Modern Mediterranean Home Sold in Quito Oaks - A Masterpiece Embraced by the Hills - Seb Frey, Silicon Valley + Bay Area REALTOR

Sold September 2024 • 5 Bedrooms • 5.5 Bathroom • 5,207 Square Feet • 0.92 Acre Lot Size

Located in the Quito Oaks community in Saratoga, California 18521 Vessing Road is one of the most iconic new-build luxury estate homes in the south Bay Area. It was designed by award-winning architect Hunt Hale Jones, who won the 2023 Best Architectural Design of Multifamily Community award. This property, filled with natural light, has some of the best designs and is in a perfect location.

The property is 6 to 7 minutes from downtown Los Gatos and Saratoga, making it perfect for homeowners looking to reside in a neighborhood with a sparse suburban feel but that’s close to essential amenities.

This review of the estate will explore its architectural design, amenities, and attractive amenities in and around the neighborhood.

Transaction Details

The property was listed for $8,500,000 on July 15, 2024
It sold for $8,200,000 on September 26, 2024, spending about ten weeks on the market
The sale closed at 96.4% of the list price, representing $1,575 per square foot

Overview of Amenities

Amenities are a key consideration for many luxurious homebuyers. Fortunately, 18521 Vessing Road doesn’t disappoint. Some of the home’s noteworthy features include:

Eat-in kitchen: Perfect for intimate family meals and entertaining guests and fitted with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances
Spacious covered patio: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, with an outdoor fireplace built into an exterior wall
Garage: Spacious 3-door garage
Unlimited upgrade options: Opportunity to personalize home with room for upgrades for pool and/or accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
Advanced heating and cooling: Multi-zone cooling for maximum comfort
Prime Locations: Ensconced in the serene Quito Oaks neighborhood that’s close to several top-rated schools

Unpacking the Sale – Executive Summary

What made the sale of this home? What are the key drivers of value for the property, and what were some aspects that were likely detrimental to the sale price and time on market? I break down the pros and cons of the property to help readers understand the most important factors affecting the pricing and timing of the sale.

Pros

Good size lot – nearly an acre – and flat and open
New Construction (built in 2023)
Close to both Saratoga Village and downtown Los Gatos
Single level design with an open floor plan
High ceilings
Stone cladding and tile roof
Circular driveway
Short drive to downtown Los Gatos, major highways

Cons

Power lines running across the front yard
No landscaping in back yard
Somewhat limited off-street parking
HOA dues at $104/mo
Other homes in the development were still being built

This home is one of ten new homes built in the Quito Oaks neighborhood. As I like to say, everyone loves new construction, and that’s especially true when it comes to luxury new construction in a prime South Bay neighborhood on a generous lot with a single-level design and an open floor plan.

Overall there’s not much to quibble with when it comes to the sale of this home. Yes, they sold for $300,000 (about 3.6%) less than list price – but they got the home sold after only 17 days on market. It did take nearly two months to close, but the buyer did pay cash.

Sale Success Score: 5/5 – Perfect!

Design and Architectural Overview

This stunning modern Mediterranean-style residence is a hallmark of luxury and elegance. The property is set on approximately one acre and provides abundant space for luxurious living, outdoor features, and landscaping customization. The home is nestled on rolling hills amidst mature oak trees, blending timeless elegance with modern sensibilities.

A paved circular driveway, meticulously crafted with stone pavers, winds it way through a beautifully landscaped lawn, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

A low-pitched-tile roof crowns the house, while expansive windows with dark frames don the facade, inviting natural light to flood the home. As visitors approach the entrance, they’ll be beckoned by a grand door with an ornate design that hints at the luxury inside.

Interior Features

This Mediterranean-style home boasts several lavish interior features. Here are some of its notable attractions:

Eat-in Kitchen

The home is a culinary dream bathed in natural light that streams through large windows. At its heart, an expansive island offers ample space for preparing meals and casual gatherings. The island has two pendant lights that cast a warm glow over it, making the space warm and inviting.

Big on style and substance, the kitchen boasts various high-end steel appliances, including a built-in Wolf oven that integrates seamlessly into the design. In line with the kitchen’s utility, it has warm wooden cabinetry that extends to the ceiling, offering ample storage.

For an airy feel and increased social interaction, the kitchen has an open-plan layout that connects seamlessly with other living areas, making perfect for family meals and entertaining guests.

Spacious Living Room

The living room is an absolute showpiece that’s sophisticated and inviting. It has an open-plan layout that connects seamlessly with the home’s kitchen, making it perfect for intimate family gatherings and entertaining guests.

Elegantly designed, the living room has a cozy fireplace and wood flooring, giving the space a warm aura. Above, an elegant chandelier casts a warm glow over the space, giving it more character.

Perfect for outdoor living, the living room has expansive glass doors offering picturesque backyard views while allowing natural light to drench the space.

Exterior Features

The home’s exterior is reminiscent of a sun-kissed villa in Southern Europe, with its low-pitched tile roof and large sliding doors that offer easy access to the patio. Perfect for outdoor living, here are some of the home’s notable exterior attractions:

Spacious Patio

The home has an expansive patio that seamlessly extends the living space beyond the home’s wall. Designed with entertainment in mind, it has a large, modern pergola that offers respite from the scorching sun.

The patio also has a built-in fireplace, making it not only the perfect relaxation spot for scorching days but also frigid evenings.

While its cozy feel and serene atmosphere, the patio is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Breathtaking Views

Tucked away in the small, affluent city of Saratoga, the home provides picturesque views of the rolling Santa Cruz Mountains. Plus, it’s shrouded with mature oak trees, giving it a private feel.

Garage

The home has an attached garage that’s convenient to access. Big on space, the garage can accommodate three vehicles and has visitor parking.

Prime Location

18521 Vessing Road is one of the last significant parcels along Quito Road in Saratoga, California. Parents can access some of the best schools, restaurants, and hiking areas here.

Neighborhood Amenities

Some top-rated schools near the home include Marshall Lane Elementary School, Rolling Hills Middle School, and Westmont High School, making the neighborhood perfect for families with school-going children.

Professionals, especially tech professionals, will also appreciate the home’s proximity to top companies like Apple, HP, and Meta.

Nearby Amenities

While Saratoga is a sparsely populated neighborhood with an exclusive feel, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to amenities. Some notable nearby amenities include:

House Family Vineyards: The neighborhood is a paradise for wine connoisseurs. It has several wineries, including the House Family Vineyards, which are a short drive away.
Westfield Valley Fair: Located in San Jose, Westfield Valley Fair is a swanky mall with over 200 stores, including luxurious stores like Louis Vuitton and Giorgio Armani.
La Rinconada Country Club: Just a short drive away in Los Gatos, La Rinconada Country Club is an exclusive club with breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and a challenging golf course.

What Gives This Property a Competitive Edge

Several attractive features made this property appealing to home buyers. It’s in a prime location that’s a short drive from downtown Los Gatos and Saratoga Village. Besides being in a sparsely populated neighborhood, it’s close to several top schools and bluechip companies, making it perfect for families with children.

Next, the fact that it was recently built in 2023 made it a key selling point. Finally, the home is located in a serene neighborhood with hilltop views, making it appealing to individuals looking to retreat to a private oasis after a busy workday.

Conclusion

This home showcases the lavish amenities Silicon Valley has to offer. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the area, this sale provides valuable insights into what appeals to homebuyers in the luxury real estate segment.