Interior Designer Thuy To Transforms Almaden Springs Residence into Timeless Masterpiece
A complete renovation of this Almaden Springs home transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary.
There is no cookie-cutter design here, but timeless Victorian-inspired design features beautifully harmonizing with modern-day amenities, including solar, perfect for today’s lifestyle. The richlylayered interior by Interior Designer Thuy To, founder, and CEO of TTLN Designs, showcases an attention to every detail and the result of extensive period research and a seven-month intense search for new fixtures, appliances, floors, and materials juxtaposed with selected antique pieces curated from antique shops and estate sales all over the Bay Area. This home is offered fully furnished.
A no expenses spared renovation was just completed on this home at 1128 Foxhurst Way, built in 1986 in San Jose’s coveted Almaden Valley. Considered a gem in the Bay Area, the Almaden Valley is conveniently close to freeways into Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and the South Valley. It is also known for its top-rated schools, picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, and access to multiple parks, including the more than 4,100 acres of open space and miles of hiking trails in the Almaden Quicksilver County Park. This home is about a mile from the Quicksilver trailhead and about a half-mile to the almost 17-acre Cathedral Park.
About 3,874 square feet of living space on two levels sits on an almost quarter-acre that borders the water district land and open space on two sides, creating a unique, ultra-private setting and backyard sanctuary. Five bedrooms and four bathrooms include a main-level bedroom and bath.
“We’ve chosen specific color palettes, wallpapers sourced from UK, Ukraine and India, lighting fixtures, tile selections, and doorknobs for each room, along with antique artifacts to make this house not just a home but an inspiring home that will forever stand the test of time,” writes To.
The floor plan was also extensively reconfigured. Walls were opened, and dramatic, decoratively milled arched entries were added to several rooms. Additionally, the staircase was reconfigured, making it the focus of the foyer with its elegant walnut stairs and black wrought-iron railing. Black and white porcelain tile in the entry and front hallway, picture frame molding, and a 1920s Victorian loveseat are striking features of a bygone era.
The floor in the formal living room was raised to integrate this room with the rest of the home and features a dark stained hardwood floor to compliment the Caliente Benjamin Moore wall paint and the lined wallpaper, a design originally produced in 1876 and shipped from the UK. Victorian-inspired armchairs, a tufted sofa with rolled-back arms, an antique Chinoiserie coffee table, and a rare antique cabinet were collected from scores of antique shops throughout the Bay Area.
A well-appointed chef ’s kitchen with all new appliances includes 18 feet of custom kitchen cabinetry. The removal of a wall between the kitchen and dining area allowed for the installation of a nine-foot island/breakfast bar under a coffered ceiling featuring a trio of pendants.
The kitchen is open to an expansive family room, which features a box beam ceiling with contrasting paint colors and a Victorian arch over a bay window. Built-in shelving flanks the fireplace, which has a brick surround that reaches the ceiling.
Five bedrooms include a main-level bedroom with picture-frame molding and a coffered ceiling and a nearby bathroom updated with new fixtures, tile, a rain showerhead, a single-sink vanity, and pendant lights.
At the top of the staircase is a sizeable landing bathed in natural light from a skylight. This space is ideal for a reading nook.
The more than 350-squarefoot primary suite is a luxurious retreat with a soaring ceiling, millwork, and recessed lighting. The en suite is exquisitely designed with a gold-leaf freestanding bathtub elevated on a step, a mosaic tile floor, and antique wallpaper. Dual furniture-style vanities, sconces, and oval mirrors add to the elegance of this en suite. A walk-in closet behind an arched entry features custom built-ins and a make-up vanity.
According to the designer, the black-gold marble and glass mosaic tile surrounding the shower create a captivating atmosphere, blending the Victorian theme with modern amenities.
Three additional bedrooms on this level are equally designed in rich colors, wallpaper, and crown molding. Two bedrooms have beautiful niches for charming sitting areas under a window. Also on this level is a cozy office.
The backyard is an ultraprivate sanctuary with a sprawling patio, deck, gas firepit, and low-maintenance landscape bordered by mature trees. Enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and the amazing hillside views. Customize with a pool, play structure, formal gardens, outdoor kitchen, and more. There is plenty of room.
This home is within about a mile of top-rated schools, including Williams Elementary, Bret Harte Middle, and Leland High School. It is also conveniently close to shopping, the community center, and the library.
Price: $4,000,000
Where: 1128 Foxhurst Way, San Jose, CA 95120
Open house Saturday & Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Listing agent: Infiniti Real Estate. Danny Duong. DRE# 01400892. 408-921-7777.
Interior Designer: Thuy To, TTLN Designs 408.472-9055