Late Williams-Sonoma CEO’s 9-Acre Glen Ellen Estate Listed for $9.25 Million

The former California estate of the late W. Howard Lester, the entrepreneur who expanded Williams-Sonoma into a national kitchenware powerhouse, is back on the market in Glen Ellen, California, listed for $9.25 million. The 9-acre property, located near Jack London State Park and the original Williams-Sonoma store, has been extensively renovated by its current owner who purchased it in 2017 for $6 million, nearly doubling the home's size and adding modern amenities including a pool, expanded interiors, and a guest cabin. The residence features a modern farmhouse style with three bedrooms, a dramatic great room with beamed ceilings and paneled wood walls, a concealed wine cellar, and a primary suite with dual walk-in closets. The grounds offer rolling lawns, a pond, walking trails, and are designed to embody casual yet refined wine country living. The estate reflects Lester's legacy in upscale home goods and showcases a blend of indoor/outdoor living with elements like French doors and skylights enhancing natural light. This property, handled by Sotheby’s International Realty, appeals to buyers seeking a luxurious lifestyle in a historic wine country setting.