LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
THE CASTLE OF ALAMO
Alamo, California - $3.475M
Nestled in a valley of the Mount Diablo mountain range just east of San Francisco in a picturesque small town is a castle-like estate that takes in the rolling green countryside framed by mountain peaks.
Text: Todd Young
Twenty-eight miles east of San Francisco, the exclusive community of Alamo sits in the rolling hills in the heart of Contra Costa County. The quaint town is known for its grand estates, soaring panoramic views of Mount Diablo and surrounding valley, and privacy amongst its lush surroundings with close proximity to dining and entertainment in the bordering cities of Walnut Creek and Danville, that attract notable families from celebrity sports stars to Bay Area billionaire entrepreneurs. Alamo offers something for everyone with a retreat-like setting, top-rated schools, the Round Hill Country Club, and nearby shopping in Walnut Creek. With a population of just under 15,000, Alamo exudes small-town charm with picturesque tree-lined streets, kids riding their horses down the road, and the numerous parks and trails idea for hiking and taking in the fantastic scenic views.
Ideally situated on a pristine hilltop in Alamo, the 4,476-square-foot home sits on 2.2 acres and enjoys nearly 360-degree views. Location, privacy, and endless views are just the beginning of what the property has to offer. Known to locals as The Castle of Alamo, this property takes material reclamation to an unexpected new level with a twinkle of whimsy which is clearly evident upon approach, as you are greeted with stately exterior light posts at the front walkway that originated from Lake Merritt, circa 1910.
Construction of this majestic property began in 1988 and took three years to complete. A massive undertaking, it was constructed from recycled beams, wood, ironwork, and 120,000 salvaged bricks found in an old San Francisco warehouse. Other materials were recycled from barns, old department stores, a bar, and even a former high school gym. The undulating brick pattern throughout almost all the walls of the home was the brainchild of Carr Jones, a local architect and engineer who many consider to be the first environmental architect. Each wooden door was crafted by hand to fit its particular opening, and the hinges forged out of a solid sheet of iron. Equally exciting, the formal dining room walls were sheathed with hand-hammered sheets of copper.
The one of a kind property consists of three bedrooms, three baths and a den. The unique features are bountiful including slate radiant-heated floors, an invisible waterfall trickling through an indoor rock feature, soaring beamed ceilings, and a mezzanine level overlooking the first floor accessed by a staircase made out of church pews. Adding yet another touch of interest, the roof rafters that protrude through to the outside of the structure have hand-carved faces, animals and other objects.
Above the three-car garage, is a large terrace with lots of space for entertaining, alfresco dining, or just lounging with a glass of wine and pondering how great life is at The Castle of Alamo.
Asking Price: $3.475 million
For more details or to schedule a private showing,
please contact:
Melissa Fulop
COMPASS
T: 925-788-4178