158 Avila Lane. (Image via Terra Firma Global Partners)

For my family, living in Sonoma County means spending a lot more time outside of the home rather than in it. Our house is under 1,000 square feet – for four people – but the sizable backyard makes it feel much larger. The weather is temperate enough in Santa Rosa that we’re able to eat, entertain, or just enjoy the outdoors on the back patio nearly year round.

For many homebuyers, the ability to have a spacious yard in which to socialize or relax in may take prevalence over architecture or interior space. While land is just as much of a luxury as marble floors or an indoor pool when it comes to pricing, there are currently a few on the market that come in at under a million,;

366 Deer Path Dr, Geyserville – $925,000 – 3.62 Acres

Front of home. (Images via North County Properties)

This house 1,753 square foot home has three bedrooms, 3 full baths and is located in a subdivision close to a private club that features lake swimming, sailing, fishing, tennis courts and hiking trails.

Deck to the outside.

The home is surrounded by decks.

With a nearly 4 acre lot, residents wouldn’t need to leave the property for a short hike.

2290 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa – $640,000 – 2.33 Acres

Front of home. (Images via Coldwell Banker)

The Mark West home is 2,082 square feet of living space on the inside, with over 1,000 square feet of decks surrounding it.

Outdoor stairs to the redwoods.

The decks offer views of the redwoods surrounding this A-frame home.

They also provide a good platform for outdoor entertaining.

158 Avila Ln, Sebastopol – $849,000 – 4.8 Acres

Front of home. (Images via Terra Firma Global Partners)

This 998 square foot cottage is small, but with nearly five acres of land there’s plenty of room to expand.

Fruit trees or vegetable gardens would thrive here (the vineyard in the background is not part of the property).

Dining outside on a warm summer evening can easily be accomplished.

17020 Lauri Ln, Occidental – $869,900 – 2.01 Acres

Front of home. (Images via Pacific Union International)

A split level Craftsman style cabin, 17020 Lauri Ln. has the architecture as well as the land.

Decks for entertaining or enjoying the redwoods are located in the back.

With 2,140 square feet of living space, this 3 bedroom home won’t feel cramped on rainy winter days when outdoor excursions are off the agenda.

11 Rosewood Cir, Cazadero – $539,000 – 3.81 Acres

Front of home. (Images via Berkshire Hathaway)

Outdoor enthusiasts will be a good match for this cabin style home.  With 3 bedrooms and over 1,600 square feet on the inside, it’s roomy enough for a family.

The views of the redwoods from the outside patio seem to create a tranquil setting for bird watching.

An additional cabin/tent is tucked away in the surrounding forest.

The forest setting for this home brings to mind cabins and summer camping trips.