R. W. Thorpe & Associates
Vaughn/Johanson/Macauley Property
BENTON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Client: William & Carol Vaughn, Cameron & Marianne Macauley, George & Phyllis Johanson
Project Size: 145 Acres
The project site occupies a quarter section of property in eastern Washington adjacent to State Route 82 near the town of Plymouth, Washington, approximately one mile north of the Columbia River. The pastoral landscape offers uninterrupted views of the Columbia River with Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams beyond. The climate and soils of the area are ideal for growing premium wine grapes. Many wineries are located in this part of the state, ranging in size from the northwest's largest production facilities to small, family-owned cellars.
R. W. Thorpe and Associates was asked to do a Feasibility Study for this family's land and provide a Master Plan which would illustrate its "Highest and Best Use." To back up this effort, view analyses, soil documentation, water rights and topographic mapping were provided.
The property characteristics and location inspired the concept which would combine residential, recreational and agricultural land use. A poplar-lined boulevard introduces a vineyard which occupies the southern 40 acres. A winery on-site offers visitors tours of the facilities and a wine-tasting patio set within the vineyard with views to the river and mountains beyond. A large private residential estate and riding stables emerge from the vineyard with an equestrian trail along the perimeter, connecting the residential, recreational and agricultural land uses.
A 9-hole, dual tee (plays 18) public golf course occurs within the natural landscape north of the vineyards. The rough character of the existing native plantings is retained between fairways with occasional ponds adding relief to the dry landscape. A pro shop and practice green are located close to the winery for public use.
Large residential lots (one acre +) interrupt the golf course on its western edge. Many have fairway frontage; all have views to the Columbia River and the mountains beyond.
Poplars provide windrow buffers to the highway and along the entire perimeter allowing for occasional views into and from the site. The windrows occur within the vineyard for wind protection and continue throughout as a theme connecting the design elements of the site.
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