Architecture of Hillsborough, California
Hillsborough CA presents a brilliant canvas for a diversity of significant architecture. Hillsborough's architectural magnetism is no coincidence: where else in the world is there such a meeting of land, sea, mountains, and valley…so picturesque in rolling topography, and immersed in a history of the many design titans who have left their mark. Willis Polk, Lewis Hobart, Gardner Dailey, Angus McSweeney, David Adler, William Wurster, Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Birge Clark...the list could go on of legendary architects who laid the foundation for stalwart design in Hillsborough.
As part of my daily real estate interactions, it is a pleasure to integrate whenever possible, this perspective of architectural heritage so unique to our area. I have been fortunate to have represented the sale of two quintessential and influential Gardner Dailey-designed homes. I must say, these homes were love at first sight for both me and my clients! In 2003, I represented the buyer of a circa-1938 Gardner Dailey contemporary on Burlingame’s Chapin Lane straddling Hillsborough. With its contemporary Art Deco nuances, and dramatic window-lined two-story staircase, this home must have struck an arresting pose in the 1930s. Concepts of unadorned “clean” architectural lines, stunning and deliberate infusions of natural light, and passionate integration with surrounding gardens were a departure from typical 1920s principles previously. This home is referenced as the “Littlefield Home” in the 2003 coffee table book "Thomas Church, Landscape Architect: Designing a Modern California Landscape." The property boasts a sprawling garden designed by Church around 1952.
I have also represented the buyer of a circa-1935 Gardner Dailey/Thomas Church designed estate “The Liebes House”on Hillsborough’s Vista Road. Barely visible from the road, this 5,000+ sq. ft. home offers ultimate privacy and sweeping vistas above mountains, valley, and Bay. The two-story staircase with magnificent full-height windows is a signature element of the design. Juxtapositions of horizontal and vertical lines form a subtle interplay with the depth of the 1 acre Bay-view setting. My sold portfolio also includes representation of one of Hillsborough’s oldest homes: Oakhurst, the Henry Tiffany Scott residence, which preserves its original 1890s ballroom with parquet flooring and elaborate French doors. Architecture is a passion of mine, and sharing this passion and insight with buyers and sellers is one of the joys of working in Hillsborough real estate. Some of my recent sales and current inventory of architecturally distinctive Hillsborough homes includes; 755 Bowhill Road, Hillsborough, a modernist masterpiece totally renovated with Neutra-inspired flair: Sold in 2011 for $2,875,000; 16 Oak Tree Place, a magnificent new construction overlooking the Bay by San Francisco architect David Marlatt, currently available at $4,388,000; 2 Homs Court, one of Hillsborough ultimate contemporary estates founded on Palladian symmetry, currently available for $6,900,000, designed by acclaimed San Francisco architects Steven and Cathi House.
Unique in all of Northern California, Hillsborough's architecture reflects its rich history and stunning topography.
