Exceptional Splendor Times Two At Los Gatos Historic Estate
The largest parcel this close to downtown Los Gatos at 17,855 square feet
spans 100 feet of Broadway, showcasing two homes and creating a stately presence in a coveted Los Gatos neighborhood.
Lovingly called Les Moineaux in homage to the delightful sparrows that frequented the property during construction, the historic 68 Broadway includes approximately 4,728 square feet of magnificent living space.
The 3,548 square-foot, French Normandy style home with a brick and board and batten façade features four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. A 1,180-squarefoot Victorian-style guesthouse features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living and dining rooms, an updated kitchen, plus a 400-square-foot basement.
Only two owners have been fortunate to own this enchanting property. The park-like setting under the canopy of a towering live oak is truly unique in Los Gatos’ Almond Grove/ Broadway district.
The Crall Family purchased the guesthouse in 1908. Upon his return at the end of World War I, one of their sons built the main home whose design was inspired by many homes he saw while in France. He built it mainly using scavenged materials, including bricks that came from the Guadalupe mine. After his marriage, he purchased adjoining property and added the architecturally stunning octagonal tower entry and additional wings.
Former Los Gatos Mayor and current Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman and his wife, Kim, purchased the property in 1984 and extensively upgraded both homes over the years while carefully retaining its historic integrity. The main house has been expanded to include the chef ’s kitchen plus a new luxurious primary suite with private staircase access added in 1990.
“We are sad to leave this extraordinary property,” says Mike Wasserman, “but the time has come to downsize.
“We know the new owners will appreciate its magic and charm and enjoy the ideal location of Les Moineaux.”
Walnut hardwood floors in a striking herringbone pattern, decorative parquet floors, handtroweled plaster walls, and exposed beam ceilings create a warm and welcoming ambiance throughout the main home. A fireplace anchors the generoussized living room.
French doors from this room open to an amazing, ultraprivate backyard sanctuary. A retractable pergola allows the use of the expansive 400-squarefoot terrace regardless of the weather. From this venue is a clear view of the gardens, and pool, and spa. Pathways connect to a workshop and basement, ideal wine cellars or studios that also have natural light.
A dining room designed to accommodate large gatherings also has an exposed beam ceiling. A flexible space, the dining room can also be used as a family room. The adjacent eat-in kitchen is beautifully appointed with granite slab counters, a tiled backsplash, an island/breakfast bar, custom cabinetry, and Jenn Air and Bosch appliances. The spacious dining area also has sliding door access to an open terrace, the pool, and gardens.
A private staircase leads to a cozy and sumptuous primary suite with plush carpeting, a vaulted ceiling, built-ins, two large closets, and a pair of dormer windows. The master bathroom is redesigned in a contemporary color palette with a dual-sink vanity, Carrera marble finishes, brushed nickel fixtures, and a shower with a pebble tile floor and subway tile surround.
Also on the upper level is an office space drenched in natural light with three built-in workstations. The opposite wing on this level features two large bedrooms with an updated Jack and Jill bathroom, including a jetted tub/shower combination. Each bedroom has an exposed beam ceiling, a fireplace, and sliding mirrored closet doors.
A main-level bedroom/ studio with an en suite bathroom also has a private French door entry plus access to the backyard and additional storage room/possible wine cellar.
Behind a welcoming wraparound porch, the guesthouse, built around 1888, features hardwood floors, extensive millwork, and a cedar-lined walk-in closet. The Wasserman’s have rented this out for 37 years. This home, constructed from redwood, also has a concrete perimeter foundation and central air conditioning.
A large living room with a front-facing window and its adjoining dining room feature soaring 12-foot ceilings and a gas fireplace. The eat-in kitchen is updated with GE appliances, a stainless sink, and a rear-facing enclosed porch and backyard garden.
The enclosed 500-squarefoot workshop with a side entry features about 25 linear feet of finished cabinets.
Walk to downtown shops, restaurants, parks, the library, and more. Enjoy easy access to freeways into Silicon Valley or south to Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Top-rated Los Gatos schools are also conveniently close, including about a half-mile to Los Gatos High School.
Price: $6,188,888
Where: 68 Broadway, Los Gatos Website: www.68BroadwayLosGatos.com Shown by appointment only Listing Agent: Compass. Kim Richman, DRE#01076556, 408-406-9533, KimRichmanteam.com.