Originally conceived by the visionary architect Gardner Dailey in 1934, this exceptional estate is a testament to his architectural brilliance updated with a comprehensive renovation – a labor of love that meticulously preserved its early heritage while breathing new life into its every facet. The classic style of an English country manor is presented, creating a visual symphony from the slate tile roof to the leaded glass windows and exceptional gardens. The views offered are nothing short of dazzling, encompassing verdant views of the bordering Menlo Country Club golf course, the sweeping panorama of San Francisco Bay, and the majestic silhouette of the East Bay hills, crowned by Mount Diablo.
Set within a gated sanctuary of 1.5 acres, the home is adjacent to a 2.8 acre lot available for separate acquisition, enhancing the promise of exclusivity or with potential for further development. The palatial home spans more than 10,000 square feet of grace and sophistication. The journey into the home begins with a unique entrance – a pedestrian gate beyond the gated driveway opens into a vast front courtyard with a magnificent heritage oak tree, lawns and patios, and a sparkling pool, creating an enchanting space for grand celebrations or private relaxation. Additional outdoor venues are found at the rear of the home with spacious terraces on both levels beckoning a front-row seat to the captivating vistas.
Designer perfection prevails throughout with gorgeous finishes, crystal chandeliers, and the timeless allure of leaded glass windows. A living room, grand in scale and adorned with a manorial fireplace, sets the stage for large gatherings, as does the tremendous formal dining room. A magnificent chef’s kitchen stands ready to cater it all, and the adjoining multi-room family area gracefully opens onto the front courtyard and pool terrace for easy indoor/outdoor living.
The home’s 6 bedrooms are absolutely luxurious, each with en suite bath, most including steam shower. The lavish primary suite boasts two full baths, two dressing rooms, and an en suite office. Three additional bedroom suites are located on the same level. A main-level suite adjoining the library and library sitting room has ADA compliant doorways and French doors that access the courtyard and pool terrace. Topping it all off is a large, equally well-appointed apartment accessible from within the home and with a private outside entrance. Rounding out these amenities is a finished basement with vast storage space plus an attached 4-car garage complete with wood-paneled walls and ceiling – a tribute to practicality that honors the level of detail found at every turn.
Entrance
Discretely positioned behind security gates with a vast motor court entirely set in antique-style bricks wrapping around manicured parterre gardens and row of pollarded sycamore trees; a pedestrian gate opens to an expansive front courtyard with sparkling pool, gazebo, custom designed bench surrounding a heritage oak, decorative espaliered vines, and stretches of level lawn and patios; a stone walkway in Versailles pattern leads to the hobnailed front door
Foyer
A solid wood door, with intricate carvings and speak easy window, opens to a grand foyer with Verde marble floor, arched alcove lined in mirror, and impressive staircase with carved balustrade railings; hardwood floors extend beyond and continue into every room except bathrooms
Living Room
This ballroom-scaled formal venue features a coffered ceiling, entire wall of paneling with integrated manorial sized fireplace with vintage screen enclosure, and sconce lighting; double doors and windows, all with leaded divided lights, look out to the sweeping Bay, East Bay hills, and golf course views; the paneling and coffered ceiling are constructed from first-growth white oak; a separate seating area is positioned in a front alcove wrapped entirely in leaded glass windows around a rock crystal chandelier
Library & Sitting Room
Just off the living room with mostly paneled walls, integrated wet bar with refrigerator and recessed shelves, and Bay view window; an adjoining sitting room, with spectacular half-bath, has access to the front grounds and pool
Lounge/Exercise Room
Just off the library, this multi-purpose room has bouquet canyon stone floors with radiant heat and expansive windows and glass doors on three sides opening to the Bay views and rear terrace; a convenient rear staircase leads up to the primary suite office
Formal Dining Room
Spacious formal venue with floor-to-ceiling bowed wall of glass with Bay views, paneled and coffered ceiling, and Murano Venetian-style crystal chandelier
Kitchen
Stunning gourmet kitchen designed with a European motif including tiled counters and walls inlaid with decorative accents all the way to the ceiling; granite slabs finish the long center island with seating at one end plus a separate built-in desk
Appliances
Wolf 6-burner gas cooktop; Sharp microwave; 2 Bosch ovens; 2 Bosch dishwashers; U-Line beverage cooler; Sub-Zero refrigerator
Family Room
Two adjoining spacious rooms offer flexibility for casual dining, recreation, and everyday living; an elevated cathedral ceiling of 8 skylights (some operable and all with remote-controlled shades) appoints one area, which includes a fireplace, built-in media area, and built-in office center; a more open area, ideal for family dining and breakfast, is lined with full-height leaded glass windows and doors opening to the front courtyard terrace
The Main Residence – Personal Accommodations
Upstairs Primary Suite, Office, Dressing Rooms & 2 Baths
A spacious bedroom with French doors to a private Bay view terrace; two separate dressing rooms, each with significant concealed wardrobe storage and one with stacked GE washer and dryer; two separate baths, one with steam shower, slipper tub, and automated commode, and one with jetted tub, steam shower, and automated commode, and each with heated floors; separate en suite office with French doors to a second private Bay view terrace and stairs down to the lounge/exercise room
Upstairs Bedrooms and Baths
Three bedroom suites, each with Bay views, towering ceilings with exposed beams, and en suite bath; two baths with dual-sink vanity, steam shower, and automated commode, and one bath with frameless-glass shower and automated commode
Private Apartment
Accessed off the family room, from the upstairs bedroom wing, and via private outside entrance; spanning the apartment is a towering cathedral ceiling of exposed beams with iron trusses; the living room/bedroom has extensive built-in cabinetry with desk plus stairs down to the outside entrance; the tiled kitchen has a Wolf gas range, Bosch dishwasher, and Sub-Zero mini refrigerator; the tiled bath includes a steam shower and automated commode
Other Features