The Peninsula Hub

Historical Home On-The-Market

Nancy Wierenga — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:00:17 +0000

Storied “House-On-Hill” In Hillsborough Listed for $29 Million

I once had an open house (Verbalee Lane) on the street from this estate and “no” mine was a mere $2 Million. It is on a short street with very different houses along the way. When you got to the end of the street you could see this big estate with the front gates. A lot of history in this home. I just wanted to share this with you. I think those of you that love Historical Homes will find this fascinating.

At a list price of $29 million, it might be a stretch to call this fabled San Francisco-area property a bargain.

But considering the history and quality of this 30-room, 35,000-sq-ft Hillsborough real estate market gem — called one of the most spectacular private residences ever created — “House-On-Hill” should turn a few heads, especially since the price has dropped dramatically since the estate was first offered for sale at $45 million in 2002.

“The owners are very realistic now and there is no other property on the market like this one,” said listing agent Daniel J. DerVartanian.

“You could not recreate this property now, not for the quality of the $20 million renovation that the current owners undertook or for the fact that they wouldn’t let you build this size home on six acres,” he said.

While the house has been marketed by the owners for the past two years, listing it with a real estate brokerage has appeared to been a boon. In the week since House-On-Hill has been listed, DerVartanian said the property has been shown to several interested and qualified buyers — not a tough demographic in a region where Silicon Valley millionaires may be looking to make their own impressive mark on the real estate map.

House-On-Hill as it looked in 1930. SOURCE: Chicago Treasures

Designed by architect David Adler as a Cotswold-style Tudor, the mansion is nestled in the hills overlooking San Francisco and was completed in 1931 for Hibernia bank heiress Celia Tobin Clark.

In 1992, the property was purchased from the Tobin-Clark family by Sam J. Bamieh, a prominent businessman at American Intertrade Group and major Republican Party donor. While the property had already boasted an illustrious history of world-famous visitors, that tradition continued under Bamieh, whose connections to the Saudi royal family and others is its own intriguing story.

A special VIP suite of rooms has been the guest residence of a prestigious list of U.S. Presidents and other world leaders including, Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Ford, and Bush, as well as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and His Majesty King Hussein. The list of other notable guests who visited Bamieh for parties or fundraisers is much longer.

DerVartanian said Bamieh and his wife meticulously renovated the entire property with an attention to detail and an eye for the preserving the original design features. All the systems have been updated, from the opulent music room to the lovely Otis lift to the hand-mill work, and no detail was overlooked.

The list of features includes:

Carved front entry opening to an elegant black and white marble reception foyer
Carved balustrade staircase leading to opulent public rooms including a banquet-sized formal dining room with carved marble fireplace
Over-sized French doors leading to the loggia and grand terrace
Cozy library with 17th-century English paneling featured in Helen Comstock’s “One Hundred Most Beautiful Rooms in America.”
Grand music room
The mansion includes 12 bedrooms, including 4 master suites
12 full baths and 3 half baths
Four kitchens
12 fireplaces
In-ground pool
A six-car garage

It’s tough to argue with a sales pitch that calls House-On-Hill a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but given the location, the restoration and the history of the place, that pitch sounds right on key.

Thank You for All the Birthday Wishes

Nancy Wierenga — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:11:20 +0000

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to thank all of you for your wonderful birthday wishes for me today. What an awesome day. My friends always have a way of surprising me. I have 2 neighbors that share my birthday, one is Jane Cotter (6th grade) and the other was my dear neighbor, Lee Merritt who passed away and we had his birthday and his celebration of life today (94).

When I returned home I spotted some balloons on my front porch from a dear neighbor. I am so blessed to live in such a great neighborhood. Thank you all!

My daughter took me out to dinner at the Melting Pot in San Mateo. I have never been there before and she had a couple of times and really liked it. A few months ago I mentioned that it would be fun to go there sometime and we did this evening. What a great time us girls had. Who would have thought that hours later you would be leaving the restaurant. The staff was great too!

San Carlos Elder Care Resource Fair Tomorrow

Nancy Wierenga — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:41:56 +0000

Elder Care Resource Fair
A Community Education Event For Older Adults and their Loved Ones

What
Workshops, demonstrations, information, and resources for elders and their loved ones.

When
     Saturday, January 28, 2012
     10:00 am to 3:00 pm
     Refreshments & lunch sponsored by Sequoia Healthcare District

Where
     San Carlos Adult Community Center
     601 Chestnut Street, San Carlos

Pre-Registration Required
     Pre-Registration is required to receive a ticket to the Fair and Free Lunch.
     You can pre-register at the San Carlos Adult Community Center, 601 Chestnut Street

The Event
Please join us at the San Carlos Adult Community Center for a day of education, resources and support at the San Carlos Elder Care Resource Fair.

This event will bring our community together to educate both old and young of some of the future decisions that needs to be made as a family and what options are available in our area.

Learning about your options before a dire need occurs helps to create a better outcome. Your participation at this event helps us make life better for our older adults in San Carlos.

The day will showcase exhibitors and feature three breakout rooms with six speakers on differnet subjects of interest to the attendees.

More Info
     Please call or email:
     Beverly Bouma                                Lori Palmatier
     bbouma@cityofsancarlos.org       events@baylaurellaw.com

Living On Your Own Island

Nancy Wierenga — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:36:22 +0000

I couldn’t resist posting this property for sale in Alaska, 2202 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka AK. Price at $1,495,00.

The city of Sitka sits on Alaska’s Baronof Island and is flanked on the east side by mountains and on the west side by the Pacific Ocean. It is surrounded by hundreds of small islands, some of which hold private homes. However, there’s only one Sitka home for sale that boasts both waterfront and island property.

The special parcel is populated by some very handsome structures, including a main house set back from the Sitka road system and completely hidden by trees. There’s also a boat house where a 180-foot steel walkway leads to guest quarters that are situated on quaint, separate Bart Island.

Listing agent Jason Shaffer testifies to the home’s uniqueness.

“This is the only property like this in Sitka. There are other islands near Sitka with city power with houses but they are only accessible by float plane or boat,” Shaffer said. “The beauty of this home is that it’s accessible from the main road system, but you feel like you’re on an island.”

Built in 1950, the main home has been completely renovated by the current owners with significant updates to the kitchen, including installation of high-end appliances and granite countertops.

Sitting on about 6.5 acres, the main home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a little over 3,000 square feet of living space. The home also has custom, locally-made furnishings, pine floors, large wooden decks and an extensively landscaped yard.

Across the steel walkway, the half-acre Bart Island has a house and separate guest quarters. The 1,250-square-foot guest house was custom-built in 2000 and features a hot tub, vaulted ceilings, radiant heat in the tiled baths as well as complete city power, water, phone and cable.

The separate, 700-square-foot guest quarters was constructed in 2003 and has an additional two bedrooms, two bathrooms and wood decking and complete access to all utilities.

I am sure you would only want to live here in the summer.

Real Estate In Trust Information and Resources

Nancy Wierenga — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 03:50:28 +0000

At this time of year, I have some folks thinking that they should get their properties in a trust or how about a living will, directive, etc… I will plan on having some resources available for the end of this year for everyone. If anyone has a direct question you can always call or email me. This is important for all of us.

Here are some great resources for you if you have any further questions about how to put real estate in trust:

Statistics for Single Family Residences & Condos San Mateo County

Nancy Wierenga — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:20:45 +0000

Click on Single Family Nov. Report for your November update on the listings, sales, current inventory, etc… in San Mateo County. This is the most current report until January. For Condos and Townhomes click on Condo Report Nov. 2011. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Image via Wikipedia

Bethlehem A.D. in Redwood City

Nancy Wierenga — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:27:58 +0000

Bethlehem A.D. starts tonight on Middlefield in Redwood City. Bring the family for a walk thru the set of this remarkable scene. Makes you think about the true meaning of Christmas. You won’t be disappointed!

Dec. 21, 22 and 23 from 6 – 9:30. Rain or shine. Free

Redwood City Street of Lights

Nancy Wierenga — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:21:29 +0000

If you want an enjoyable drive through Redwood City, please see Topaz Street. I also found Dewey Street to be great. Maybe, it is just because the street uses all the homes nationalities for their decorations. Very fun!

Come and see 411 Topax, that really surprises us with their tremendous display. We all appreciate all the Christmas Spirit!

San Carlos Street of Lights

Nancy Wierenga — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:00:32 +0000

Everyone knows the great street in San Carlos on Eucalyptus. It is closed to one-way traffic at the moment. If you would like to see this street now is the time, when it gets closer to Christmas, it is almost impossible to get down the street.

These are the homes on Eucalyptus that have a great display. However, San Carlos does have other homes that are on Arroyo, Cordilleras and other streets as well.

Please come by and see the San Carlos light show…


1900 Eucalyptus Ave
1932 Eucalyptus Ave
1953 Eucalyptus Ave
1957 Eucalyptus Ave
1962 Eucalyptus Ave
1963 Eucalyptus Ave

San Carlos Holiday Guide

Nancy Wierenga — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 03:21:36 +0000

Get yours now. The new holiday guide for San Carlos….2011 San Carlos Holiday Happenings Guide

You can also pick one up at the Chamber of Commerce in San Carlos from Monday to Friday. Or you can download it from the site that I just mentioned. If you need one for someone that doesn’t have computer skills, or able to get out, I would be happy to deliver one for them.

2011 San Carlos Holiday Happenings Guide

Happy Holidays!