the convenient farm-style soaking sink makes cleanup a breeze.

The estate here was in escrow in only two weeks, a nod to the experience and passion Gonzalez brings to every real estate transaction. "I know just about every home in Sand Canyon - that's how I can serve as a matchmaker of sorts for my clients," shares the Realtor and business owner.