Luxurious 30-Acre Estate Sold in Los Gatos — An Exquisite, Wooded Paradise - Seb Frey, Silicon Valley + Bay Area REALTOR

Sold December 2024 • 5 Bedrooms • 3.5 Bathrooms • 6,489 Square Feet • 30 Acre Lot Size

Set on a sprawling 30-acre lot, 19251 Black Road is a marvel to behold. With a host of amenities and breathtaking cityscape views, this spectacular estate delivers a resort-like experience at home.

This review of the estate will explore the home’s tasteful design, luxurious amenities, and importance in setting the standard for other luxury homes in the Bay Area.

Transactional Details

The home was listed for $6,598,000 on October 22, 2024
It went under contract on December 10, 2024, after about seven weeks on the market
It sold for $6,000,000 on December 13,2024 — roughly 91% of the list price
That represents $925 per square foot

Overview of Amenities and Features

When it comes to amenities, the estate doesn’t fall short. Some of it’s noteworthy amenities include:

Pool and spa: Ideal for relaxing swims and entertaining outdoors
Multiple outdoor spaces: Designed for both intimate gatherings and large events, with fabulous views
Gourmet kitchen: Spacious kitchen with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances, an island, granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and a walk-in pantry for additional storage
Garages: Two garages with space for seven or more cars and on-site parking for more than 100 vehicles
Movie room: Perfect for movie nights with family and friends
Conservatory: English-style conservatory designed for relaxing, entertaining, or growing plants
Prime location: Located near highly-rated schools, retail, and dining options

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

Huge Lot Size
Short Drive to Downtown Los Gatos
Los Gatos School
Parking for 100 Vehicles
Two Garages
Home Theater
Pool & Spa originally featured on HGTV’s Dream Builders
Views of hills, city lights, and the Lexington Reservoir
Seller invested +/- $2,000,000 in upgrading systems, solar, battery back-up and smart home devices

Cons

Not walking distance to any amenities
Small buyer pool for a home + parcel this size

Despite its opulence and grandeur, in many ways, selling a home such as this would be a challenge. While it is located only about an eight minute drive from the heart of downtown Los Gatos, it is located in a forested mountain area with many of the challenges of such properties – least among them would be wildfires and the difficulty in finding insurance for a property of this size. The parcel size and home size are at the very upper range even of Silicon Valley Luxury Estates, an indication that there is little demand for properties of this type (if there were more demand for such properties, more of them would exist).

While this home did take about six weeks to sell, and sold for 9% below list price, this market time and sale to list price ratio is not in any way unusual for a property of this type. It is easy to imagine the sale of this home might have taken six months or more, and ultimately sold for less. By finding a buyer within a six week time period, the sellers likely saved well over a hundred thousand dollars in holding and opportunity cost for the capital.

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Sale Success Score: 4/5 – Solid Result!

Design and Architectural Overview

The expansive motor court driveway at this estate sets the stage for the luxury that follows. Meandering through well-landscaped grounds flanked by birch and red maple trees, the paved driveway leads to a magnificent front entrance.

The home’s faced showcases exceptional craftsmanship with intricate brick and stonework. At the front porch, a stately entrance beckons with a sweeping stone staircase leading to a double-door entryway. The doors are painted a light gray and framed by an elegant, classic brick surround — a glimpse into the luxury that awaits inside.

Interior Features

The estate boasts many excellent interior features. Some notable ones include:

Gourmet Kitchen

The hoe’s kitchen is a culinary masterpiece that will delight any home chef. It’s fitted with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a Thermador 6-burner gas cooktop with a downdraft exhaust fan, Thermador built-in double ovens, Thermador dual dishwasher, and a SubZero refrigerator.

Big on utility, the kitchen offers ample granite countertops for meal preparation and a large center island with additional prep space and a large walk-in pantry for extra storage.

Bright and airy, the kitchen has large windows that flood the space with natural light, dual pendant lights above the island, and recessed lighting that further illuminates the space.

Recreation Room

For homeowners who lover to entertain indoors, the home features an expansive recreation room. A classic wooden table anchors the room while inviting friendly competition. Perfect for entertaining friends and family, the recreation room has warm wood floors and bright white walls that create a harmonious contrast, while a large window offers stunning views of the meticulously landscaped front yard.

Luxurious Primary Bathroom

The primary bathroom offers a luxurious spa-like retreat, with radiant heated floors extending to the shower and closets for ultimate comfort. It also boasts a large hot tub for a truly relaxing experience.

Stylish yet practical, the primary bathroom has a custom linen cabinet and two spacious walk-in closets that provide extra storage.

Exterior Features

The home has many top-notch outdoor features. From a luxurious pool and conservatory to multiple decks, here are some of its standout exterior features:

Pool and Spa

The focal point of the outdoor living space is the pool, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. With a unique asymmetrical design incorporating frills like boulders and waterfalls, the pool is a work of art that includes a spa.

The surrounding pool area is paved with flagstone and furnished with comfortable loungers, a cozy seating area, and a fire pit. It also has a covered gazebo that provides shade and shelter, making it the perfect spot for sipping on a cool drink on a hot day.

Multiple Decks and Lounging Areas

For those who love to entertain outdoors, this estate is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. With multiple balconies and a 1,500-square-foot limestone patio with spectacular views of the hills, city lights, and Lexington Reservoir, the outdoor areas offer a serene escape form the flurry of activity in Silicon Valley.

Conservatory

The outdoor area boasts an authentic Amdega English conservatory. A true gardener’s paradise, the temperature-controlled conservatory features an irrigation app for convenience and drainage system for hassle-free maintenance. With ample seating and a small dining table, the conservatory is also perfect for hosting small gatherings or alfresco dining

Hiking and Biking Trails

At 19251 Black Road, hiking and biking trails are at the doorstep. The estate boasts one mile of hiking and biking trails on the property, making it perfect for residents who want to be one with nature right at home.

Solid Rural Location

While the estate offers privacy and exclusivity, it’s just minutes away from some of the finest retail, dining, and entertainment spots Los Gatos offers.

Proximity to Highly-Rated Schools and Tech Companies

The home is within the Lakeside Joint School District, just a short distance from Lakeside Elementary School and the prestigious Los Gatos High School. The home is also near several major tech companies, including Apple, Netflix, and Google, making it ideal for professionals working in tech seeking a breezy commute to work.

Neighborhood Amenities

The home is near several beautiful parks, preserves, and hiking trails, such as the Lexington Reservoir County Park and St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserve.

Wine connoisseurs will also appreciate the home’s proximity to several wineries and vineyards, such as the Testarossa Winery and the Perrucci Family Vineyard.

Nearby Amenities

Downtown Los Gatos: Offers a variety of high-end restaurants, independent boutiques, and national retailers
King’s Court Shopping Center: Strip mall with various stores, including CVS, Peet’s Coffee, Wells Fargo, Lunardi’s, and Togo’s
La Rinconada Country Club: Private golf club witha challenging course, PGA golf instructors, and a fine-dining restaurant.

What Sets This Property Apart

When it comes to expansive outdoor spaces, this home is almost unparalleled. It boasts numerous outdoor spaces, including a pool and spa, an English-style conservatory, and expansive hiking and biking trails. It also has multiple balconies and gardens, a limestone patio, and a 7-acre walnut orchard.

What’s more, it sits on a massive 30-acre lot and has on-site parking for over 100 cars, making it perfect for hosting grand events. These are perks that are hard to find in may luxurious homes.

Conclusion

This extraordinary estate in Los Gatos has it all. From meticulously designed indoor spaces designed for comfort to exquisite outdoor spaces that guarantee endless entertainment, it’s the perfect backdrop for a luxurious lifestyle. For homeowners in the area, this estate provides insights into what to expect in the Los Gatos real estate market.