San Carlos: Lost in the Splendor

I gotta say that this property in San Carlos has that “WOW” factor, and I would venture to guess that it was the most popular open house of last weekend. The whole block was lined with lookie-loos, as my mom would say. What did they come to see? A very well-designed, 4-year old Mediterranean home that is brand new on the market.

For only $1,950,000, it is one of those “close your mouth or the flies will get in,” jaw-dropping gorgeous homes that everyone drools over. And I was definitely in lust with the kitchen: six-burner stove with pot-filler, huge Sub-Zero, two ovens and a warming tray. Plenty of counter space to roll out pastry and chop veggies. Mmmm, good. The adjoining dining area has French doors leading to a wonderful entertainment space with patio, pool, hot tub and waterfall. I can imagine it lit at night and full of people sipping wine and engaging in witty conversation. A standard family room with half bath and what I felt was an undersized living room complete the first floor.

Climbing the elegant wood and wrought-iron staircase to the second floor, you find a laundry room and four bedrooms of good size, with a master suite boasting a fireplace, built-in cabinets, French doors to a small terrace, walk-in closet, Jacuzzi tub, and one of the coolest showers I have ever seen. The drawback here is only one bathroom for the 3 bedrooms, which felt inadequate to me, having experienced three teenagers in a house at once.

I would say that this is a great property for a family with little time or inclination to upgrade or tend to the property. (It would take a gardener less than a half hour to mow and trim, and there is an abundance of pool maintenance companies to service the hot tub/pool/waterfall features.)

This, however, is the drawback for me–the lack of land and privacy. You, as a buyer, have to weigh the downside of being able to hear the cars fifty feet from your bedroom and hearing your neighbors yelling at their kids on this small suburban lot vs. the low maintenance, no need for upgrades or renovation, and instant move-in condition. Whichever you choose, this one is worth a look.