Redwood Mansion Teeters on Edge After Flooding in Sonoma

Neighbors fear home may collapse, causing damage to nearby properties

Feb. 27, 2026 at 1:12am

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A stunning Redwood mansion in Sonoma County, California is teetering on the edge of collapse following heavy rains and flooding that have caused the home to slide off its foundation. Neighbors in the area of Guerneville, situated along the Russian River, are worried the unoccupied home under construction could crash down on their own properties if it continues to deteriorate.

Why it matters

The flooding and landslide risk in this Sonoma County community highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change, which can cause significant damage to homes and infrastructure. This incident also raises questions about construction practices and safety regulations in areas prone to natural disasters.

The details

The home's retaining wall has been washed away and the heavy rains keep coming, causing the mansion to slide further off its foundation. A parking spot under the home was under construction and some trees had been removed, which may have contributed to the erosion and instability. An evacuation warning has been issued for nearby residents on Neeley Road and Orchard Avenue due to the risk of landslides and falling trees.

  • On Monday, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation warning for residents in the area.
  • The heavy rains and flooding that have destabilized the home began earlier this week.

The players

Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that issued the evacuation warning for residents near the collapsing Redwood mansion.

May Maye

A neighbor who lives across the street from the unstable home and heard it start to collapse.

Permit Sonoma

The local government agency that will send engineers to assess the landslide risk and determine if further action, such as an evacuation order, is necessary.

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What’s next

Permit Sonoma will send engineers to the site to assess the landslide risk and determine if an evacuation order is necessary for nearby residents.

The takeaway

This incident in Sonoma County underscores the growing threat that extreme weather events pose to homes and infrastructure, especially in areas prone to natural disasters. It highlights the need for robust construction practices, effective emergency planning, and proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.