Days of Wine and Roses

By Heather Caro

Photography by Sara Gettys

Driving through the picturesque Lower Valley – perhaps on a wine tour – visitors might catch a glimpse of the towering river-stone arches and weeping sequoia trees that mark the entrance to Leland and Lynda Hyatt’s rural Zillah estate on Bonair Road.

Built in 1997, the spacious, 5,000-square-foot house was designed by architect Greg McClure. The Hyatts admit, though, that the design was heavily influenced by their own inspiration and ideas gained from years of attending Yakima’s annual Tour of Homes.  “We still go,” says Lynda as she describes the many updates they’ve made to the property over the years.

The Hyatts’ recently remodeled kitchen features all the perks: two islands, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Attention to such details as a built-in oak butcher block near the stainless steel prep sink allows for a functional workspace without sacrificing style.

The open floor plan of the great room – ceilings reach 18 feet – is balanced by a rich color palette, hardwood flooring and overstuffed leather furnishings. And, blurring the lines between indoors and out, a river stone hearth crafted by local mason Bob Gosset is the commanding focal point of the room. The massive fireplace is embellished with a mantle fashioned from a rustic driftwood log.

A regal staircase sweeps up to the second floor, where the master bedroom suite takes center stage. The bedroom features a gas fireplace and cathedral ceiling with windows that frame lush apple orchards and the mountains beyond. The expansive master bath with whirlpool tub, a custom walk-in shower and granite countertops cradling dual cast iron sinks complete the sanctuary. In addition, the suite leads to a private deck where a hot tub awaits with relaxing views of acres of wine grapes adjacent to Hyatt Vineyards — which the couple has owned and operated since 1983 — and the distant Rattlesnake Hills.

Custom furniture built by McClure and decorative pot shelves (an architectural detail spotted by the couple during vacations in Sodona, Ariz.) add personality. Throughout the home, signs of weekends spent with grandchildren are sweetly evident — from framed photos to a den filled with games and comfy pillows.

The overall effect is an extraordinary home that is clearly comfortable in its own skin. It’s a place where entertaining and family are relished.

And yet the Hyatts’ living space does not end at their doorway.

[slideshow id=30]Adding their own slant to the growing trend of “outdoor living,” the grounds of the estate are an extension of the home – and where you can find the couple on most days.

Landscaping, including the addition of a bed of red roses – a favorite flower of Lynda’s – was done almost entirely by the couple. Details such as carefully placed boulders and gnarled timbers punctuate the terrain, each with a story easily recalled by the Hyatts.

“I guess we’ve always been collectors,” laughs Lynda. “When our kids were little we’d go out boating and drag driftwood home with us.”

Custom river-stone works, crafted by Gosset, can be found throughout the Hyatt’s 46-acre property, from the grand arches at the entrance of the estate to the home’s foyer, a garden bench, barbecue and the most recent addition: a river-stone roundabout.

Careful observers might notice the ubiquitous windmill design, a theme that’s echoed in each piece. Collecting the quixotic Hyatt trademark is a favorite hobby of Leland’s. The decorative windmills can be seen turning in the breeze at the Hyatt estates, the Hyatt Vineyard and within Gosset’s river-stone pieces.

Multiple water features are also present on the acreage, including six ponds with names inspired by the couple’s grandchildren, each stocked with bass and trout. But what truly sets the landscape apart are the many cabins and outbuildings built to help complete the Hyatt’s outdoor living space.

On the banks of “Tessa’s Pond,” the largest of the six (which doubles as irrigation for the surrounding orchard), a small fishing shack with an outdoor dining area is a popular family gathering place during warmer months. A typical summer meal may include steak and fresh corn grilled over apple wood – accompanied by a vintage from Hyatt Vineyards, of course.

“Carson’s Pond” features a covered patio with a shaded sitting area for long afternoons of fishing. And, inspired from a trip to Yellowstone National Park, the Hyatts added a small log cabin near “CaraLee’s Pond.” The one-room cabin is large enough for a queen-sized bed, bunk beds and a small dining area – just right for campouts with the grandkids.

With its updated living spaces and al fresco garden hideaways, the Hyatt home is the perfect marriage of a love for nature and an affinity for creature comforts.