A stunning, gated, custom Mediterranean home, designed by the iconic Chris Spaulding, is now available for a discriminating buyer. Featuring a grand entrance and open floor plan ideal for entertaining, this elegant home radiates with the finest appointments.  Measuring 4,350sf+/- on a lot of 22,650sf +/- (per county records), the home boasts a large yard with built-in barbeque and swimming pool.  The home includes a large family room with hickory floors, gleaming cherry floors in all four en-suite bedrooms rooms and upstairs loft library.   The professionally-equipped kitchen with eat in area, formal dining room and private office with garden views as well as the high-tech systems of the home are sure to attract attention.

16471 Englewood Avenue
Los Gatos, CA

Offered for $3,150,000.   By Appointment Only.

To learn more about this property and get the disclosure materials, please visit the website.

This North Los Altos work-of-art is an indulgence of riches, a fusion of dramatic finishes with outspoken Earth elements combined to achieve a clean, elegant place of prestige. Not so ostentatious as to defy the necessities of comfort and function, this home makes a statement, even for the most discriminating individuals.

Offered for $2,650,000

Connie Miller of Alain Pinel Realtors in Saratoga, CA was awarded the highest level of service and achievement in the real estate industry, Quality Serivce Certified

For those of you new to the area, California’s property taxes are driven by the 1978 passage of Proposition 13.  Proposition 13 was the voter’s response to what was felt to be property taxes spiraling out of control.  Prior to Proposition 13, the worst stories of government over taxing were told by elderly home owners on fixed incomes, who were forced out of their homes because they could not afford to pay the unpredictable, and large increases in their property taxes.  Basically, what Proposition 13 does is both restrict the tax rate and the rate of its increase over time.  It stipulates that the tax rate cannot exceed 1 percent of a property’s value plus special local bonds and assessments.  Further, as the value of property increases, the tax can never go up more than 2% a year.  The exception to this last rule is if there is new construction or the house changes ownership, when the sale price becomes the basis of the tax assessment. 

For estimating purposes, I suggest people use a number of 1.2% to conservatively estimate their annual tax for any house they are considering purchasing.  Most areas in Santa Clara County have a property tax rate of 1.1% when you average in all of the local assessments.  For more information on property taxes, please visit www.scctax.org.

Stroll to Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and one of the top rated Cupertino School District’s Elementary schools. Move right into this spectacular Los Altos home in the Highlands neighborhood, where the owners of 40 years have meticulously kept the home updated and current. Enjoy the new kitchen with cherry cabinets and glistening granite. Dual pane windows and newly refinished hardwood floors combine with the built-in cabinets to provide a comfortable lifestyle in this 4 bedroom, 2 bath beauty. A welcoming back yard with a pool and professional landscaping offers the perfect venue for relaxing. On a flat, quarter acre in the very quiet section of St. Joseph.

To learn more about this property, please visit the website

956 Saint Joseph Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94024

Offered for $1,548,888

Quality Built by B&C Homes.  Designed by Chris Spaulding, Architect.
Welcome to this special home where the charm of yesteryear blends with the sophistication of impeccably constructed contemporary elements to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, where a lifetime of memories can be made. Renowned architect, Chris Spaulding has teamed with B&C Homes, long known for their quality in building, to create this wonderful Victorian farmhouse. Nestled among oaks at the end of a country lane, yet a short walk to the vibrant downtown scene in Los Gatos, the location is truly ideal. This home is the perfect example of the architecture and lifestyle for which the Town of Los Gatos is best known.

The home is adorned with period elements such as fretwork, turned posts and bead board cabinetry to create an authentic feel. Yet, beneath her charming façade, lies one of the most well-built homes you have seen. In addition to a legal apartment and 3-car garage, the home boasts a full cellar with media/family room, professional chef’s kitchen with Thermador appliances and custom cabinets, centralized sound and so much more.

140 Cleland Avenue
Los Gatos, CA

For a complete list of properties sold (for both seller and buyers) visit: Connie’s Alain Pinel Realtor Web Site

Move into this beautifully remodeled home perfect for the executive who wants both elegance as well as convenience. Situated on nearly one-half acre a short stroll to the Saratoga Village on a quiet cul-de-sac, this remodeled beauty of 3,733sf +/- (assessor) with high ceilings and a light infused comfort, will stand up to both busy family as well as entertaining demands. Two family rooms and one living room, all very spacious along with a large back yard with swimming pool and two decks mean you never run out of space. Three bedrooms have their own full bathroom and walk-in closet. The fourth bedroom is currently configured as an office. The three car garage has extra storage and deep bays accommodating a work shop.

14232 Juniper Lane
Saratoga, CA

Offered at $2,598,000

Beautifully Remodeled Home With Professional Landscaping

In this safe, stable community, residents not only live, they thrive. Just a few blocks from the fabulous schools of Oak Elementary (2009 API of 983) and Mountain View High (2009 API of 865), you can expect a friendly, neighborhood feel. Whether you make what will be some of your best friends volunteering or at the neighborhood barbeques, there is no better place to call home. You can leave for work knowing your home and your family is in one of the safest communities in the Bay Area. When you return from your hectic day at the office, this beautifully updated home with top-of-the-line appointments and one of the best gardens in the neighborhood becomes your sanctuary.

1484 Wessex Avenue
Los Altos CA

Offered at $1,898,000

This fully remodeled, one-level, single story condominium is ideally situated in a beautifully landscaped development. The home has an abundance of natural light and offers the perfect features for retiring individuals and young professionals alike. You will appreciate the complete remodel (including Brazilian mahogany floors and granite kitchen counters) that brings this elegant home up to even the most discriminating of contemporary standards and the serenity the overall experience affords. These features combined with the spacious rooms and an abundance of closet space distinguishes this property from other condominium living.

217 Ada Avenue #34
Mountain View

OFFERED AT $495,000

Controlling the MDA, or maximum development area lets the town protect the hillsides against too much run off and erosion and also helps to retain the rural natural setting for which the town is revered.  Typical MDA for the standard one acre lot is 7,500 square foot.  This varies depending upon the slop of the lot and other factors.  Items that are included in MDA include concrete walk ways, paved driveways, tennis courts, pools and patios.   You can get an allowance for more MDA by using pavers that have holes in them through which grass can grow or gravel or other means. 

MFA stands for maximum floor area ratio.  Like MDA, MFA can be pretty complicated.  Floor area, as per the official town document, “shall be defined as the gross horizontal area of the several floors of all buildings, including garage and carport spaces, measured to the outside of exterior walls.”  Basements, if they fit the town definition of basements , are not included.  Typical MFA on a standard acre lot is 5,000SF.  This can be complicated and usually requires a survey to determine the exact MDA and MFA. 

It is best to reference the town documents and work with a planner to be certain of your constraints.  For more information see the Town’s worksheet and info at http://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/doc-browse/doc_details/144-mfa-mda-worksheets