Circa 1916 Redefined for 21st Century Luxury
865 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto
price upon request
A grande dame of Palo Alto, this circa 1916 home is an interpretation of an English manor designed by renowned architect Charles K. Sumner. Spanning an exceptionally large lot and multiple structures creating a one-of-a kind compound just blocks to downtown Palo Alto.
Spanning three levels above ground, the home has symmetrical gables, steeply pitched roofs, and narrow banks of windows and dormers. Sumner’s homes were built for entertaining and imbued with a feeling of permanence, restraint, and composure, which he deemed elements of beauty. He believed that “it takes both house and garden to make a home,” and that concept is still evident over 100 years later. This estate property comprises much more than the regal main residence; in the rear grounds, a loggia and covered walkway lead to the pool house with media room and kitchenette. An adjacent barbecue kitchen stands ready for outdoor entertaining near the sparkling pool and spa, backed by a pergola-topped fireplace terrace. Just beyond is a spacious 1-bedroom guest house with full kitchen, and a verdant stretch of lawn anchors the compound at the center.
Inside the beautifully updated main residence, crisp white walls contrast beautifully with richly hued hardwood floors that extend throughout the first two levels. Refined of-the-era millwork includes dentil detail plus chair and picture rail moldings. True divided light French doors are adorned with Cremone hardware and leaded glass accents some windows. Window-lined sunrooms expand both the formal living room and formal dining room on each side of the home, and a handsomely paneled library serves as an excellent work-from-home space. The kitchen has been beautifully updated with white cabinetry, granite counters, and stainless steel appliances.
Four bedrooms and three baths are found on the second floor comprising a primary suite with sunroom/office and sumptuous bath, plus four bedrooms in pairs with direct access to shared bathrooms. Continuing up to the top floor, a newly carpeted spacious recreation room with defined area for office/play/hobbies offers flexible living space along with 2 bedrooms and an updated bath. With its place in history, premier Crescent Park location 5 blocks from University Avenue shops and restaurants, and access to acclaimed schools, this property is indeed a rare treasure.
Design + Features
Please request password to access Floor Plan.
Access Floor Plan
An iron fence wraps the corner lot with gated pedestrian access beneath two canary palms and gated driveway access on the adjacent street; a wide walkway intersects vast lawns arriving at a balustrade-lined terrace spanning the front
Impressive arched portico with carved solid wood front door set between side lights
Spacious receiving area introduces refined millwork and hardwood floors that extend throughout; a classic staircase sweeps to the upper level
Grand-scaled formal living room has a focal point fireplace, recessed shelves surrounding leaded glass windows, and a halo chandelier; carved pediments frame the entrance to the sunroom with brick tiled floor and windows on three sides; French doors with Cremone hardware open to a parterre garden with fountain
Pocket doors in the living room open to the all wood-paneled library, also accessed from the foyer; brass-toned track lighting and center chandelier, plus numerous windows, some with leaded glass; a nearby powder room serves the main level
Formal dining room, also suitable for large gatherings, features two recessed china cabinets with leaded glass fronts; adjoining sunroom with tiled flooring, windows on three sides, and French doors with Cremone hardware opening to a balcony
Remodeled white kitchen with island, lightly hued granite slab counters, and tumbled marble tiled backsplashes; adjoining family room/casual dining area with corner windows opens to the sky-lit loggia; an adjacent room accommodates the laundry center
Appliances include a gas cooktop, 2 ovens, new microwave, 2 dishwashers, and Sub-Zero refrigerator
Upstairs primary suite has a separate sunroom/office with windows on three sides, three closets plus built-in drawers, and en suite luxury bath in marble and mosaics; separate vanities plus makeup vanity, jetted tub, and separate room with commode and frameless-glass shower; a French door opens to a balcony
Two front bedrooms, one with sunroom/office, and each with banquette seating and direct access to a shared tiled bath with pedestal sink and frameless-glass shower
Two bedrooms, one with French door to a balcony and each with direct access to a tiled bath with pedestal sink and tub with overhead shower
Top-floor newly carpeted recreation room with partially walled space perfect for office/play/hobbies; dormer windows on the front wall, cathedral ceiling with exposed trusses, two walk-in closets, and recessed media cabinetry
Two top-floor bedrooms, each with steeply pitched ceiling, are served by an updated marble bath with frameless-glass shower
Detached pool house has a spacious living area, cathedral ceiling with exposed beams and trusses, built-in media cabinetry, and two walls of retractable stacking glass doors; open kitchenette with dishwasher and refrigerator; half-bath; separate media rooms with acoustic wall panels
Detached guest house has a central living area with extensive cabinetry and integrated gas-log fireplace; granite kitchen with gas range and refrigerator; separate bedroom; bath with shower
Outdoor amenities include a pool, separate spa, shower, gas fireplace beneath a pergola, and barbecue kitchen with gas cooktop, refrigerator, icemaker, and granite counter
Palo Alto
California
A Fresh Approach
1377 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025