Vineyard Knolls Aerial

The former Lane Knolls municipal golf course at 1129 Dealy Lane in Napa was turned into a 25-acre private estate by legendary Hollywood producer David Wolper (think Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Roots) in 1990.  And in 1999, onetime Yahoo! president and COO, Jeff Mallett, purchased “Vineyard Knolls” for $5.6 million.

Developed around a NCGA sanctioned nine-hole course, the estate now includes a contemporary 7,500 square-foot main home, a 6,400 square-foot club house (complete with a St. Andrew’s inspired bar overlooking the 9th hole), and an open-air pool pavilion and tennis court.

And while listed for $17.5 million in 2012, but having never sold, Vineyard Knolls has just been re-listed for $9.5 million, a rather “significant price change” (per the listing) of around 45 percent.

9 thoughts on “Huge Price Cut For Former Yahoo! President’s Napa Valley Estate”
  1. I’m confused. Is the golf course still operating for the public or is it private and why in the world would the city sell public space?

    1. There is a lot of land being protected by MALT and the SLT. Both organizations aim to preserve open space for farming, agriculture, and viticulture.

  2. “Private and personal 9-hole executive golf course.”

    I’m going to remember that next time SFPUC sends me tips on how to conserve water.

  3. That pond may irrigate much of the course. Many golf courses have their own sources of water that at least partially cover irrigation needs. I’m not saying that’s the best use for that water, but they are likely not keeping that grass green entirely via the public water supply.

    On another note, the price seems actually somewhat low given the amount of land and size of the house. Maybe that’s because because it’s extremely expensive to run. There probably aren’t that many people that want to deal with keeping their own private golf course – even golf nuts.

    1. Seems like a great investment for a young tech guy with money. Let the golf course return to a more natural condition, live in the place for decades. By the time you hit your 40s, you’ll be able to break up the parcel and sell off lots.

  4. Haha. Subdividing in Napa Valley? This will never happen. The size of a subdividable lot in this area is a minimum of 160 acres per house if not already subdivided. This will only continue to get more stricter to preserve the ag preserve. Luckily or else the napa valley would look like San leandro

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