Dreyfus Peninsula Volume 1 Issue 3

LUXURY HOMES AND LIFESTYLES AROUND THE PENINSULA / SUMMER 2015

The

PENINSULA

THE LAUNCH OF THE LUXURY SPEC HOME IN SILICON VALLEY BOCCE BALL: THE PENINSULA’S TRENDIEST SPORT CHURCHILL LANDS IN WOODSIDE

Off Market Exclusive Offered at $10,500,000 | Beds 5 | Baths 5.5 Home ±8,000 sf | Lot ±1.0 acres | Guest House Exclusive off market opportunity in West Atherton on a private cul de sac with creek side setting. 8,000 square feet of living space includes 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 3 car garage, and guest house. Beautiful floor plan includes large open kitchen overlooking the family room, elegant master suite with sitting room and views from every window.

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Shena Hurley 650.575.0991 shena.hurley@sothebysrealty.com

Susie Dews 650.302.2639 susie.dews@sothebysrealty.com

License No. 01152002

License No. 00781220

Contents 4

ARTS & CULTURE

8

SPOTLIGHT Q&A

18 20 36 43 44

How to Buy at Auction Churchill Lands in Woodside Real Estate Agent: Lisa Keith Real Estate Agent: Lucy Berman Landscape Architect: Jarrod Baumann LOCAL INSIGHTS

Woodside

PROPERTY OF NOTE

M.A. Harris Estate The Launch of the Luxury Spec Home in Silicon Valley ENTERTAINING

Bocce Ball: The Peninsula’s Trendiest Sport Summer Lobster Party WHAT YOU GET

26

For $3,000,000 in Woodside, Palo Alto, and Los Altos VINTAGE

A Winery Remodel: Wrights Station

14 Publisher Michael Dreyfus Managing Editor Marissa Myers Associate Publisher/Sales John Sieling

The

36 Chief Curator Sandie Timm Director of Operations Roxanne Sanchez Creative Director Phong Giang

Headquarters 728 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301

44 Printer HomeFolio Media Contributing Writers Liz Gaither, Laura Ness, Kathy Cordova Contributing Photographers Toni Sieling, Wrights Station

PENINSULA

If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 3

ARTS & CULTURE

How to buy at auction An auction is the simplest and most trusted way to buy art – and at Sotheby’s, it has never been easier.

1 84

Browse the Catalogue Go to sothebys.com and browse the complete catalogue of art for sale. Or go to iTunes and download your free Sotheby’s Catalogue iPad App.

SOTHEBY’S

4 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

22 3

Visitthe the Visit Exhibition Exhibition The week the sale, visit our The week of of the sale, visit our beautiful galleries to view beautiful galleries to view the you interested the artart you areare interested in in owning. exhibitions and owning.

AllAll exhibitions and auctions free and open auctions areare free and open to the public. to the public.

Register Register Atleast least24 24hours hoursbefore beforethe the At auction,go gototosothebys.com sothebys.comand and auction, registerfor forthe thesale saleinina afew few register simplesteps. steps.Or Orcall callthe the simple Sotheby’slocation locationwhere wherethe the Sotheby’s auctionwill willtake takeplace. place.Either Eitherway, way, auction willonly onlytake takea afew fewminutes. minutes. ititwill

44 After you may Afterthe thesale, sale, you may settle settleyour youraccount account and newly andtake takeyour your newly acquired you. acquiredart artwith with you.

OrOrwe happy wewould wouldbebe happy totoarrange arrangedelivery. delivery.

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Join in in thethe excitement Join excitement of of thethe auction in person, auction in person, byby phone or or online. phone online.

You decide when to to stop You decide when stop bidding, and therefore bidding, and therefore you only pay asas much you only pay much asas you think a work of of you think a work artart is worth. is worth.

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

The thrill of of acquiring a a The thrill acquiring painting or drawing may painting or drawing may start with the auction, but start with the auction, but the pleasure of of living with the pleasure living with your artart lasts a lifetime. your lasts a lifetime.

Courtesy of transistor studios Courtesy of transistor studios

5

Pick PickUp Up

Bid Bid

for more on how to buy and sell at auction, watch our videos on sothebys.com FOR MORE ONmore HOWon TOhow BUYtoAND AT AUCTION , WATCH SOTHEBYS .COM for buy SELL and sell at auction, watchOUR ourVIDEOS videos ON on sothebys.com

SOTHEBY’S SOTHEBY’S

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THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 5

ARTS & CULTURE

Churchill Lands in Woodside The Peninsula hosted an event earlier this summer to launch The Man Within, a new book of images and quotes by Sir Winston Churchill on the 50th anniversary of his passing. Randolph Churchill, Sir Winston Churchill’s great grandson, and Author Alison Carlson were guests of honor at a book launch party hosted by Sotheby’s broker Lisa Keith.

The book is significant on two fronts. It is the first book of its type – a well-designed coffee table format that combines never before seen images provided by the Churchill family with quotes from one of the world’s greatest and most inspirational leaders. And

second, is its connection to author Alison Carlson, a San Francisco based British ex-pat whose personal passion for this project was supported by crowd-funding and produced by Inkshares for worldwide distribution.

Sotheby’s broker Lisa Keith hosted the book launch party at her home in Woodside on June 3, 2015. “This was a wonderful opportunity to bring together community members in our region who not only appreciate the lasting impact of Churchill as a world leader, but the creativity and innovative ways in which the tech community supports history and arts in our region,” said Ms. Keith.

“…in life’s steeplechase one must always jump the fences when they come” winston churchill, excerpt from the man within 6 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

“I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught” winston churchill, excerpt from the man within

UPCOMING EVENTS Festival del Sole July 17–26 Music, dance and theater production in a variety of beautiful Napa Valley settings.

Menlo Charity Horse Show August 4–9 Benefiting the Vista Center for the blind and visually impaired.

Hotbed 2015! August 22 Gala to benefit, encourage and support artistic endeavors – a Moroccan themed event!

Opera Ball 2015: Moonlight & Music September 11 Gala benefit celebrating San Francisco Opera’s 93rd season and opening-night performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Luisa Miller.

Rodin by Moonlight September 19 Cantor Arts Center’s biennial gala and benefit event, will feature a private viewing of the exhibition Artists at Work, dining under the stars and dancing near Rodin’s Gates of Hell.

San Francisco Opening Night Gala September 24 You’re invited to the Symphony’s biggest party of the year! Toast the start of a fantastic new season and enjoy an exciting Symphony concert led by Michael Tilson Thomas, featuring surprise guest artists. Then, head to the glamorous after-party with delicious treats, live music, and dancing.

THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 7

Lisa Keith at her home

SPOTLIGHT

Q&A

Lisa Keith

REAL ESTATE BROKER

Dreyfus Sotheby’s International Realty | 650.703.8644 | lisa@lisakeith.com | lisakeith.com A native of the Bay Area and resident of Woodside, Lisa has spent her entire career in the real estate profession.

Starting in commercial more than 25 years ago, Lisa not only built, managed and led her own brokerage for many years, but today is a leader within the residential market and specializes in the luxury residential market in and around the Woodside, Portola Valley, Menlo Park and Atherton areas. Lisa is also an active member and supporter of the arts and culture within the San Francisco and Silicon Valley regions.

Best piece of real estate advice you’ve ever received?

Three words that describe living in Woodside?

As an agent and broker with nearly 30 years of experience in both the commercial and residential in the Peninsula markets, I always think back on what I learned from my father who was one of the early pioneers in the San Francisco/Silicon Valley real estate markets. He taught me the value of working hard and to always have great communication (among many other things!) and that influenced me and my approach to serving my clients.

1. History: there is a rich and fascinating history about the area that many don’t realize exists.

If you weren’t a real estate agent?

I would love to be a genealogist. I love investigating family histories and have experienced the joy and satisfaction in others when they discover more about their past.

8 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

2. Influence: our residents are some of the most well-known entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists whose ideas and contributions have literally changed our world.

3. Country Elegance: despite the high density of movers/shakers, the community lacks pretense and has a laid back, yet elegant, country feel to it.

Best way to decompress?

Spending time with family and friends over a great meal and wine is always a treat.

I also love to travel. I’ve been fortunate in having attended school overseas (Switzerland) and traveled to more than 30 countries. It’s always energizing for me to explore, meet new people, and have new experiences.

Arts and Culture opportunities?

The Bay Area and Silicon Valley offers so many opportunities for residents to experience and explore the arts. I’m personally passionate about dance and serve on auxiliary board for both SF Ballet and SF Zoo. But the area is full of opportunities to explore theatre, music, etc. Here’s a website I find helpful to stay up-to-date on what’s going on in our area: redcarpetsf.com/calendar

Brian Ayer, Sales Associate 650.242.2473 | brian@650pro.com 650pro.com License No. 01870281 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

BRIAN AYER

&

RESIDENT OF MT. CARMEL SPONSOR OF MUSIC IN THE PARK Wednesdays 6–8p SCHEDULE June 24

Bluegrass

July 1

Funk/Soul

July 8

Big Band

July 15

Zydeco

July 22

Blues

July 29

Rock/Americana

August 5

Reggae

August 12

Americana

August 19

Motown

SELLING THE BEST OF REDWOOD CITY & SETTING NEIGHBORHOOD SALES RECORDS A SELECTION OF RECENT SOLD LISTINGS IN REDWOOD CITY

950 PLEASANT HILL Sold for $2,025,000

70 WOODSWORTH AVE Sold for $2,050,000

899 BLANDFORD BLVD Sold for $2,795,000

13 WOODHILL DR Sold for $2,325,000

SPOTLIGHT

Q&A

Lucy Berman REAL ESTATE AGENT & ART AFICIONADO

Lucy was an art dealer for more than 20 years before becoming a realtor in 2004. We were curious about how the varied strands of her career fit together.

Palo Alto Art Center

LUCY BERMAN Sales Associate

Dreyfus Sotheby’s International Realty 650.208.8824 lucy@lucyberman.com lucyberman.com Some of Lucy’s Palo Alto listings Ceramic by Andile Dyalvane

1220 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto | SOLD

Why real estate after you were an art dealer for so long?

Where in Palo Alto do you like to look at art?

I had moved from art to helping with a family business. When we sold that, it was time to figure out the next chapter. I asked myself what gave me the most pleasure in a job and realized it was the personal relationships. Going into real estate got me back to working with clients. I do still miss the interaction with artists, though.

The Palo Alto Art Center for locally-relevant shows and Cantor Art Museum for world-class exhibitions. I also like to visit open studios.

What artwork is the most meaningful to you?

1118 Harker Avenue, Palo Alto | SOLD

Work by artists I know and have deep relationships with. Much of the art now in our house came from my shows, done by artists I got to know very well, and has a story to go with it. I actually did a small tour for friends recently and it reminded me how much many of the pieces mean to me.

So, do you give art as gifts to your clients?

602 Chimalus Drive, Palo Alto | SOLD

10 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

Lucy’s Dining Room

No, it’s too personal! I love to have clients choose a charity to which I make a donation.

Are you still involved with the art world?

A bit. I’m helping a South African ceramist, Andile Dyalvane, whose work we’ve collected for many years, come to the Palo Alto Art Center this summer. It’s fun to be a bit more involved and I like the idea of mentoring someone with such great talent.

What event are you most looking forward to?

Art Silicon Valley/San Francisco, at the San Mateo Fair Grounds Oct 8–11. It’s a great place to see phenomenal contemporary art from galleries around the world - everything from top-tier artists to furniture made from old circuit boards.

Test drive your real estate decision.

Who we are Opes Advisors brings together wealth management, real estate investments and mortgage services for a holistic look at your financial health.

How it works We model your home decision with our software to see its impact on your entire life, so you can move forward confidently.

Where to start Call to schedule a free consultation with an advisor.

OPESADVISORS.COM 2875 EL CAMINO REAL, PALO ALTO 650.319.1617

Opes Advisors is licensed by the CA Department of Business Oversight 4150089 under the California Residential Mortgage Lenders Act, Washington CL-1178435 and NMLS 235584. Equal Opportunity Lender. Opes Advisor is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). ©2014 Opes Advisors, Inc. All Rights Reserved

PARK CITY, UT MORE THAN A SKI TOWN

LET SCOTT GUIDE LET YOU TOSCOTT LIVE THEGUIDE PARK CITY LIFESTYLE YOU TO ENJOY THE

PARK CITY LIFESTYLE

SCOTT MAIZLISH 435.901.4309 | MAIZLISH@GMAIL.COM | SCOTTMAIZLISH.COM Scott Maizlish | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty | PO Box 2370 | 1750 Park Avenue

| Park City, Utah 84060 USA

LIVE YOUR DREAM IN PARK CITY, UTAH •

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PROPOSED ONE WASATCH SKI EXPERIENCE CONNECTING 18,000 ACRES WITH 100 LIFTS, ALL ACCESSIBLE WITH ONE PASS

©MMXV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Scott Maizlish | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty | PO Box 2370 | 1750 Park Avenue | Park City, Utah 84060 USA

Jarrod Baumann

FOUNDER OF ZETERRE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

SPOTLIGHT

Q&A

What makes a landscape special?

A landscape is special when it becomes an extension of the people who live in it. A garden should be like a perfectly tailored original garment. It should fit your lifestyle well, make you feel great, and a little hint about who you are on the inside. It should be like a one of a kind garment...not a piece that you see all over town.

Favorite garden you’ve ever designed?

I shouldn’t say that… but the garden in Los Gatos up on Cypress Ridge has been the garden that has allowed me the greatest freedom to play. My friends (who were once clients) and I have created something really special there. We have been working for over 5 years- we have created art, designed furniture, a Japanese pagoda style chicken coop, modern parterres, and really redefined the way we and others who have visited see the possibilities for what a garden should be.

What are the current trends in landscape architecture?

Certainly on California projects, water conservation is driving very interesting xeriscaping.

How has the current drought impacted your work?

I think our clients are finally really starting to think about water conservation and pushing us to get creative with how we collect and use water. I like that they are pushing us...I like a good challenge.

What does the future hold for landscape architecture?

Landscape Architecture started as an art and is becoming more of a science for many landscape architects. The municipalities are requiring more and more water conservation and environmental impact calculations and this is driving the more technical side of our training to come to the forefront. Many people don’t realize that we have to take soil science studies and civil engineering courses as part of our training and licensure. Creating great gardens has become very technical.

What qualities do you most admire in a landscape?

Thinking outside the box. I am currently working on a book about the modern formal garden. Thinking about gardens and how we use them has certainly changed a lot in the last 10 years… and now with our local drought issues - we are in for some major changes.

14 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

Best advice you ever got?

My father told me when I was about 16 that I didn’t know everything and that if I stopped talking and started listening to people and my surroundings, I would learn a lot more. Now I’m a sponge.

In listening to my clients and friends, I learn how best to design for them. This comes through in my work. Think about it: How does one design with greatness for someone you know nothing about?

Advice for someone without a big budget?

Spend time in the garden. Get to know the light and greatness of it before you start designing. Houzz is a great place to look for ideas.

Favorite thing about living in The Bay Area?

Our climate is amazing for gardens. Everything thrives here people and plants alike!

What do you do in your spare time?

I am an equestrian, a collector of rare orchids and beautiful objects.

I am constantly looking for beauty wherever I go. I do spend a lot of time traveling and touring gardens and old estates throughout the world...My occupation is also a hobby, so I guess that makes me a very lucky guy!

Located in San Francisco, California, Zeterre Landscape Architecture is renowned for its contemporary edginess and refreshingly combining classical proportions with a modern twist. ZETERRE.COM THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 15

Summer Tastes Better On The Summit!

SUMMIT2SEAWINETRAIL.COM

POETIC CELLARS

BURRELL SCHOOL

WRIGHTS STATION

MJA VINEYARDS

LOMA PRIETA WINERY

5000 N. Rodeo Gulch, Soquel, CA 95073

24060 Summit Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033

24250 Loma Prieta Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95033

24900 Highland Way, Los Gatos, CA 95033

26985 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos, CA 95033

831.462.3478 poeticcellars.com

408.353.6290 burrellschool.com

408.560.9343 wrightsstation.com

408.353.6000 mjavineyards.com

408.353.2950 lomaprietawinery.com

Sat, 12pm–4pm Sun, 1pm–5pm

Thu–Sun, 11am–5pm

Fri–Sun, 11am–5pm

Mon–Thu, 12pm–5pm Fri–Sun, 12pm–8pm

Sat & Sun, 12pm–5pm

WORLD CLASS VINEYARD VIEW ESTATE Modern Masterpiece & Glass Guest House | ±20 Acres | Pinot Noir Vineyard | Heart of Sonoma County WineCountryContemporary.com | Offered at $9,900,000

WINE COUNTRY VILLA, PANORAMIC VIEWS Handcrafted Residence & Guest House | ±14.7 Acres | European Style | Vines, Olives & Fruit Orchard GlenEllenVilla.com | Offered at $6,395,000

TINA SHONE, 707.933.1515 tina@tinashone.com | tinashone.com | License 00787338

Wine Country Brokerage 25 E. Napa Street Sonoma, CA 95476

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or non-registered) service marks used with permission.

Sotheby’s International Realty does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage or other information. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.

CHRIS IVERSON Sales Associate Dreyfus Sotheby’s International Realty

650.450.0450 chris.iverson@sothebysrealty.com MovingtoWoodside.com @ChrisinWoodside To learn more about life in Woodside or insider info, visit MovingToWoodside.com Some of Chris’ recent listings and sales

136 Otis Avenue

LOCAL INSIGHTS

Woodside

Woodside is one of the oldest towns on the Peninsula. The first house in town was built in 1841, and Woodside was finally incorporated as a town in 1956. With only about 5,500 residents spread over almost 12 square miles, Woodside maintains its rural, small town feel and lifestyle as a haven from the intensity of Silicon Valley.

Residents still know their neighbors, we still stop to chat while walking our dogs, and there are still hitching posts for horse parking downtown. It is a truly special place. Here are some of my favorite things about living in Woodside.

Best place to play hooky: Alice’s Restaurant on Skyline

Best holiday: Day of the Horse! Only in Woodside

Best place to buy Halloween pumpkins: The Mounted Patrol

Cool thing only the locals know about: The Joan Olson preserve and Kite Hill

Best hike: Wunderlich Park, start at the renovated Folger stables

Best thing about holidays: Parades on Woodside Road Best place for a ticket: Canada Road at Glenwood (please stop!)

250 Lindenbrook Road

303 Hillside Drive 18 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

Folger Stables at Wunderlich Park

Hiking trail

Best place to play hooky

9200 BROCKWAY SPRINGS ROAD #69, KINGS BEACH | OFFERED AT $1,280,000 Million Dollar Lakeview...This newly renovated, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit is located on the 6th floor of the Brockway Springs Tower, offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. The extensive remodel was completed in the spring of 2014, with LED lighting, in-floor heating, electric blinds, contemporary kitchen and state of the art bathrooms. The modern furniture is streamlined with polished, smooth and sleek surfaces.

Brockway Springs is a gated community that offers a half-mile of private Lake Tahoe shoreline. The recreational amenities include a year-round swimming pool heated by natural hot springs, a children’s wading pool, tennis courts, fitness room, saunas, club house and a huge dock for boating and fishing. Unit #69 comes with the exclusive use of a buoy for the summer season.

TRUDI LEE 530.448.3006 trudi@trudilee.com NorthTahoeHomes.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

PROPERTY OF NOTE

M.A. Harris estate is one of Atherton’s historical best – then and now

BY MARY JO MCCARTHY

20 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

120 Selby Lane, West Atherton | Beds 7 | Baths 6.5 | Home ±11,000 sf | Lot ±2.0 acres

O

This home is offered for sale. For inquiries or to schedule a visit, please contact Mary Jo McCarthy of Dreyfus Sotheby’s International Realty at 650.400.6364.

ver the past 100 years, there are a few special properties in Atherton that have maintained their prominence. The estate located at 120 Selby Lane is one.

Originally part of a 16+ acre parcel, this estate was home to Matthew A. Harris, member of the first Atherton city council, subsequent Mayor of Atherton and president of the Van Arsdal-Harris Lumber Company. It was also home to cows, egg-producing chickens, self-sustaining gardens and horses.

The next owner was Henry Martin Storey, an engineer, Vice President, and original board member of Standard Oil of California. Eventually, Storey subdivided the estate into three five-acre+ parcels, which were subsequently developed and now include the Storey Manor and Arthur Lane subdivisions.

Estate owners in the early 1900s subdivided their land so that their children could live in close proximity. This was the case with Storey as he built a home for his daughter on the adjacent parcel.

Today, most of the Selby Lane landscape has been transformed to one-acre parcels. The days of fully sustainable gardens and egg hatcheries are no longer the norm in Atherton, but the grandeur of the M.A Harris estate has stood the test of time. It resides on two expansive acres and was constructed when homes of greater height were allowed.

The M.A. Harris Estate remains a blend of then and now. Garages have replaced the barn, but a carriage house remains as a reminder of yesteryear. Formal gardens as well as smaller vegetable and cutting gardens are lovingly maintained. The expansive two-acre parcel accommodates the 11,000 square foot estate, a pool and a tennis court.

In Atherton’s early days, many of its estates were “country homes” that became full-time residences. Now, as then, Atherton puts forth a clarion call to the Valley’s most prominent denizens to put down roots and make these old estates their own.

Reprinted from InMenlo | inmenlo.com THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 21

M.A. Harris Estate, West Atherton Presenting a rare opportunity to live and enjoy the timeless grandeur of another era or plan your own dream estate on this special property.

A private gated entry leads to this beautiful home which showcases the height of Atherton grandeur while displaying all of the hallmarks of the Tudor style, including handcrafted leaded and stained glass, multiple manorial-scale fireplaces and elaborate cathedral and box-beamed ceilings.

Permeated throughout with floods of natural light, the magnificent interiors have been respectfully maintained and updated.

SPRAWLING 2-ACRE WEST ATHERTON ESTATE • Approximately 2 acres of exquisitely landscaped and private gardens • 7+ bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms in the main residence • Spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bath carriage-house apartment • Large family room overlooking gardens • Library with custom woodwork • Light-fi lled living room with adjoining garden room and wet bar • Detached Tudor-style cottage with loft, ideal for an art studio or meditative retreat • Temperature-controlled wine cellar with exceptionally large capacity • Detached garage complex offers parking for 8 vehicles and includes a full bathroom; additional parking for recreational vehicles • Swimming pool • Tennis court features a viewing pavilion with domed stainedglass ceiling • Gated circular driveway • Price upon request

Downtown Menlo Park 640 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park / 650.847.1141 dreyfussir.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Mary Jo McCarthy, Realtor ® 650.400.6364 maryjo.mccarthy@dreyfussir.com maryjomccarthy.com License No. 01354295

Big Sur Legacy Property Big Sur, California | Offered at $3,850,000 15 rooms | 6 bedrooms | 3 full baths | 2 partial baths Interior ±3,000 sf | Exterior ±1,200 sf | Land: ±60 acres Classic Big Sur Property. “The Knoll” at 60 acres is truly a legacy property. On the market for the first time since it was homesteaded by one of Big Sur’s founding families in the early 1900’s.

One mile from Hiway 1, The Knoll sits at 1400’ elevation and above the summer fog line. Marvel at the ocean, mountain and canyon views. Enjoy hiking trails through the stands of redwood, oaks and laurel trees. The Mediterranean like microclimate supports a citrus and avocado grove as well as a year round vegetable garden. Contiguous to the Ventana Wilderness Area, The Knoll offers total privacy and access to the majestic backcountry of Big Sur. The main home and barn burned in the Basin Fire of 2008. Plans and permits for the main house designed by Studio Schicketanz are included. The modified original cabin stands today. The Knoll is a very special property looking for the next Family to act as steward and create the next 100 year legacy.

Kirk Probasco Sotheby’s International Realty 831.238.1893 kirk.probasco@sothebyshomes.com License No. 1806198

Los Altos Hills Retreat

14700 Manuella Road, Los Altos Hills 14700Manuella.com

Downtown Palo Alto 728 Emerson St, Palo Alto 650.644.3474

Offered at $4,975,000 Beds 3 | Baths 2.5 Home ±3,285 sf | Lot ± 22,880 sf Separate Workshop and Guest House

Downtown Menlo Park 640 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park 650.847.1141

dreyfussir.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Portola Valley Estate

6 Blue Oaks Court, Portola Valley 6BlueOaksCt.com

Offered at $4,500,000 Beds 4 | Full Baths 3 | Half Baths 3 Home ±7,280 sf | Lot ±2.76 acres

Michael Dreyfus, Broker 650.485.3476 michael.dreyfus@dreyfussir.com

Summer Brill, Sales Associate 650.468.2989 summer.brill@dreyfussir.com

Noelle Queen, Sales Associate 650.427.9211 noelle.queen@dreyfussir.com

License No. 01121795

License No. 01891857

License No. 01917593

26 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

PROPERTY OF NOTE

The Launch of the Luxury Spec Home in Silicon Valley

BY LIZ GAITHER

T

here has been much written of late on the emerging trend of the luxury spec home nationwide. Stories worthy of a reality TV show tell of 8,000 square foot master bedroom suites, bathrooms equipped with designer toothbrushes, and custom toilets featuring ambient colored lighting, Bluetooth audio and heated seats. While these stories of excess are entertaining, they’re not really representative of the luxury spec home market locally.

High-end spec homes on the Peninsula, where buyers tend to look for superior quality and design over glitz and ostentation, are not symbols of over-the-top indulgence, but rather of a practical esteem for quality of life. Their purchasers tend to be smart, non-frivolous people who have high standards and expectations, demanding jobs, and busy family lives.

While these luxury spec homes may not glorify excess, they do pay tribute to beautiful, thoughtful design and gracious living, incorporating premium finishes and appliances, formal entertaining areas, as well as wine cellars, game rooms, home theaters, wellness areas, and outdoor living spaces equipped with kitchens, wet bars, television lounges and guest cottages.

Disregard any preconceptions of the old-school spec home -- contractor-grade materials, mid-range appliances and cheap construction. These homes feel permanent, like they’ve been there for 100 years and are meant to last for generations to come. Ultimately, buying a luxury spec home on the Peninsula is not about flash, nor is it about frugality. It’s about avoiding stress, saving time, and just good business sense.

THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 27

ABOVE / PREVIOUS PAGE: Spec house on Almendral Avenue, Atheron currently being constructed by Wise Building Company

Guest house kitchen, Almendral Avenue, Atherton

“To be as meticulous as we are means it’s going to be a three-year process.

We build these homes with as much attention to detail as we built our own.

Everything needs to be done right.” JEFF WISE, DEVELOPER WASN’T THIS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN? Building a custom home from the ground up is not for the faint of heart. In fact, “construction anxiety,” as it is dubbed by therapists, ranks somewhere between infidelity and difficult in-laws for putting stress on a marriage. The homeowner must make an overwhelming number of decisions (an estimated 15,000 according to one Houzz survey), ranging from paint colors to the location of hundreds of light switches, in a very short period of time. Most homeowners are not familiar with construction terminology and have limited experience reading complicated blueprints, making these decisions completely overwhelming. And because nearly every major home construction project goes over budget, the unpredictable, mounting cost of building a home from the ground up can be an enormous source of anxiety.

Jeff and Katherine Wise, owners and founders of the Wise Building Company, are a rare couple. Married for 43 years, they have worked together for most of that time, managing a successful marketing firm while raising seven children. But what makes them particularly unique is that, when they sold the firm in 2000 and decided to build their ideal family home, they, as Katherine describes it, “fell in love with

28 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

the whole process.” It took three years of painstaking work, but even before the house was complete, “We looked at each other and said, ‘We’ve learned so much doing this, we have to do it again!’” The Wise’s have since parlayed their passion for excellent construction, superlative living, and love of family into building some of West Atherton’s finest family estates.

One person’s passion is another’s tooth extraction. For every Jeff and Katherine Wise, there are dozens of homeowners who would not, in their wildest dreams, relish the homebuilding process. A few years ago, with two demanding careers and three children, ages 8, 10 and 12, Kim and Bill Chisholm had started to outgrow their Menlo Park home. “We didn’t seriously consider building from the ground up. We just didn’t need that kind of stress,” recalls Kim. When they learned that a Wise home was under construction, they jumped at the opportunity. “The home was the perfect match for our needs, and more importantly, Bill and I didn’t have to spend a lot of energy on stressful decisions. The whole experience was a joy.”

CAN WE GET THOSE YEARS BACK? Kim celebrates her family’s decision to forego custom construction: “We decided to move five or six years before our oldest would be leaving for college. We wanted to be sure the house felt like home to our whole family, and are incredibly grateful for the memories we have under this roof.”

Building a well designed home can take a shockingly long time.

Even after buying the ideal lot, the Wise‘s typically dedicate 12–18 months to the design process, working daily with the architect to maximize the space, lot configuration, sunlight, trees, and privacy.

“We know that committing that extra time in the early stages makes all the difference when construction begins,” explains Jeff. “We never want to look back and think, ‘We could have done that better.’”

After plans are approved, construction typically takes another 18-24 months, with the Wise’s on-site every day, often making decisions that improve the house even if it means construction will take a little longer. Jeff explains, “To be as meticulous as we are means it’s going to be a three-year process. We build these homes with as much attention to detail as we built our own. Everything needs to be done right.”

THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 29

ABOVE / PREVIOUS PAGE: Detail of home on Austin Avenue, Atheron built by Wise Building Company

“The Wise’s have access to the best - the best builders, architects, contractors.

Sometimes it just makes sense to hand over the reigns to the experts.”

KIM CHISHOLM, HOME BUYER IS THERE AN APP FOR THIS? The learning curve on building a custom home is steep and scary, with the inherent risk of delays and cost overruns. With so much talent and business success locally, the philosophy of most purchasers of high-end spec homes is that, while they may do a decent job building their own home, they are not experts, and their time and money would be better spent doing what they do best. Kim Chisholm would agree, “I think Bill and I have good taste, but we don’t have all the contacts. The Wise’s have access to the best - the best builders, architects, contractors.

Sometimes it just makes sense to hand over the reigns to the experts.”

It’s a little counter-intuitive, but a wellplanned spec home may be more “customized” than if you’d built it yourself. The Wise’s current project on Almendral Avenue boasts six miles of custom mouldings, hundreds of square feet of hand-selected calacatta marble, distinctive ceiling styles in every bedroom, as well as whimsical surprises that would delight even the most discerning homebuyer – a special closet just for shoes, a hidden wet bar tucked behind the library’s wood-paneled bookshelves, a cleverly designed mud room that incorporates an alcove for the family pet. All of these elements have a unifying characteristic: they come together to create

a “forever” home, a place where families congregate, where a couple can grow old and welcome children and grandchildren back for holidays and summer vacations.

Surveying Almendral’s lovely, cedar-shingled façade, Katherine smiles, “With each home we’ve built, the owners have said, ‘You’ve thought of everything!’ We take that as a delicious challenge for our next project… what can we dream up to make the next home even more extraordinary!” With Almendral’s impeccable design and construction, that will be a formidable challenge indeed.

For sales inquiries or to schedule a visit, please contact Rich Bassin at Dreyfus Sotheby’s International Realty, 650.400.0502.

30 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY MARKLEEVILLE | $2,200,000 Here in the grand Sierra Mountains, next door to Lake Tahoe, is a rare development project that won’t require a lot of vision. Carson Ridge offers an exclusive enclave of 11 buildable hillside lots with custom home sites ranging in size from two plus to just under five acres. Each lot is configured to ensure expansive views and abundant privacy. There isn’t another offering like this – come explore this rare gem.

ON THE WATER, TAHOE STYLE TAHOE KEYS | $2,399,000 Prime Waterfront Living in the Tahoe Keys. Get comfortable in this 3,400+ sq. ft. home on fashionable Beach Drive, across the street from the lake. You’ll be dazzled by dramatic water views from the moment you enter the home. One of the largest private boat docks in the Keys makes this spot the envy of boating enthusiasts.

A STUNNING SIERRA RETREAT TAHOE PARADISE, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE | $1,189,000 A truly exceptional offering by any measure, this upscale mountain home melds the timeless ambiance of a mountain lodge with sophisticated elegance. The large open floor plan includes 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, gourmet kitchen and a stunning great room; an extraordinary find in South Lake Tahoe.

EMBRACED BY NATIONAL FOREST LAND MEYERS, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE | $724,500 This immaculate mountain home provides ultimate privacy and comfort. From this serene setting, enjoy views of the forest from almost every window. The open floor plan is perfect for daily modern living as well as refined entertaining. With 3 levels of living space, this residence is superbly appointed with features and upgrades throughout. Sit on your open deck and take in the fresh air or step outside to hit the trails. Either way, you will be sure to enjoy all four seasons of recreation in beautiful Tahoe.

SOPHISTICATED LUXURY WITH MOUNTAIN CHARM COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE | $599,000 This turnkey home is a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking to relocate or invest in a secondary home in beautiful Lake Tahoe. Ideally located in a quiet county neighborhood, this exceptionally designed newer construction features over 2,700 square feet of living space. The open space design with upstairs living is perfect to accommodate family gatherings and offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. Price point and privacy highlights this impressive home.

A PERFECT PLACE TO CALL HOME MONTGOMERY ESTATES, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE | $575,000 Mountain Home designed for Tahoe family living! A wonderful opportunity to own in a great neighborhood on a quiet street and steps to miles of US Forest Service Trails. Featuring downstairs living this newer construction offers over 2,300 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and an oversized garage with plenty of storage space. Freshly updated and meticulously landscaped – this home is ready to enjoy.

TURNKEY TAHOE CABIN MONTGOMERY ESTATES, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE | $565,000 Expansive 6 bedroom, 3 bath home in highly sought after Montgomery Estates locale - choose to bring your friends and family or generate income with this established vacation rental. This South Lake Tahoe location is close to downtown, Heavenly ski resort and endless trails at High Meadows.

An extremely well maintained mountain retreat, this property is turnkey ready with many new upgrades; windows, flooring, and dormers in the upstairs bedrooms.

COMING SOON NORTH UPPER TRUCKEE, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE It’s worlds away from the hustle and bustle yet minutes away from South Lake Tahoe skiing, shopping, restaurants and coffee shops. This upscale, custom mountain retreat has over 2,000 sq. ft. of living space; its rustic charm will not disappoint. Guests & family enter this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home to the upstairs living area with an open kitchen and dining, vaulted ceilings and soaring windows that allow for an abundance of natural light. Now there’s no need to get away. You’re already here.

KELLY FLAHERTY, REALTOR® 530.416.0671 | kelly@tahoeluxuryhomes.com | TahoeLuxuryHomes.com CalBRE 01730928 | Each office is independently owned and operated.

ARTFULLY UNITING EXTRAORDINARY

LAKE TAHOE

HOMES WITH EXTRAORDINARY LIVES.

Tahoe Donner | 15312 Skislope Way $795,000

Alpine Meadows | 1051 Snow Crest Road $175,000

Sugar Bowl | 0 Mule Ear Drive (10 acres) $325,000

Squaw Valley | 1806 Christy Lane $3,950,000

Sugar Bowl | 0 Old Donner Summit Road (16 acres) $199,000

Sugar Bowl | 773 Twinberry Court $2,525,000

Squaw Valley | 1881 Apache Court $1,350,000

SKI | GOLF | LAKEFRONT | FARM & RANCH

tamaramckinney.com | tamara@tamaramckinney.com | 530.412.0302

next steward?

Who will be the

S q u aw V a l l e y H o m e S t e a d . c o m The historic Squaw Valley Homestead Ranch is a rare opportunity for discovery, inspiration and stewardship.

With 29.6 acres of mixed zoning, the Homestead site provides an unrivaled opportunity to define and craft the last remaining significant property in the heart of Squaw Valley.

TAMARA MCKINNEY 530.412.0302 Tamara@TamaraMcKinney.com TamaraMcKinney.com

1680 PINE CONE CIRCLE INCLINELAKEFRONT.COM

1442 BERNE COURT INCLINECUSTOMHOME.COM

535 LODGEPOLE DRIVE LAKETAHOEWATERVIEW.COM

1605 PINE CONE CIRCLE INCLINEVILLAGELAKEFRONT.COM

BUYTAHOEHOMES.COM

Each ofямБce is independently owned and operated.

263 SIERRA COUNTRY CIRCLE SIERRACOUNTRYESTATE.COM

536 FAIRVIEW BOULEVARD TAHOE-LAKEVIEW.COM

471 EAGLE DRIVE LAKETAHOEVIEWHOME.COM

790 FAIRVIEW BOULEVARD TAHOECUSTOMHOME.COM

Lexi Cerretti 775.833.1646 | Claudia Thompson 775.233.4014

Bocce Ball: The Peninsula’s Trendiest Sport ENTERTAINING

“We wanted to maximize our yard, but wanted whatever we did to be low or no water. A bocce court is the perfect solution.” michelle taser Bocce ball courts are popping up all over the country – from backyards to the beach - and the Peninsula is no different. Bocce is the fastest growing ball sport in the world and the second most played ball sport behind soccer, due in part to the game’s simplicity and the fact that almost anyone can play.

Bocce Ball in Palo Alto As more and more homeowners are looking for drought tolerant options for their yards, bocce courts fit the bill. Dreyfus Sotheby’s International Realty Agents Michelle Taser and Lucy Berman both have bocce courts in their backyard. Michelle just put the finishing touches on her court this spring, just in time for the summer party and barbecue season. ‘We’re really social people.

We entertain outside twelve months of the year and bocce is a great way to keep the fun alive. It’s competitive, but not so competitive that you can’t be enjoying food, a cocktail and a great conversation while you play.”

Interested In The History?

Bocce is an ancient game. It is among the earliest known outdoor pastimes. Some bocce authorities (yes, there are bocce scholars!) believe the game originated in Egypt around 5200 BCE, while others claim it began in Greece in the 6th Century BCE.

36 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

It is believed that soldiers played bocce during downtime between battles. Soldiers would select a small stone and throw it first.

Larger stones would then be thrown at the leader and the stone coming closest to it would score.

The name “bottia” meaning “ball” in Latin, is the root of the Italian word “boccia.”

Bocce really began sweeping California in 1989. These days, you’re as likely to find a bocce court in a neighbor’s backyard as you are to find it in a city park or at your favorite watering hole.

Bocce court at Mullins Bar and Grill in Half Moon Bay

Places to Play on the Peninsula If you’re not lucky enough to have a neighbor with a court, there are several fun options at bars, local parks, a winery, and even a bowling alley.

Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful and breathtaking places to play bocce locally is at Mullins Bar and Grill in Half Moon Bay, the “19th hole” of the golf course at the Ritz Carlton.

Mullins isn’t your only option, however. The Peninsula offers many public options for bocce play:

According to Richard Wood, Executive Chef at Mullins, people love to play bocce for the social interaction. “We started with one court about two and a half years ago but it was so popular we had to add two more. We have a league that plays every evening, Monday through Friday, with 12–14 teams per night! We get all kinds of people from all walks of life getting together and intermingling. We’ve got locals, homeowners, people coming in from San Francisco and Redwood City…

it’s a total escape from their everyday lives - essentially 42–48 people out there on the courts having a party.”

Bars & Grills • Bowlmor in Cupertino (indoor) • Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos • The Office in San Carlos • Nebbia Winery in Half Moon Bay

Leagues And if you are interested in more organized bocce fun, there are several leagues in the area.

Community Parks • Burton Community Park in San Carlos • Beresford Park in San Mateo

No bocce party is complete without food and drink, of course. Mullins is known for its farm-to-table casual pub dining. During the games, they serve beer, wine, appetizers, and bar snacks. But after the game, guests can relax by the fireside and enjoy seasonal dishes, including Mullins’ famous house smoked barbeque baby back ribs, while looking over the majestic Pacific Ocean.

San Carlos Parks & Recreation • Spring and Summer Leagues on Wednesdays and Thursdays • To register as a team or free agent, contact 650.802.4382 Mullins Bar and Grill/Half Moon Bay Golf Links • Leagues run 8 weeks, Monday–Friday • To register, contact Half Moon Bay Golf Links at 650.726.1800 • Next league will start in November 2015

THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 37

RANA CREEK EXECUTIVE RETREAT, HOME & RANCH, CARMEL VALLEY 14,200 ACRES | $59,950,000 CARNOUSTIE MANOR, PEBBLE BEACH 6 Beds | 7 Baths | $4,199,000

Sam Piffero 831.236.5389 | sam@sampiffero.com sampiffero.com Executive and Lifestyle Specialist

Each ofďŹ ce is independently owned and operated.

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | Office | Home ±3,975 sf | Lot ±6.7 Acres Nestled along the 16th fairway of Clint Eastwood’s Tehama Golf Course in Carmel, California, this property truly dazzles. 360 degree views offering sparkling Monterey Bay coastline, city lights at night, manicured greens and Santa Lucia mountains. Fore Porches is a contemporary craftsman design featuring eye catching architectural style and wonderful spaces for living and entertaining. Purchase includes a social membership to the exclusive Tehama Golf Club. Discover the magical Tehama lifestyle only minutes to Carmel By the Sea and Monterey Airport. 75 miles to San Jose and Silicon Valley.

Mike Jashinski 831.236.8913 | mikejashinski.com | mike.jashinski@sothebyshomes.com Successfully Selling Homes on the Monterey Peninsula Each office is independently owned and operated.

VISTA DEL MARE, PEBBLE BEACH The very essence of the Pebble Beach lifestyle | $10,980,000

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA Live the Life You’ve Always Wanted | $2,095,000 Nicole Truszkowski 831.238.7449 | nicole@estatesofcarmel.com | estatesofcarmel.com Pebble Beach & Carmel-by-the-Sea Real Estate Expert Each office is independently owned and operated.

CARMEL POINT - COMING SOON Steps to Carmel Beach | 3 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3,947 sf | Call for details

PEBBLE BEACH - PARADISE WITHIN REACH Single level | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,137 sf | $1,205,000

Bowhay Gladney Randazzo 831.214.2550 | bowhaygladneyrandazzo.com

Each ofďŹ ce is independently owned and operated.

ENTERTAINING

Summer Lobster Party

BY MICHELLE TASER

There are so many things to love about living on the Peninsula—and one of my absolute favorites is the beautiful, Mediterranean weather. I love that we can enjoy the outdoors most of the year, but the summer months are especially great for dining al fresco.

July is special to me. It’s my birthday month and several of my close friends also have July birthdays, so it’s a wonderful time for a celebration. Last year I wanted to do something amazing for all of us, and so we hosted our first annual July lobster party.

I love this new tradition! We work so hard throughout the year and sometimes we think we have to have a big vacation to relax. While it’s great to get away, it’s also wonderful to take time to do something a little extravagant and fun to appreciate and celebrate our friends and family in our own back yards.

LOBSTER POT RECIPE

• 4 1½ pound lobsters • 8 small white potatoes • 1 onion, cut into quarters • 4 ears of corn, cut into halves • 2 dozen clams • 2 dozen mussels • 1 bottle of dry, white wine • 4 tb of Old Bay Seasoning • Lemon wedges for garnish

42 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

1. Place all the ingredients except the lobsters and lemons into the pot once the wine is simmering. Cover and steam for 15–18 minutes. Make sure the clams and mussels are all open.

2. Boil a large pot of water with salt and cook the lobsters 2–3 at a time depending on the size of the pot. Boil for 15–20 minutes. Make sure the color of the lobsters is a vivid red before removing from pot.

3. Combine all ingredients and garnish with lemons. Serve with sourdough bread and a crisp chardonnay or beer. Enjoy!

WHERE TO BUY SEAFOOD • Ranch 99 Market 1350 Grant Road, Mountain View • Cook’s Seafood 751 El Camino Real, Menlo Park • The Fish Market 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto TABLECLOTHS Use a cloth tablecloth, then layer a paper one over it for easy cleanup. Paper tablecloths can be found at many local retailers.

WINE PAIRINGS • Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay ‘12 $24 • Landmark Chardonnay ‘12 $27 • Carneros Highway 12 Chardonnay ‘12 $18 BEER • Coors Light • Gordon Biersch Golden Export DESSERT Peach and blackberry cobbler.

Ask me for the recipe!

Michelle Taser, Sales Associate

Dreyfus Sotheby’s International Realty 650.575.7782 michelle.taser@dreyfussir.com

For $3,000,000 in Woodside, Palo Alto, and Los Altos WHAT YOU GET

COLLEEN FORAKER Dreyfus Sotheby’s International Realty

650.380.0085 | colleen@colleenforaker.com | colleenforaker.com | License No. 01349099

Housing options on the peninsula are as diverse as our geography and as diverse as the people who make up our community. We can accommodate a wide variety of preferences and lifestyles. Whether your definition of what constitutes home is a remote woodland retreat with acreage in the mountains, a modern turnkey pied-à-terre close to freeway commute routes, or a traditional Colonial, walking distance to a charming town center—we’ve got a home that will work for you.

WOODSIDE, CA

PALO ALTO, CA

LOS ALTOS, CA

WHAT A craftsman style retreat in the forested hills above Woodside

WHAT Brand new contemporary style home

WHAT 1929 Monterey Colonial close to downtown Los Altos

HOW MUCH $2,990,000

HOW MUCH $2,995,000

HOW MUCH $2,988,000

HOME SIZE ±4,920 sf / ±1,000 sf cottage

HOME SIZE ±2,459 sf

HOME SIZE ±2,255 sf

LOT SIZE 10 acres

LOT SIZE ±3,629 sf lot with shared driveway

LOT SIZE ±6,525 sf

PRICE PER SQ FT $1,218 OPPORTUNITY The vibe is chic and urban, yet inviting in this 3 bedroom / 2.5 bath home. Clean lines and sleek finishes are balanced by natural woods and soft hues. The floor plan is open and multi-functional with high ceilings and oversized windows throughout. The small, low maintenance lot affords an entertaining patio and a small garden area. Its location, two miles from downtown Palo Alto and close to the 101 Freeway, means a convenient spot for commuters.

OPPORTUNITY Located in the town’s most desirable neighborhood, this classic 3 bedroom / 2 bath Monterey Colonial home retains its period charm. Its rustic hewn beams, built-in cabinetry and original architectural details have been lovingly maintained. The kitchen and baths are updated. French doors to the patio, balcony and roof deck invite outdoor enjoyment.

Its location on University Avenue, a tree lined street that boasts a beautiful mix of architectural styles, puts the home a few short blocks from the village center.

LISTED BY Nathalie de Saint Andrieu, Pacific Union, 650.804.9696

LISTED BY Jo Buchanan and Stuart Bowen, Coldwell Banker, 650.949.8506

PRICE PER SQ FT $505 OPPORTUNITY Completed in 2008, this handsome 5 bedroom / 5 bath custom home features rustic hardwood floors and craftsman style architectural details throughout. Built on a gentle slope and arranged on three levels, almost all of the rooms enjoy beautiful woodland views.

Eco-friendly technologies maximize this home’s energy efficiency. Majestic redwoods line the winding road up the hill to this remote Woodside property that enjoys total privacy. The location is 1 mile from Alice’s Restaurant, and 6 miles from Robert’s Market.

LISTED BY Stephanie Nash, Alain Pinel Realtors, 650.995.3820

PRICE PER SQ FT $1,325

THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 43

VINTAGE

A Winery Remodel: Reconstructing the Past At Wrights Station Wrights Station Winery Located just five minutes from Highway 17 on Summit Road, 15 minutes from downtown Los Gatos.

24250 Loma Prieta Way, Los Gatos, CA 95033 Open for tasting by appointment Friday–Sunday / 11a–5p Tasting fee: $10

44 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

W

BY LAURA NESS

hen Dan and Molly Lokteff bought the 20-acre property that is now Wrights Station Vineyards & Winery back in August of 2009, they knew they had arrived at a special place in history. They chose to preserve the country charm of this beautiful old 1940s farmhouse set amidst vineyards and orchards, surrounded by Christmas tree farms and immense redwood groves.

Essentially, they turned the entire house into a tasting experience, adding comfortable and stylish bathrooms, installing dramatic windows behind the bar to drink in the view and turning the cozy living room into a place for children to play while adults relax in the couches and chairs. What was a den, sunken bath and bedroom became the main tasting room, with a stunning private room for seated tastings and club parties.

The previous brass-ship-lantern lighting was replaced by modern cans and track lighting, along with custom-designed, wine-bottle lights that dangle merrily above the reclaimed barnwood-fronted tasting bar. Dark wood was painted white, fireplaces went from dingy to decorative, and the interior is fi lled with comfortable spaces to sit and relax with a glass of their estate-grown Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Dan describes the dĂŠcor as casual but elegant.

A wraparound porch provides a breezy bower to rest in the summer, or a pleasant place from which to observe the fog surge over the mountains above the Lexington Reservoir, watching the mists move like spirits through the towering redwood grove that borders the vineyards.

Before

After

Major changes outdoors included removal of the old pool and extending the massive deck, repainting it and adding attractive green railings, while installing abundant large planters that spill over with fragrant lavender and white roses. Ample umbrella-equipped tables beckon outdoor picnickers, along with attractive outdoor setees and

After

couches. A lovely water feature is home to a giant frog, while lemon trees and a brick rotisserie grill grace the front patio, bounded by a giant wisteria vine that completely covers an original trellis.

THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015 / 45

History of Wrights Station’s Location The Lokteff ’s named their winery after a station on the Southern Pacific Coast Railroad route that took folks from Los Gatos to the beaches of Santa Cruz in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The corridor is now served exclusively

by Highway 17: some rue the demise of the railroad, a far safer way of transporting the masses.

Before

After

What was at various times a chinchilla farm and a horse barn became the winery where Dan now makes the wine: what was a dog run and horseshoe pit became the crush pad. Dan and Molly carefully preserved the look and feel of the barn’s equestrian past with gorgeous barn doors complete with period-looking hinges and latches. Out front are old horse tie-ups.

Inside, the metal stall outlines remain, creating a challenge for moving barrels in and out, but offering the perfect pillars for wrapping sparkling lights for those romantic wine dinners they have planned. Overhead, chandeliers fashioned from barrels provide the perfect ambiance.

The town of Wrights, which dates to 1879, was named for the man who established vineyards, orchards and a stagecoach hotel on this site. With nearly 3,200 acres of fruit – mostly plums and grapes – in the Summit region in the 19th century, Wrights became an important freight station for getting goods to market.

Although the station is long gone, some of the tracks still remain, along with the remnants of the 1.5-mile tunnel completed in 1880

by Chinese laborers. During World War II, fearing invasion of the homeland by the Japanese, locals fi lled in this and other railway tunnels to discourage their use as enemy hideaways.

The barn where Dan makes the wine

Resources Dan credits the awesome color palate and many of the charming accents to Sheryl Fales of Refined Design Services in Los Gatos, and the overall design to Studio 3 Design of San Jose, the architectural firm who did the original plans, about half of which came to fruition.

Golden State Builders did all the construction and remodel work. Many of the furnishings came from Harvest in Los Gatos, which also has outlets in Menlo Park, and San Carlos.

46 / THE PENINSULA SUMMER 2015

For more on Wrights Station and wine tasting along the Santa Cruz Mountain Summit, visit WineFoodExplorer.com and read “Sip Into Summer on the Summit”

ANNET TE SMITH

IT’S NOT JUST BUSINESS, IT’S PERSONAL .

With over 20 years as a top real estate agent, Annette succeeds because she makes business personal.

She loves her job and her clients— listening to them, understanding their needs and working hard to meet their real estate goals.

Whether you’re a homeowner, navigating all the emotional and physical transitions of selling your house, or a buyer trying to get the best deal in a competitive environment, Annette offers both the expertise of a seasoned real estate agent and the genuine care of a good friend.

It’s no wonder that over 90% of her business comes from referrals.

650.766.9429 annette.smith@dreyfussir.com AnnetteSmithHomes.com Your Menlo Park Realtor Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

“As a seller, we had an advocate. Annette advised us every step of the way and she always made time for us. Annette’s unique balance of practicality, perseverance, and a positive attitude all contribute to her success.”

WENDY & ROLF

“Annette was very perceptive, creative and empathetic during negotiating. She negotiated very well and went out of her way to make things happen. We got a great house in a great area for less than I anticipated, which is pretty remarkable in this market.”

ROBYN & DAVID

“Annette is so genuinely interested in the community that she has developed a tremendous network in all sectors that few agents could match. That, combined with her persistence, proactive determination, and immediate responses are the reasons we enjoyed working with Annette.”

CHARLES & MARITERE

Our Agents

DREYFUS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

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Annette Smith

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