Going Dutch Colonial in South Sebastopol

Hessel is a substantial neighborhood a few miles south of Sebastopol near the border of Petaluma. For decades Hessel, also known as Cunningham, with its fortune tellers, pig farmers, funky junk stores, and a great barbeque joint was not considered to be the best part of town. But now that Sebastopol has become such a coveted part of Sonoma County, unincorporated Hessel, with its close proximity to the 101 for southbound commuters, is in demand. It’s a bit foggier than town, which makes it a great place for growing pinot noir or chilling out while the rest of the county broils. It’s also a great place to raise kids. Neighbors here are neighborly, the school bus makes special stops, and the local elementary, sweetly named Gravenstein for the local apple crop, is a California distinguished school. Hessel is tight knit, and pets are numerous, yet the houses maintain a nice distance apart. So the braying of sheep and horses and the barking of dogs or crowing of roosters is rarely a problem. Lots here average an acre or three. I raised my kids on Hessel in a big farmhouse right up the hill from this sweet fixer. My former husband still owns that farmhouse; he and I have fond memories of picking up a chicken from Pack Jack on the way home. Sadly, Pack Jack burned down, but Donny and Marie (it IS their names) have plans to rebuild. This nearly original house, worn by 84 years of providing shelter, has just about everything a small family could want (except a 2nd bathroom). The price, view (especially from the rear upstairs bedroom), big yard and garage are there. Vintage 1923 charm with decent value for the entry level buyer.

4021 Hessel Rd.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
agent: Jim Paschal
Remax Central
mls# 20712827
3 bedrooms, 1 bath
1536 square feet
.65 acre
$532,500