Tudor Estate

A wrought iron gate quietly slides open and you feel as if you are being transported to another place in time. Soaring California Redwoods flank either side of the driveway, luring you in to this secluded Tudor estate. The home was built in 1919 and is surrounded by an acre of park-like grounds, re-designed by Walter Guthrie who worked for nearly a decade with famed Peninsula landscape architect, Thomas Church. The current family is only its second owner.

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Patterned bricks lead you up the front porch steps to the massive four-centered arch front door. This style of arch is an architectural element that you will see inside and out as you admire this stately home designed by Edward Bright Hussey, who studied under the tutelage of Julia Morgan and Bernard Maybeck. The two-story entry hall is clad in painted wood, original to the home, and the warm tones are accentuated by Persian carpets from regions in Iran, vintage Venetian style mirrors and wall sconces. Your eye will be instantly drawn up to the over-sized crystal chandelier and intricate ceiling medallion leaving you to wonder what a feat of engineering it took to have it installed!

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The rooms off the hallway are concealed with leaded glass doors. The library is filled with floor to ceiling bookshelves and, stocked with some favorites from the previous homeowner’s collection. Cozy chairs and an abundance of natural light from the French doors make it the perfect place to curl up with your favorite novel and relax.

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As you peek into the living room, the furnishings are reminiscent of a French chateau, with gilded white and gold upholstered chairs and sofa. An elegant fainting couch, stacked with interesting toss pillows, is adjacent to the baby grand piano and faces the marble fireplace. Enormous crystal chandeliers sparkle from above and set the tone for entertaining a large group.

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Step across the hall to the formal dining room with seating for 12. The ornate chandelier’s teardrop crystals cascade toward the walnut glass-topped table, creating an illusion of liquid light. A large round mirror bordered with the Greek key pattern mimics the banding on the dining room table.

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Returning to the foyer, a narrow hallway leads to the kitchen via a butler’s pantry. Along the way, you will notice a step down into the guest powder room with Venetian plastered walls. A unique nest-like sink pedestal, formed of wrought iron twigs and vines, sits on a floor of stamped Arabesque tile and supports the dense stone basin. The curved back stairway’s risers are accentuated with Persian Haft Rang tiles from Isfahan, each trio a different pattern.

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As you enter the kitchen, casual dining and family rooms, remodeled in 2016, be prepared to be wowed! They are designed for a family who likes to entertain, with a nine-foot quartzite island, multiple prep areas and sinks. The dual-fuel six-burner Thermador range and custom hood are framed with a beautiful wall of multi-toned Arabesque tiles with a silver border echoing the appliances and sinks. The cabinets and range hood are finished in a wonderful neutral tone, complimenting the warmth of the countertops and dark wood plank flooring. This bright and cheery area is filled with natural light from the many skylights and glass doors leading to the grounds.

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Exiting the home to a large wrap-round brick patio, there are multiple seating areas for alfresco dining. Centuries old, White Oak trees’ branches twist and turn, reaching out to welcome the guests. Well-manicured hedges, punctuated with gurgling water features and stone statues, surround an expansive lawn. Beyond the circular rose garden and large fountain, children will enjoy a wonderful play area, covered pergola and a whimsical animal topiary. This historic estate has stood the test of time and will continue provide joy to its owners for years to come.