Lavish Estate Home Sold in Los Gatos - A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship - Seb Frey, Silicon Valley + Bay Area REALTOR

Sold November 2024 • 7 Bedrooms • 4.5 Bathrooms • 5,184 Square Feet • 1 Acre Lot Size

Tucked away in the affluent suburb of Los Gatos — Monte Sereno, 15981 Grandview Drive is a masterpiece in craftsmanship and timeless elegance. With countless upscale amenities and a timeless and tasteful design, the sale of this trophy home provides helpful insights into the luxury home market in Los Gatos — particularly for homeowners residing in the area and individuals interested in properties in the area.

This review of this luxury home sale will dive into its architectural design and standout amenities and offer insights into the sale process and what made it a success.

Transaction Details

The home was listed for $9,348,000 on Sep 16, 2024
It went int contract for $8,750,000 on Oct 12, 2024, spending about eight weeks on the market
It spent about 15 days in escrow, closing on Nov 12, 2024
The sale closed at roughly 94% of the list price

Overview of Amenities and Features

Luxury buyers often pay close attention to amenities, and 15981 Grandview Drive doesn’t disappoint. Some of its standout amenities include:

Chef’s kitchen: Outfitted with top-off-the-line appliances and an expansive island with a sink
Heated pool with spa: Perfect for relaxing swims or entertaining guests
Spacious garage: 3-car garage with room for an oversized vehicle
Home theater: Perfect for movie nights with friends and family
Outdoor lounge: Spacious covered outdoor lounge area with ample seating and an outdoor kitchen including pizza oven
Oversize Primary Bath: a truly luxurious spa-like primary bathroom suite
Expansive yard: Extensive yard with multiple seating arrangements, an outdoor fireplace, and all-round fencing for maximum privacy and security
Guest / Pool House: detached pool house with family room, bar, bedroom, and full bath
Wine Cellar: space for hundreds of bottles of wine
Prime location: Located in a tranquil neighborhood and close to several highly-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

Built on an open, flat acre of usable land
Close to both Saratoga Village and downtown Los Gatos
First rate construction and quality materials
Open floor plan
Possibility for multi-generational living
Short drive to downtown Los Gatos, major highways
Relatively recently remodeled ad updated
Ample off-street parking

Cons

Older Construction (originally built in1975)
Two-story design

This property was originally built in 1975, and was last sold for $3,550,000 in April 2012. The listing makes no mention of the remodel date, however it is clear that there were extensive renovations made after that purchase in 2012. It appears that the entire interior was renovated, and the exterior as well, with all new patio, patio cover, pool house, and patio. The age of the renovations is estimated to be 10 years.

The sellers never reduced their asking price, and spent 41 days at list price before they accepted an offer – about 30% longer than competitive homes in the area at this time. The seller ultimately accepted an offer that was 6.4% below list price – which is a considerably lower than the competitive sales, which closed an average only 2.6% below list price. It did however have a relatively speedy closing, and was sold to a cash buyer.

Sale Success Score: 4/5 – Solid!

Design and Architectural Overview

15981 Grandview Drive is a standout in a peaceful, tree-filled neighborhood which exudes a harmonious blend of traditional elegance and modern panache. The home’s design is reminiscent of classic American suburban architecture, fusing traditional elements such as a symmetrical structure and gabled roofline with modern accents like large windows.

Upon arrival, a winding driveway guides visitors to a well-manicured front lawn, a spacious 3-car garage, and a grand entrance where a sleek door beckons visitors inside.

A serene and private oasis for relaxation and recreation, this property is suburban sophistication at its finest.

Interior Features

15981 Grandview Drive doesn’t just radiate elegance on the outside. It also showcases lots of character inside. Here are some of the estate’s notable interior features:

Chef’s Kitchen

The home’s kitchen is an absolute showpiece. A culinary delight, the kitchen has ample natural lighting that streams through expansive windows that offer pleasant views of the home’s backyard.

At the kitchen’s center lies a large island with a pristine marble countertop and a sink, which makes preparing meals a breeze. There’s also a duo of pendant lights atop the island, giving the space a warm and inviting aura.

Big on style but also substance, the kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a six-burner Wolf range with a sleek hood vent. Custom cabinetry, finished in a rich wood tone, lines the kitchen’s walls, providing ample storage and a touch of warmth.

With a seamless flow between the kitchen and family room, the kitchen layout is perfect for everyday family meals and special occasions.

Home Theater

A haven for recreation, the home features a spacious home theater. At its focal point, there’s a large, flat-screen television that guarantees immersive viewing. And for a comfortable viewing experience, the space has plush leather seats with built-in cup holders.

Recessed overhead lighting provides a soft glow, while rich hardwood floors add warmth to the room, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for binge-watching or movie nights with family.

Oversized Primary Bathroom

The home’s primary bathroom oozes luxury. At the center, it has a large soaking tub that offers a spa-like experience. Surrounding cabinetry in rich wood tones provides ample storage, while built-in mirrors make the space appear larger.

Large frosted windows bathe the bathroom in natural light while guaranteeing privacy during baths. For residents who enjoy relaxing baths after a long day, the home’s bathroom is a true oasis.

Wine Cellar

For wine enthusiasts, this home is a connoisseur’s fantasy. It has a wine cellar with wooden racks that give it a rustic charm and soft amber lighting that makes the space warm and inviting.

The wine cellar is not only big on aesthetics but also functionality. It has multiple wooden racks to display and store hundreds of fine wines and a smooth countertop for uncorking and showcasing prized bottles.

Exterior Features

Keeping up with the estate’s lavishness, the home’s outdoor space offers several luxurious features. Here are some notables ones:

Outdoor Kitchen

The home has an outdoor kitchen that’s an entertainer’s dream. It has state-of-the-art appliances, including a premium Wolf grill, a dishwasher, and refrigerator. It also has an expansive stone countertop with a sink for effortless meal preparation.

A long wooden dining table with minimalist chairs offers ample seating, welcoming family and friends outside. There’s also a pergola that offers shade and protection from the elements.

Outdoor Lounge

For residents who prefer to entertain outdoors rather than indoors, this home won’t disappoint. It has an outdoor lounge with a large, flat-screen television and comfy seating. It also has a large wooden pergola that offers shade and protection from the elements while allowing natural light to flood the space.

With an emphasis on outdoor living, the lounge connects seamlessly with the home’s private backyard, harmoniously blurring the lines between the two.

Heated Pool and Spa

The centerpiece of the backyard is the heated pool, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding lush greenery. Perfect for entertaining, the pool has a spacious patio with a fire pit that offers a luxurious retreat for outdoor gatherings and sunbathing.

And for residents who appreciate creature comforts, there’s a separate spa for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Detached Pool House

Sited near the pool and spa, this property has a modern pool house with a rustic vibe. The pool house has a spacious bedroom and full bathroom, perfect for guests who need a convenient place to shower and change.

It also has a cozy family room and bar area that’s suitable for entertaining guests while they enjoy their favorite drinks and the picturesque poolside view.

Prime Los Gatos Location

While the estate may feel like a private sanctuary, it’s just a short drive away from upmarket malls, top-rated schools, and exclusive restaurants.

Proximity to Highly-Rated Schools and Tech Companies

Perfect for families looking to provide their children with quality education, this property is next to several top-rated schools, including Raymond J. Fisher Middle School, Los Gatos High School, and Daves Avenue Elementary School, which is just a short walk away.

The home is also near major tech companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Netflix, making it ideal for professional seeking luxury living and short commute to work.

Neighborhood Amenities

Los Gatos is a sparsely populated suburb known for its lush, open spaces, including the El Sereno Open Space Preserve and various parks.

Nearby Amenities

Old Town Los Gatos: For shoppers looking for more variety, Old Town Los Gatos offers an extensive shopping experience with numerous stores, coffee shops, and fine-dining restaurants.
La Rinconada Country Club: Tucked in the heart of Los Gatos, this exclusive golf club has a verdant golf course that offers golfers a vista of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Whitney Modern: Situated in the heart of downtown of Los Gatos, Whitney Modern is an art collector’s dream with works of art from both internationally-recognized and budding, talented artists.

The Competitive Edge: What Sets the Property Apart

There are a number of factors which drove the sale price for this property. As always, it’s location that matters most: it’s a short drive from Saratoga Village and downtown Los Gatos, while also being close to schools, freeways, and most of the delightful amenities that Silicon Valley has to offer. Next, the large, flat, and open lot is very attractive, especially so close to the developed parts of Los Gatos. The fact that it was extensively renovated within the past ten years or so was certainly a selling point, as was the detached pool/ guest house.

Additionally, it’s located in a serene neighborhood surrounded by towering trees and picturesque hilltop views, making it appealing to homeowners who want to retreat to a private sanctuary after a busy workday.

Conclusion

15981 Grandview Drive is luxurious estate that embodies the sophistication and charm of homes in the South Bay. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the area, this sale offers useful insights into what appeals to buyers in the ultra-competitive Silicon Valley luxury real estate market.