Luxurious Contemporary Property Sold in Monte Sereno — A Sublime Family Home - Seb Frey, Silicon Valley + Bay Area REALTOR

Sold October 2024 • 5.5 Bathrooms • 5,577 Square Feet • 1.3 Acre Lot Size

Nestled in an affluent neighborhood along Daves Avenue, 18234 Daves Avenue, Monte Sereno offers serenity, a traditional style, and a host of amenities. This majestic property offers worthwhile insights into the current luxury property market in Monte Sereno — especially for homeowners in Silicon Valley and home buyers scouting for luxury property in the area. Just what kind of home is it that sells in less than a month for nearly $10 million?

In this review of 18234 Daves Avenue, we will explore the design and architecture of the home, its amenities, information about the neighborhood, and more.

Transaction Details

The home was listed on September 12, 2024 for $9,950,000
It went under contract on September 25, 2024 after 13 days on market
It eventually sold on October 9, 2024, spending just 26 days from listing to closing.
The sale price was $9,800,000 – a scant 1.5% below list price and sold for all cash.

Overview of Amenities and Features

18234 Daves Avenue has a long list of amenities that appeal to luxury buyers. Some of the property’s notable amenities include:

Detached 893 sf Accessory Dwelling Unit
Pool and Spa: Perfect for entertaining or unwinding after a long day
3-Car Garage: Modern garage with provision for electric car charging
Kitchen: Fully equipped kitchen outfitted with high-end appliances and stone countertops
Home office/study: Quiet space ideal for work without distractions
Hobby room: Perfect for engaging in creative pursuits
Wet bar: Ideal for cocktail parties
Yard: Extensive yard with outdoor kitchen and fire pit
Fully fenced and gated: Maximum security for peace of mind
Prime location: Close to top malls, highly-rated schools, and fine-dining restaurants

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

Recent construction – only 8 years old
Impeccable quality of construction and materials
Highly functional floor plan & timeless style with broad appeal
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit
Short drive to downtown Los Gatos, major highways
Ample off-street parking

Cons

Multi-story design
Somewhat eclectic design style

The sale of this home can be considered an outstanding success for the homeowner who sold it. This home sold at the upper end of the price range in Monte Sereno, yet sold very quickly to an all-cash buyer, spending just 13 days in escrow. Notably, only three other homes have sold for a higher price than this – one of which sold off market. The two higher priced homes had an average of 49 days on market between them, so this home sold 3.7x faster. All in all, a nearly faultless home and sale strategy give this a perfect Sale Success Score.

Sale Success Score: 5/5 – Perfect!

Design and Architectural Overview

Designed by renowned architect Chris Spaulding and built by Morey Construction in 2018, 18234 Daves Avenue offers a masterclass in functional and stylish design. The home’s driveway is paved with light-colored pavers arranged in a neat, uniform pattern. The landscaping isn’t showy but thoughtfully placed and aligns well with the home’s minimalist aesthetic.

Away from the entryway, the home’s design blends the past and present. The architecture is reminiscent of colonial-style homes with a contemporary feel. The symmetrical, gabled rooflines and front porch give the house a traditional feel, while the dark siding and clean lines add modern flair.

Overall, the home has a clean, balanced look that melds traditional elegance with contemporary elements well.

Interior Features

This property has many creature comforts that appeal to luxury buyers. Here are some of the property’s standout interior features:

Fully Equipped Kitchen

The home has a fully-equipped kitchen outfitted with stone countertops atop bespoke Knotty-Hole cabinetry, and state-of-the-art appliances, including a Wolfe range, dishwasher, an ice maker, a microwave, a Subzero refrigerator, and a wine refrigerator.

Big on utility, the kitchen not only comes with all the essential appliances homeowners want, but it also adjoins seamlessly with the family room. The union of the kitchen and family room gives the home an airy feel and makes it perfect for family events.

High Ceilings

Keeping up with the home’s airy design, the interior has high ceilings. High ceilings give the home a spacious and lavish feel across all the rooms. Best of all, the house has a skylight to complement the high ceilings, which allows plenty of natural light to flood the home.

Wine Cellar

For wine connoisseurs, the home has a wine cellar where homeowners can store prized bottles and showcase them during tasting events.

Exterior Features

18234 Daves Avenue doesn’t just offer many perks on the inside. To appeal to outdoor lovers, the exterior also offers many perks. Here are some of the standout ones:

Pool and Spa Combo

Few things compare to stepping into a warm, inviting haven after a long day. This property has a spa integrated into the pool, providing a relaxing place to unwind or spend time with family and friends.

Expansive Yard

For homeowners who love to entertain guests outdoors, there’s a large yard. With an extensive patio, an outdoor kitchen, and a fire pit, the yard boasts almost everything homeowners need to keep the drinks flowing, guests warm, and the party going. From daytime barbecues and garden parties to soirées, the yard offers the perfect setting for all sorts of parties.

Location

18234 Daves Avenue is tucked away in Monte Sereno — an enclave known for its quiet and family-friendly neighborhoods. While the property feels like a secluded resort, it’s near swanky malls, top schools, and elegant restaurants.

Proximity to Highly-Rated Schools and Blue Chip Companies

Families that don’t want to compromise the quality of their children’s education will appreciate the proximity to highly-rated schools such as Daves Avenue Elementary School, Raymond J. Fisher Middle School, and Los Gatos High School.

The home is also near top companies like Adobe, Google, and Meta, making it the perfect residence for professionals looking for luxury living and a hassle-free commute — particularly those working in tech.

Neighborhood Amenities

This property is in Monte Sereno, a neighborhood with a rural feel set against the Santa Cruz Mountains. So, many of the neighborhood amenities are scenic parks and lush, open spaces. It’s also close to the popular El Sereno Open Space Preserve, which is located in nearby Los Gatos.

Besides scenic parks and green, open spaces, other nearby amenities include:

La Rinconada Country Club: Situated in Los Gatos, this country club has a staff of six PGA professionals. It’s perfect for golfers who want to hone their golfing skills.
Old Town Los Gatos: Located a short drive from Monte Sereno, Old Town Los Gatos is a shopper’s paradise with many high-end boutiques, specialty stores, and fine dining restaurants.
Westfield Valley Fair: For shoppers looking for a more extensive shopping experience, Westfield Valley Fair is a must-visit. The mall has over 200 stores, including luxury brands like Bvlgari, Gucci, and Saint Laurent and popular ones like Gap, H&M, and Old Navy.

The Competitive Edge: What Sets the Property Apart

This property spent just 26 days on the market, an incredibly short time for a luxury home at this price in Monte Sereno. What’s to explain this fast sale? The home exude a level of quality and refinement which is rare in Silicon Valley, even in this price range. From an integrated pool and spa and fully equipped kitchen to high ceilings and an entertainment-ready yard, it’s the perfect home for homeowners who love creature comforts and the outdoors.

Additionally, its prime location in a quiet and family-oriented neighborhood makes it appealing to homeowners who want to retreat to a tranquil home away from the hustle and bustle of the busier cities nearby.

Conclusion

18234 Daves Avenue in Monte Sereno is more than a home. It’s a majestic property that harmoniously combines traditional aesthetics with modern design elements. Considering the property spent just 26 days on the market, it’s a clear sign of the strength of the luxury property market in Silicon Valley.