Crown Jewel on Shangri-La
5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 3383 sq ft | Studio 600+;sq ft | 1;Acre
Every so often in the collective array of fine homes comes along a rare jewel of indelible character and uncommon beauty:;3425 Shangri-La Road presents such an occasion.
Sited on a full acre lot in;idyllic setting, this Tuscany;inspired 5-bedroom, 3;1/2 bath;villa estate exemplifies the finest in modern Californian living while evoking;European;vitality in artful form. Extensively renovated in 2008 and ingeniously remodeled thereafter, elements of classic Tuscan;architecture have been incorporated into the form and function of the residence. Of distinction;are the artisan hand-painted exterior, handcrafted fresco etched on the side patio wall,;Juliet balconies accentuating the exterior facade, and intricate woodwork columns in the formal living room. Resonating the same theme as the main residence,;the restoration of the fully;equipped detached;studio;provides an intimate on-site retreat.;Immerse yourself in this harmonious blend of the;rustic European romanticism and modern Californian sophistication.
The Main Residence
An impressive entry rivets the eye behind a gated entry into a rotund driveway around a focal water fountain. Soaring junipers cast a noble stance at the main;entry. Above the front steps a Juliet balcony beckons. Upon entering, a;striking;designer chandelier set in tall ceilings draws the eye. At the center of the home is the chef’s kitchen replete with high-end appliances: Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking stove oven, Miele dishwasher, and;wine refrigerator. The eat-in kitchen offers a granite kitchen island with vegetable sink, spacious pantry, breakfast nook with bench seating, splendid tile backsplash,;and ample;counter and cabinet space. Overlooking scenic;hillside vistas is the adjoining dining room with custom built-ins;to display chinaware and art. Nearby, the beautifully appointed sunken living room boasts wrought-iron handrails,;a marble fireplace flanked by;ornate white columns,;and is;exquisitely accented by custom silk drapery and a dazzling designer chandelier. Beautiful hardwood floors and designer touches throughout enrich;the warmth of the home. Completing the main level are the voluminous;family room with vaulted ceilings and stone fireplace, an office, coat closet, powder room, and spacious remodeled laundry facilities.
Ascend the gracious staircase to the bright upper level. At the center rests the den ideal as a study or media room where family can gather;prior to retiring for the day. Two adjacent;bedrooms offer ceiling fans and;new carpeting. Gorgeous sunrises filter through these windows each morning. A third bedroom, linen closet, and stone tiled bathroom make up this wing.
Across the hallway, the luxurious master suite basks in sunny disposition, punctuated by a marble fireplace, hardwood floors, and twin Juliet balconies. A breathtaking master bath exudes sumptuous;elegance in the arched window design, marble stone tiles, and sparkling bronze inlay. Relish the serenity of the rolling hills while soaking away in the lavish bathtub.
The Studio Retreat;
The symmetry of this stately residence continues onto the outdoors. Aligning;the signature theme of;the main house, the decadent restoration;of the 600+ sq ft;guest studio offers the perfect intimate getaway. Suitable;as a separate work space, in-law or au pair quarters, this permitted addition is;equipped with a;full bath, electricity, cable, and abundant finished storage area. The integrity and;craftsmanship of the studio can be seen in the rustic triple arched doorway entrance,;vaulted beam ceilings, and superior woodwork.;Be it a recreation space, media theater, wine tasting room, man cave;or teenager haven, this secluded space offers;many uses to the imagination.
Exterior Grounds and Solar Pool
Double French doors just outside the sunken living room;lead;to the sun-drenched patio where one;can relax to a glass of wine or dine alfresco. Below a blooming wisteria a rocking;bench offers a calming place;for lazy afternoon reading. Just steps down the wrought-iron gate,;the rejuvenating solar-heated pool is thoughtfully equipped with a bar area and outdoor shower, edged by opulent;balustrades and soothing;landscaping. Imagine sounds of water splashing, laughter of children playing, lively conversations of family gatherings, and festive discussions during;social functions through the years. The;setting is flawless for;grand-scale;entertaining, and the;elaborate outdoors lighting illuminates these fantastic;grounds, creating;enchanting;ambiance at dusk.
For the ardent nature lover, a generous level area conducive for a vibrant garden can be found just outside the studio. Automatically;timed irrigation makes growing organic herbs, vegetables, and salads simple and effortless. A bevy of fruit trees including;apple, lemon, pear, orange, and grape;line the grounds. Blue spruce, Italian cypress;and oak;trees nurture the bucolic setting,;changing colors of;Japanese maples signal the turn;of the seasons, verdant ivy adorn the grounds en masse, and towering;stoic junipers stand guard all year long.
Augmenting the remarkable character of the home are the original;Caldecott tunnel cores bit remnants which the;former owner;had transported to the residence,;and these embedded circular clusters;give the retaining walls a unique;decorative look.;For the equestrian aficionado, occupying the lower half of the property are two horse stalls and a circular corral for riding and training use. Also complementing the exterior grounds;are an outdoor;wood-burning fireplace, playhouse, and chicken chalet.
The Neighborhood
In ostensible contrast to the traditional ranch style homes that dot the pastoral hillsides, 3425 Shangri-La stands alone in its stately elegance, appeasing the discerning buyer seeking refinement, personality, and comfort. Nestled in tranquil;Reliez Valley, this;residence;is just minutes away to freeways for easy commute, balancing privacy desires;and urban conveniences. Fine dining, shopping,;and a myriad of amenities are close by in downtown Lafayette and Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. Top-ranked blue ribbon schools remain the compelling draw and friendly communities make this neighborhood a truly special place to belong. Come home to 3425 Shangri-La and astonish your senses in;its allure and artistry!
Open Houses:
Sundays, June 1st and 8th, 2-5pm:;Please stop by!
Brokers Tours:
Tuesdays, June 3rd and 10th, 10am-2pm: Enjoy a;catered lunch and;beverages courtesy of Citibank.
Additional Showings by Appointment:
Contact Tiffany Stechschulte - 415.269.1447 cell/text
[email protected];
Lafayette
Just 24 miles from San Francisco, Lafayette's Mediterranean climate is popular with those seeking sunny weather free from the fog. Low on density, high on greenery, Lafayette offers great weather, excellent schools, and an easy commute to San Francisco thanks to the BART station in the town center that makes it an easy commute to the city.
The Happy Valley neighborhood features rolling hillsides, meandering country roads and showplace estate homes perched on large parcels on hillsides offering panoramic views of the valley. Two minutes out of town on Reliez Valley Road, the living takes on a country feel, with vineyards, cattle ranches, and horse pastures sharing the landscape with gated homes and large estates large estates.;
Lafayette is an affluent community, and its central shopping district offers shopping and dining to match. Michelin Star restaurants Postino, Artisan Bistro, and The Duck Club in the Lafayette Park Hotel, the most elegant hotel in Contra Costa County, are thriving. For those seeking old-fashioned comfort food with an English flavor The Squirrels is a trip back in time.
Nearly in the center of town, Lafayette Reservoir is open year round for boating, fishing, and hiking. After a long day on the water, locals head to the Roundup, an irony-free throwback to rowdy roadhouses.
As you might expect schools here are excellent. The Acalanes School District is consistently rated in at the top of all school districts in California.
|
|
Tiffany Stechschulte |
This is a success message