New Forest Meadows Listing: 791 Buckthorn Drive with a Detached Guest Cottage
If you have been searching for a Forest Meadows home for sale with room for family, guests or possible rental income, 791 Buckthorn Drive deserves a closer look. This distinctive Murphys-area property combines a 1,967-square-foot main residence with a detached 288-square-foot guest cottage—an unusual and highly versatile feature within the Forest Meadows community.
Flexible Living with Two Primary Suites
The main home offers two primary-suite options, making the floor plan especially appealing for multigenerational households, frequent guests or buyers planning for comfortable single-level living.
The main-floor suite features soaring ceilings and its own private patio deck. Upstairs, the entire second floor becomes a private owner’s retreat with multiple closets, laundry facilities, a walk-in shower, dual sinks, dressing table and a western-facing deck for enjoying dramatic Sierra sunsets.
The home’s architectural character begins in the octagonal Saltillo-tile foyer and continues through arched doorways and pass-throughs, custom oak-wrapped kitchen counters, oak cabinetry, built-ins and trim. Andersen windows and sliding doors bring in natural light, while a wood-burning fireplace in the living room and a cozy woodstove on a Saltillo-tile hearth in the dining room create two inviting gathering spaces.
A Rare Detached Guest Cottage
Just beyond the main residence is the approximately 288-square-foot detached guest cottage. It includes a kitchenette with upper and lower cabinets, full sink, refrigerator, built-in two-burner cooktop and toaster oven, as well as a full bathroom and large closet.
Whether used for visiting family, older children, a private creative space or possible rental income, the cottage gives this property flexibility that is difficult to find among Forest Meadows homes.
The reported 2,255 square feet combines the 1,967-square-foot main residence and approximately 288-square-foot cottage.
Gardens, Views and Outdoor Living
The east-facing front of the property welcomes golden morning light and views toward the Stanislaus River Canyon, while the western decks and patios capture the evening sky.
A generous paver patio is surrounded by established gardens featuring lavender, lilacs, white roses, iris, crape myrtles and fruit trees. The dedicated herb garden includes rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano and a mature bay tree.
A separate shed, currently used as a grandchildren’s playroom, could readily become a potting shed, workshop, art studio or additional storage.
Practical Features for Mountain Living
Rock walls and matching retaining walls frame a newly sealed circular driveway that passes directly through the two-car garage—an unusual design that also provides generous off-street parking.
Hardie fiber-cement siding and a concrete tile roof offer practical appeal in the Sierra foothills, while a Tesla Powerwall provides backup power. The property also features a Carrier HVAC system.
Steps from Hilltop Park and Minutes from Murphys
One of the home’s best location advantages is its position immediately adjacent to Hilltop Park. The community recreation center, swimming pool and outdoor amenities are just steps away.
Forest Meadows residents enjoy two parks and pools, playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas, a clubhouse, dog park, walking trails, tennis, pickleball, bocce and basketball. The gated community also provides security patrol, private-road maintenance and snow removal.
Located approximately 3.5 miles from downtown Murphys, the home offers convenient access to local wineries, restaurants and shopping. Calaveras Big Trees State Park, alpine lakes, hiking, golf and year-round Bear Valley recreation are all within easy reach.
791 Buckthorn Drive could work equally well as a full-time residence, multigenerational home or Sierra foothill retreat.
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For additional information or a private showing, contact Nicole Goostree, Broker, Land & Home Company, at 209-743-6786. California DRE #01973891.