Elusive wealth wasn't the only draw for those half-crazed miners. They must have had a strong appreciation for sublime natural beauty, as well.
There are a number of exceptional reasons for pursuing that second home in the famed Gold Country of the Sierra Nevada. Let's talk about a few.
For starters, how about the notion of retiring in the cool mountain air, surrounded by the solitude and splendor of all those magnificent pine trees - building a blueprint with the gentle breezes to create a refreshing essence that's just made to saturate your senses. Does it work for you?
Then there is the motive that inspired our friends to purchase their lovely abode: something called an "investment". And what a dandy little one it is.
We accepted their invitation to "come up and see the place", and in the process were able to make full use of a gorgeous March afternoon. How does 75 degrees sound?
We couldn't wait to get started.
Just up the hill on Highway 50 towards Lake Tahoe, some 45 minutes from Sacramento, we came upon the charming town of Camino. Finding their weekend retreat was a snap - one would never believe such a modest, quiet neighborhood could exist so near a freeway. But it does.
The advantage of buying a used home lies in the satisfaction of "dressing up" the interior, made possible because the outdoor landscaping pretty much takes care of itself. All you need is a good gardener, and you're set.
With an enormous back yard, bordered by majestic pines to give it that "woodsy feel", it was obvious our friends were initially hooked by the entire package -- not just the handsome dwelling. As I gazed skyward, I could imagine parking my telescope on the veranda, a glass of wine in hand, grinning broadly as I surveyed the cloudless nighttime heavens. Such a delightful fantasy!
Blessed with a small amount of snowfall each year, I could also envision a cozy winter evening by the crackling fire, sipping my favorite Chardonnay, or Zinfandel, or… well, you get the idea. Sigh. Perhaps if they decide to sell...
And speaking of wine, there exists an outstanding assortment of tasting rooms nearby, ready for our leisurely examination. We spent the better part of the afternoon browsing a few, enjoying heaps of sunshine along with, I might add, that well-refined product of the grape. Viva la Vino!!
Our absolute favorite turned out to be a quaint little winery by the name of Fleur De Lys, which coincidentally mirrors the heading on their labels. Owned by a husband and wife duo from Canada, there is an unmistakable French atmosphere that salutes you the minute you walk through the door.
The passion they bring to their cherished winemaking "dream" was evident from that first taste - you don't produce such distinctive quality unless you are serious about the result. And believe me, these people are serious. They even have a first-rate selection of grapeseed oils. A "Lemon Zest" mysteriously found its way to our home, and onto some salmon. Wow.
Camino is only one of the many captivating towns to be found in the Gold Country. If you are considering a second home purchase, for whatever reason, this may very well be the place. Give it a peek. You just might find it the answer to "your dream" too!