Tobin Clark

"Tobin Clark boasts a singular glamour that captures the senses. The pinnacle of the neighborhood is the end of Tobin Clark Drive, known as Top of the World by locals. Mansions touch the sky with views soaring high above the San Francisco skyline."

Some Representative Streets

Anguido Court, Brooke Court, Brandon Court, Clydesdale, Mountain Wood Lane, Paradise Court, Tobin Clark Drive, Tournament, Verbalee


The Tobin Clark area offers a dramatic setting for grand-scale newer homes of the 1970s - 2000s. The average sq. ft. of the 8 homes sold in Tobin Clark for 2020 was 5,009 sq. ft., which exceeds many of the averages for other Hillsborough neighborhoods. Four of the eight Tobin Clark sales reported to MLS in 2020 closed over $8,000,000. Homeseekers can expect more modern amenities than other neighborhoods; assets such as 3-car garages, large closets, and a uniformity of grand-scale lots and homes. Cruising up the hills of Tournament Drive and Tobin Clark Drive, it is not uncommon to pass by consecutive homes of 5,000+ feet. The Tobin Clark area takes its name from the Tobin family (San Francisco financiers and  Hibernia Bank founders), and the area’s only house in 1931, originally known simply as House on Hill. Celia Tobin's (1874-1965) first husband was copper king heir Charles Clark, thus the "Tobin Clark" surname. Celia's father Richard Tobin was president of Hibernia Bank. Celia Tobin Clark's English Cotswold mansion was designed by architect David Adler. It is said that the handcrafted masonry and elaborate detail employed the entire City of San Mateo during construction in the Depression years. The house is now referred to as the Tobin Clark Estate, features over 35,000 feet on 6 gated acres at 40 Verbalee Lane. The history includes ballroom-caliber classical concerts, and visits by United States Presidents for many years. The property last changed hands in 2014 for $22,800,000. 

During the pre-War era, the Tobin Clark area consisted of only House on Hill, surrounded by polo grounds, equestrian facilities, and fox-hunting countryside. Today, the collection of luxury homes boasts some of the finest views in all of Hillsborough. There is a singular glamour that captures the senses. The pinnacle is the cul-de-sac of Tobin Clark Drive, known as “Top of the World" by locals. Here, mansions touch the sky with views soaring high above the San Francisco skyline. A more understated sub-district of Tobin Clark, before you get too far up the hill, is known as Polo Terrace. This sub-district includes streets of Clydesdale, Woodland, Bridle, Trophy Court, and Percheron.

Another sub-district in the Tobin Clark area is the circa-2000’s Stonebridge area. This is Hillsborough’s newest subdivision and includes fourteen baronial homes on Mountain Wood Lane and Mountain Wood Court. This enclave is accessed through Clydesdale Drive or San Mateo’s Yew Street. The homes date mostly from 2002 - 2010. 

The Tobin Clark neighborhood is assigned primarily to South School, Crocker Middle, and along with the Parrott Drive area, is one of only two Hillsborough neighborhoods assigned to Aragon High. 

View Geoffrey's Tobin Clark sold listing at 1255 Tournament Drive, $4,700,000

View the #1 Tobin Clark Sale of 2021, 28 Mountain Wood Lane, $7,100,000 (Geoffrey's Listing)

MarketSnapshotTobinClark20212022


Appeal for Residents and Homeseekers

  • Great opportunity for above average house size and "newer" amenities of post-war housing from 1970s-2000s. 
  • Some of Hillsborough's most majestic Bay views
  • Convenience to Aragon High School, downtown San Mateo, and Highway 92. 
  • Ultimate "top of the hill" view mansion ambiance, such as the upper blocks of Tobin Clark Drive and Brandon Court.

Potentially Adverse for Residents and Homeseekers

  • Like the Parrott Drive Area, Tobin Clark is not a "heart of Hillsborough" location, meaning there is an annexed feeling that largely requires passing through neighboring San Mateo for access. 
  • Longer drive to Crocker Middle School than other areas
  • With many gates and hills, not particularly "neigborhoody" and walks reserved for a workout!