Beautiful Sonoma Estate That Was Once Home to the Original ‘Sugar Daddy’ Hits the Market for $11.5 Million

What do Sonoma, CA, the term “sugar daddy,” and Charlie Chaplin have in common? More than you might think.

In fact, all hold a very significant connection to a stunning mansion that recently hit the market in California wine country—a 7,000-square-foot residence that was once part of a summer home belonging to the original “sugar daddy,” Adolph Spreckels, and his philanthropist wife, Alma.

Located in the luxurious Sobre Vista Estates in Sonoma, CA, the sprawling property was originally listed for $11.5 million; however, it has just had its price cut by $2 million.

The picture-perfect home is nestled in a highly sought-after neighborhood that was once a hot spot for celebrities and other well-to-do figures back in the 1930s. In fact, the home’s private tennis court has been used by everyone from Chaplin to Bing Crosby and Ronald Reagan.

The Spreckels reportedly bought the land in the late 1800s, creating an incredible summer oasis with artificial lakes, houses, a pool, a dance hall, and a golf course. In the 1940s, it was divided into smaller parcels, including this 2.2-acre lot that features a seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion.

The Spreckels

If you don’t know much about the Spreckels, buckle up: Adolph was the son of Claus Spreckels, a wealthy sugar tycoon who earned his money from the beet sugar trade and ran a sugar refinery in the city and then parts beyond. The Spreckels family was so influential that they founded a company town nearby called, what else, Spreckels.

Then, there was Adolph’s wife, Alma, who was more than two decades younger than him. She was known as the “great grandmother of San Francisco” and a philanthropist who supported San Francisco’s burgeoning art scene. She convinced her husband to donate the California Palace of the Legion of Honor to the city. Now a museum, the institution just celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Beyond charity, she’s credited with inventing the term “sugar daddy,” a nickname she gave Adolph.

Besides the Spreckels’ larger-than-life Sonoma spread, they also owned an enormous home dubbed the Spreckels Mansion in upscale Pacific Heights. The pad now belongs to author Danielle Steel. The swanky Coronado home of John Spreckels—Adolph’s brother—was also offered up for sale a few years ago.

High-end home

As for the Sonoma estate, the renowned property is not only rich in history but has high-end features, too. Built in 1968, it was sold just once through the years: In 1985, it was snapped up for $625,000.

The sleek build boasts a modern front entry with an oversized wood door and glass walls.

The living room features a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace (the home has four of them), wood floors, and a wet bar. It blends right into the billiard room/library with built-in shelving and outdoor access.

Further inside is the kitchen, with a double oven; an oversized, marble-topped seated center island; and a wine fridge. The windows above the sink fold back, opening to the patio—convenient for hosting parties.

Space for a dining table that can accommodate at least 14 people is across the room.

Luxury living

Seven hotel-like, en suite bedrooms have direct entry to a private garden, patio, or terrace. Sleek ceiling fans, wood flooring, high-end shelving, and spa-worthy bathrooms are also the norm for each.

Additional home amenities include a high-end fitness room and laundry facilities.

Outdoor oasis

Set on 2.2 acres, the outdoor space is also impressive.

Case in point: The backyard is lush and green, with landscape designer Penney Magrane-styled grounds featuring a 60-foot saltwater pool, limestone terraces, and Japanese-style copper soaking tubs.

Sports enthusiasts will be happy to learn that there is a volleyball, bocce, and croquet court, as well as the aforementioned tennis court. The area even includes an outdoor kitchen for preparing alfresco feasts.

There’s also plenty of parking—this property has space for 10 cars.