Explore the Western White House in Hillsborough - Sold for $23 Million by Compass - Seb Frey, Silicon Valley + Bay Area REALTOR

Sold October 2024 • 11 Bedrooms • 9 Full Bathrooms • 24,350 Square Feet • 2.9 Acre Lot Size

Located in the affluent San Mateo County enclave of Hillsborough along 401 El Cerrito Avenue, this iconic property is a replica of the White House. Designed by the renowned architect Julia Morgan, this opulent mansion spans over 24,000 square feet on a property that’s about three acres.

This review of the palatial estate, also known as the ”Western White House,” will explore the unique features of the property, its unparalleled amenities, and more.

Transaction Details

The home was posted for Auction via Concierge Auctions on June 13, 2023
The home was listed on the MLS for $38,900,000 on June 21, 2023
The price was changed, and the home was re-listed for $29,995,000 on October 24, 2023
The price was changed again. and the property was re-listed for $36,900,000 on April 26, 2024
The property listing price was changed a third time, and it was put on the market for $26,995,000 on June 27, 2024
It sold for $23,000,000 on October 23, 2024, after spending about 16 months on the market

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

Iconic home design
Famous pedigree of ownership
Coveted Hillsborough location
Oversize parcel
Palatial swimming pool
Very convenient drive to SFO

Cons

Dated interior style
List price initially set too high
Muddled marketing strategy

Despite the eye-popping $23 million sale price, this can’t be considered a highly successful sale. The property was on the market for over 16 months, and went through several price reductions. The property was also put up for auction at the beginning of the listing period via Concierge Auctions. The combination of multiple price cuts and abandoning the auction process point to a muddled marketing strategy which resulted in a high days on market. The longer a home sits on the market, the lower it will ultimately sell for; therefore it is safe to believe that the sale price likely would have been considerably higher had the list price started at approximately $25 million the first time it was listed.

Success Score: 2/5

Overview of Amenities and Features

This posh mansion that’s fit for a president boasts a long list of amenities. Some of the notable ones include:

A private office: Features a unique Oval Office-inspired private office with lavish wood paneling
A fitness center: Perfect for every day or rigorous workouts
An Olympic-sized pool: Perfect for relaxing swims or entertaining guests
A gourmet kitchen: Fully equipped kitchen outfitted with state-of-the-art appliances
A bank safe: Perfect for storing expensive jewelry, confidential documents, and collectibles
Panic room: Refuge where residents can take shelter in the event of a threat like a natural disaster or home invasion
Massive lawns and a rooftop deck: Perfect for hosting outdoor gatherings and grand events
Prime location: Nested in San Mateo County, a leafy suburb described as one of California’s best places to live

Design and Architectural Overview

This luxurious property is shrouded around a forest of trees, giving it an exclusive and private feel. Inspired by Neoclassical Georgian architecture, the home has a symmetrical arrangement of windows, pillars, and doors, giving the facade a clean look.

While the property has an imposing demeanor, it welcomes visitors with elegant charm. It has towering columns, a well-manicured lawn, and an immaculate driveway — an enticing sneak peek of what’s to come inside.

Interior Features

The home’s interior combines vintage elements like lavish hardwood flooring and timeless Waterford crystal chandeliers with contemporary elements throughout its four floors. The interior that oozes elegance has many windows and high ceilings, allowing California’s sun to flood every room with natural light. Here are some of its standout interior attractions:

Gourmet Kitchen With Butler’s Pantry

The home’s kitchen is an absolute showpiece. It’s fully equipped with top-of-the-line Wolf appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a wine refrigerator, a built-in oven, and a dishwasher. Styled as an eat-in kitchen, it has an airy feel and a massive island, making it perfect for intimate family dinners.

A throwback to a bygone era, the kitchen has an adjoining butler’s pantry where residents can stow cutlery, crockery, and small appliances, keeping the main kitchen neat and organized.

Private Offices

For residents who want to focus on deep work with minimal distractions, this property is a haven for productivity. It boasts several private offices, including an Oval Office-inspired private office with aesthetically pleasing wood paneling and large windows that drench the office in natural light.

Recreational Rooms

Besides being a hub for productivity, the home features several other recreational rooms, including a state-of-the-art home theater, a fitness room, and a hobby room. These perks make the home perfect for both work and play.

Exterior Features

The home’s exterior is reminiscent of the White House, with its transparent columns and white facade that lead to sprawling lawns, a rose garden, and a massive pool. Perfect for residents who enjoy outdoor living, here are some of the home’s standout exterior features:

Olympic-Sized Pool

The focal point of the outdoor space is the massive statue-studded pool that blends seamlessly with the surroundings. There’s also a poolside pavilion where residents can relax in the shade while enjoying picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

Expansive Yard

For individuals who love the outdoors, this mansion is perfect. With lush lawns, a gazebo, a BBQ area, an extensive patio, and a rooftop deck, the mansion is designed for large outdoor gatherings. Best of all, the home is shrouded around a forest of trees and has gated grounds, making its outdoor space feel serene and private.

Prime Location

While this property may feel secluded, it’s just a half-hour drive from downtown San Francisco, where residents can access the finest dining, shopping, and entertainment the Bay Area offers.

Proximity to Highly-Rated Schools and Tech Companies

Families who want to enroll their children in the finest schools will appreciate the home’s proximity to top-rated schools, including South Hillsborough School, Crocker Middle School, San Mateo High School, and Design Tech High.

Professionals will also appreciate the home’s proximity to several top companies, including Visa, GoPro, and SurveyMonkey — especially those working in tech.

Neighborhood Amenities

Hillsborough is a sparsely-populated leafy suburb with several parks, including Vista Park, Centennial Park, and Crossroads Park.

Besides the parks, Hillsborough has many top restaurants, including Bistro Arancini, Swing Shift, and Mykonos Meze.

Nearby Amenities

Hillsdale Shopping Center: Situated in San Mateo, Hillsdale Shopping Center is a shopper’s paradise with over 120 stores and restaurants.
Downtown Burlingame: Located just a short drive away, Downtown Burlingame is a bustling area with many cafes, restaurants, and retail stores.
Stanford Shopping Center: Located about 30 minutes away, Stanford Shopping Center is a massive open-air mall with over 140 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Louis Vuitton, and Nordstrom.

The Competitive Edge: What Sets This Property Apart

Few luxury properties compare to this one. Modeled after the White House, it’s an iconic property that’s a home and somewhat of a collector’s item. Moreover, with its long list of amenities like a bank safe, panic room, and massive lawns, it is the pinnacle among luxury homes on the San Francisco Peninsula.

Conclusion: An Iconic, Grand and Private Mansion

This mansion isn’t just a home. It’s an iconic property that feels like a piece of history. Nestled in Hillsborough, the home is perfect for residents looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to a tranquil space. If you want to buy or sell property in Hillsborough, this sale provides valuable insights into what to expect in the real estate market.