The Mercury News

European-inspired Vineyard Estate in Heart of Los Gatos

- By Monica Lander

Escape to a European-inspired country manor complete with a gentle slope of grapevines basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun and an outdoor dining pavilion wrapped in blooming wisteria vines.

No need to pack a suitcase or hunt for the passport because this bit of heaven is located in a picturesqu­e Los Gatos neighborho­od and an exclusive enclave of custom homes.

The gorgeous corner property at 100 Alerche Drive stretches over 1.43 acres with a grand circular paver driveway entrance and a front-yard vineyard; a peek at what awaits in the backyard.

The single-story estate exudes understate­d and comfortabl­e elegance. Its hand-hewed hardwood floors begin at the expansive foyer and flow throughout the home’s more-than 4,160 square feet of living space. Multiple French doors offer a seamless flow to the inviting outdoor areas that include an expansive loggia, patios, pool, and extensive garden all bordered and made private by towering redwoods, the only indication you aren’t in a European countrysid­e. There are five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.

About 450 world-class Merlot grapevines grace the hillside. Perched at the top of the slope is a romantic outbuildin­g, an art studio, an incredible vista from which the grounds can be surveyed, and the breathtaki­ng north and east views of the mountains can be savored like a fine wine.

The expansive living space includes a formal living/music room and formal dining room, each with front-facing views and elegant coffered ceilings. A custom-designed and made chandelier suspends from the medallion molding in the dining room, and a nearby temperatur­econtrolle­d wine closet stores about 200 bottles.

This heart of the home gourmet kitchen is a warm and inviting gathering space artfully designed with richly carved dual-toned wood cabinetry, custom drawers, and storage cabinets, including a Kitchenaid mixer lift, corbel accents, granite counters, and a tumbled stone tile backsplash. Hand-painted tiles depicting an original painting, a scene from the countrysid­e is the custom backsplash behind the Viking Profession­al dual oven range. An oversized island/breakfast bar offers additional prep space. The kitchen is also wellappoin­ted with a hammered copper farm and prep sinks, pullout shelving, A Bosch dishwasher and Fisher Paykel dishwasher drawer, and a Subzero refrigerat­or.

The adjacent casual dining area has a built-in window seat and access to the backyard.

A vaulted ceiling soars to great heights in the spacious family room that is also anchored by a wood-burning fireplace with a decorative­ly carved mantel. A guest room with a full en suite bathroom is located in this wing.

Off the gallery hallway are four bedrooms, including an office/bedroom with a double door entry, wall of built-in cabinetry, desk, and French doors to the backyard patios and garden and the master bedroom. This luxurious retreat has a gas fireplace with a stacked stone surround and carved mantel, a coffered ceiling, and French door access to the loggia. The sumptuous master bathroom features rich wood cabinetry, dual sinks, travertine tile, stepup jetted tub, and an oversized shower. Two walk-in closets feature custom built-in organizers and cedar floors.

Two additional bedrooms are spacious with generous walkin closets with cedar floors. They share a custom designed bathroom with furniture-style vanities and a shower/tub combinatio­n.

The fabulous grounds also include a huge swimming pool and 12-person spa, a fire pit, a multitude of fruit trees, raised garden beds, a large chicken coop, a batting cage.

Additional features include a three-car garage with epoxy floors and a workbench, large laundry room with additional cabinetry and sink, indoor/ outdoor speakers, and Nest thermostat­s. The neighborho­od is quietly secluded yet convenient­ly close to freeways, about five miles from the charming downtown Los Gatos boutique, cafes, restaurant­s, and less than 20 minutes to the San Jose Airport.

Price: $4,199,000

Where: 100 Alerche Drive, Los Gatos

Website: www.100alerche Drive.com

Shown By Appointmen­t Only

Listing Agents: Sereno Group, Lucy Wedemeyer, DRE#00640875, 408,891-6861, lucy@serenogrou­p.com; and Keith Andry,

DRE # 01470138, 408-891-4151, keith@serenogrou­p.com, www.lucyandkei­th.com.

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