Searching for a House with a Nice Flow

My parents have been married for 51 years. They’ve had a few arguments in those years, but one thing they both agree on is how much they love their house.

Recently I reached out to Patch readers: what do you love most about your house? (My shameless attempt to get your help in selecting a theme. I’ve struggled for a new idea every week for 46 weeks — your help is appreciated!)

My dad submitted his idea for a “dream house,” saying it would be a great place for a party, complete with ping-pong table and swimming pool. My dad, you see, is a lot of fun (except when he’s losing to me in ping-pong).

I ran with that idea a few weeks ago in this column. Jokingly, I pointed out that my poor dad was living in a home his wife selected since there is no longer room for the ping-pong table we enjoyed when I was growing up, and certainly no swimming pool.

But my parents live in Washington, where swimming pools are far from practical — and I know how much they both love their house. My mom must have rolled her eyes at my joke because she has now submitted her idea for a theme.

Except it’s not really one idea — it’s an 801-word essay with many overlapping themes. (I used my word count tool, I am not exaggerating).

But the main idea is clear: “First of all,” she writes, “the most important thing for me is the flow of a house. When I look at a house I imagine what it would be like to live in it, and would it feel comfortable for our lifestyle.”

My parents moved to Washington from Colorado about 12 years ago, and I was just as amazed and delighted with the find as they were. It’s a perfect house for them, complete with guest cottage for all of their out-of-town company, but especially appreciated when me, my husband, two kids, and two dogs come to stay.

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t rain every single day in Washington — at least not in beautiful Port Townsend — and my parents love “having lunch on the deck and enjoying the privacy and view of our garden.”

So with many themes to choose from in the 801 words, I’m going to dedicate this article to my mom, Esther Conway, and feature homes with a nice flow: the all important floorplan.

Danville

490 Clipper Hill is my listing, and my mom loves this house, so it seems only right to lead off with it. And no wonder — one of the things she said about her house could also have been said about Clipper Hill: “I wanted a place that was in nature and your father wanted one near town; This was perfect: a mile from the center of town, surrounded by trees for privacy and on over an acre.” My listing on Clipper Hill is situated on an acre in a wonderful westside Danville location. It is just a half mile from the Trail and downtown Danville, yet it feels like country on this large lot of towering oaks. It’s a secluded and beautiful setting, accessed by crossing a charming wooden bridge over the creek. The home has three bedrooms plus a loft with 2,700 square feet. There are two fireplaces: one wood burning in the family room, and one gas burning in a cozy alcove in the living room. The kitchen is equipped with stainless appliances, granite countertops, and a large center island. See the virtual tour. Priced at $1,000,000. For more information or a showing, phone me at (925) 285-1728.

San Ramon

905 Bentley Oak Court is offered by Jeff Bruno of Sotheby’s Realty. This is a five bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, 3,462 square-foot home on a .44 acre lot located in Bent Creek. This elegant home has a large formal dining room with fireplace. Beautiful details throughout the home include the sweeping staircase that curves into the entryway, gleaming hardwood floors, picture paneling, and crown molding. The kitchen has granite countertops and a center island. The backyard is large and private and includes a water feature and sport court, plus the home has an ideal end-of-court location. See the virtual tour. Priced at $1,175,000. For showings or information phone Jeff at (925) 789-0987.

Dublin

7903 Dry Creek Drive is offered by Joe Frazzano and Alex Tse of J. Rockcliff. This is a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, nearly 3,500 square foot home in a nice cul-de-sac location in the West Dublin Hills. The backyard is large and private with a sparkling pool. Soaring ceiling and walls of windows make the home light and bright. The gourmet kitchen has cherry cabinetry, slab granite countertops, and upgraded flooring. The home flows nicely throughout, beginning at the welcoming entryway which features a stunning staircase with wrought iron and gorgeous Brazilian cherrywood flooring. Priced at $924,900. See the virtual tour. For showings or more information, phone Joe at (925) 735-7653 or Alex at (925) 735-7653.

Pleasanton

727 Vineyard Terrace is offered by Serafino Bianchi of Pacific Union. This is a 5 bedroom, 5 bath home with 4,480 square feet on a half-acre lot. Built in 2008, this home has lovely finishes throughout. The kitchen has cherrywood cabinetry, granite countertops, high-end stainless appliances and a large center island opening to the family room. There is a carriage house over the garage with one bedroom/bathroom. Priced at $1,399,000. See the virtual tour. Open Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For showings or more information, phone Serafino at (925) 858-0649.

Alamo

136 Byerley is my listing, located in the wonderfully quiet neighborhood of Stonebridge Estates. I always like to know what my sellers love about their home — and this client told me how much they enjoyed the kitchen with its large center island that opens to the family room. Both the family room and the formal living room have gas fireplaces, so warm and inviting as our weather gets colder. But in the warmer months, the flow from the house to the backyard includes the spectacular pool. This is a large executive home, the formal dining area has soaring ceilings and opens to the formal living area and fireplace. This five bedroom, four bathroom home has 3,751 square feet. It’s a rare Alamo neighborhood that doesn’t have freeway noise. This neighborhood is one of the few that is completely tranquil — a quiet location at the foot of Mount Diablo. The home is ideally situated at the end of a cul-de-sac. The optional fifth bedroom is downstairs, currently used as an office, and has an attached full bath. The back yard feels like a resort: complete privacy, beautiful landscaping and stunning pool (a Hawkins pebble tech with beach entry and waterfall). Priced at $1,439,000. See the virtual tour. This home will be open Sunday from 1-4 p.m., or phone me for a showing at (925) 285-1728.