Shopping for a Million Dollar House

I’m a big fan of Dr. Suess and loved reading all of his books to my kids when they were small. At one point, I could recite the first 26 pages of The Cat in the Hat from memory because my daughter insisted on hearing it so often. In desperation, I would substitute the similar-looking but lesser-know sequel, The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, to give myself a break from the repetition.

In this book, the kids in the story are dismayed when the cat’s antics ruin their dad’s “$10 shoes.” Clearly, when the book was written, the $10 shoes were considered to be special, but by the time I was reading the book to my kids, the effect was lost on them. Where could you get shoes for $10? A garage sale?

I’m sure if Dr. Suess wrote of a million dollar house, the accompanying art would have shown a glamorous mansion in an impressive setting.

A million dollars (or even $10) doesn’t stretch as far now as it did in Dr. Suess’ day, but it still buys a nice home, and here are some that can be yours for a cool mil:

Alamo

3039 Lunada Lane is offered by Jennifer Krommenhoek of Sotheby’s Realty. This 4 bedroom, 4 bath home has nearly 2,800 square feet and is located on Alamo’s desirable westside. It has a huge (.63 acre) lot and a private location. It has lovely Mt. Diablo views and a detached studio or workshop. Priced at $998,000. See the virtual tour. For a showing or for more information, please call Jennifer at 925 989-1817.

Danville

100 Hope Lane is offered by Gretchen Bryce of Re/Max. This is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with 3,663 square feet, built in 1999. The lot is nearly ¼ acre with a pebble-tech pool and spa. Located not far from just off Green Valley Road. It features one bedroom and bath on the main floor, and a gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets and stainless appliances. Priced at $999,000. See the virtual tour. For showings or information, please call Gretchen at 925 683-2477.

San Ramon

815 Bandol Way is offered by Stuart Steele of Alain Pinel. This home has a whopping six bedrooms and five bathrooms with 4,237 square feet. It’s a newer home, built in 2002, located in Windemere. The gourmet kitchen has a large island with seating, granite countertops, and stainless appliances. Full of quality details: cherrywood floors, plantation shutters, crown molding. Priced at $990,000. See the virtual tour. For showings or questions, please call Stuart at 925 791-2611.

Dublin

3777 Hobstone Place is offered by Antonia and Steve Quanstrom of J. Rockcliff. This is a 5 bedroom 4.5 bath home with over 4,000 square feet in Dublin Ranch. Built in 2003, this newer home is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac. The gorgeous backyard (.21 acre lot) features a sparkling pool. There is a guest suite on the main floor and the home is full of natural light and tasteful finishes. Priced at $949,000. See the virtual tour. For showings or more information, please call Antonia at 925-330-1350.

Pleasanton

1008 Malaga Ct. s offered by Claudia Colwell of Better Homes and Gardens. This is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with 3,275 square feet in the Vintage Heights neighborhood. The gourmet kitchen has granite countertops, stainless high-end appliances, a large island and marble flooring. Great location in a cul-de-sac. See the virtual tour. Priced at $999,000. Open Sunday 1-4 or for a showing, please call Claudia at 925-323-5031.

Livermore

3082 Verdala Dr. is offered by Debra Smith and Leslie Mills of Coldwell Banker. Nothing spells tranquility more than the wine country, especially when your glass is more than half full. This is a stunning Craftsman style home with a spacious front porch with room to sit outside and enjoy hillside and vineyard views. With more than 3,700 square feet, there are five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, including a guest bedroom suite on the main floor. The kitchen has maple hardwood flooring, cherrywood cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, a built-in refrigerator and a large center island. The views of the hills and surrounding vineyards can be enjoyed from throughout the house, and especially while relaxing in the backyard with the patio, pool and play area. See the virtual tour. Priced at $998,000. Open Saturday June 11 and Sunday June 12 from 1-4, or call Debra at  925-899-7716 or Leslie at 925-683-0925 to schedule a showing.