Historical Home On-The-Market
January 29, 2012
Storied “House-On-Hill” In Hillsborough Listed for $29 Million
I once had an open house (Verbalee Lane) on the street from this estate and “no” mine was a mere $2 Million. It is on a short street with very different houses along the way. When you got to the end of the street you could see this big estate with the front gates. A lot of history in this home. I just wanted to share this with you. I think those of you that love Historical Homes will find this fascinating.
At a list price of $29 million, it might be a stretch to call this fabled San Francisco-area property a bargain.
But considering the history and quality of this 30-room, 35,000-sq-ft Hillsborough real estate market gem — called one of the most spectacular private residences ever created — “House-On-Hill” should turn a few heads, especially since the price has dropped dramatically since the estate was first offered for sale at $45 million in 2002.
“The owners are very realistic now and there is no other property on the market like this one,” said listing agent Daniel J. DerVartanian.
“You could not recreate this property now, not for the quality of the $20 million renovation that the current owners undertook or for the fact that they wouldn’t let you build this size home on six acres,” he said.
While the house has been marketed by the owners for the past two years, listing it with a real estate brokerage has appeared to been a boon. In the week since House-On-Hill has been listed, DerVartanian said the property has been shown to several interested and qualified buyers — not a tough demographic in a region where Silicon Valley millionaires may be looking to make their own impressive mark on the real estate map.
House-On-Hill as it looked in 1930. SOURCE: Chicago Treasures
Designed by architect David Adler as a Cotswold-style Tudor, the mansion is nestled in the hills overlooking San Francisco and was completed in 1931 for Hibernia bank heiress Celia Tobin Clark.
In 1992, the property was purchased from the Tobin-Clark family by Sam J. Bamieh, a prominent businessman at American Intertrade Group and major Republican Party donor. While the property had already boasted an illustrious history of world-famous visitors, that tradition continued under Bamieh, whose connections to the Saudi royal family and others is its own intriguing story.
A special VIP suite of rooms has been the guest residence of a prestigious list of U.S. Presidents and other world leaders including, Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Ford, and Bush, as well as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and His Majesty King Hussein. The list of other notable guests who visited Bamieh for parties or fundraisers is much longer.
DerVartanian said Bamieh and his wife meticulously renovated the entire property with an attention to detail and an eye for the preserving the original design features. All the systems have been updated, from the opulent music room to the lovely Otis lift to the hand-mill work, and no detail was overlooked.
The list of features includes:
- Carved front entry opening to an elegant black and white marble reception foyer
- Carved balustrade staircase leading to opulent public rooms including a banquet-sized formal dining room with carved marble fireplace
- Over-sized French doors leading to the loggia and grand terrace
- Cozy library with 17th-century English paneling featured in Helen Comstock’s “One Hundred Most Beautiful Rooms in America.”
- Grand music room
- The mansion includes 12 bedrooms, including 4 master suites
- 12 full baths and 3 half baths
- Four kitchens
- 12 fireplaces
- In-ground pool
- A six-car garage
It’s tough to argue with a sales pitch that calls House-On-Hill a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but given the location, the restoration and the history of the place, that pitch sounds right on key.
Statistics for Single Family Residences & Condos San Mateo County
December 27, 2011
Click on Single Family Nov. Report for your November update on the listings, sales, current inventory, etc… in San Mateo County. This is the most current report until January. For Condos and Townhomes click on Condo Report Nov. 2011. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.
Image via Wikipedia
Bethlehem A.D. in Redwood City
December 21, 2011
Bethlehem A.D. starts tonight on Middlefield in Redwood City. Bring the family for a walk thru the set of this remarkable scene. Makes you think about the true meaning of Christmas. You won’t be disappointed!
Dec. 21, 22 and 23 from 6 – 9:30. Rain or shine. Free
Goblin Walk in San Carlos Friday
October 27, 2011
The City of San Carlos and the Parks & Recreation Department are hosting this GOBLIN WALK on October 28th!
For information call: 650-593-1068 If more information is needed please see www.sancarloschamber.org
This event is for children under 7 that are accompanied by their parent’s or an adult. The time is 4:00 – 5:30 pm. in the 600 – 800 Blocks of Laurel Street. Please make sure to wear your Halloween costume. Trick or treat at Laurel Street businesses displaying the ‘Goblin Walk Stop’ sign. Pick up your Goblin Walk Trick or Treat Bag at the Downtown Park or from any Goblin Walk Volunteer. I will be volunteering, so please stop by and see me. This is a Free Community & Downtown Event. 
History of Chamber Haunted House
October 26, 2011
In San Francisco this prime piece of San Francisco real estate was built by silver mine tycoon Richard Chambers. The story goes that Richard moved into the home with his two nieces, bringing with him a host of demons and ghosts with him. When Chambers died in 1901, the nieces inherited the home; one moved next door and one, Claudia, stayed in the home.
Claudia was discovered nearly cut in half one day. The family passed it off as a “farm implementation accident” but ghost expert Jim Fassbinder, who conducts haunted house tours in San Francisco, claims an insane family member who was kept in the attic of the Chambers home was the culprit. Recently a bed-and-breakfast, the home sold in 2009 for $3,400,800.
San Carlos New Eatery Bair Island Tap & Eatery
September 29, 2011
Hi everyone, I have been busy taking care of some Mom issues…. I am of that sandwich generation. I am glad to be back. And, while coming back… this new restaurant opened on Laurel Street in San Carlos….Seems like remodeling a restaurant is every bit as frustrating as having work done at home. Things happen.
Bair Island (formerly Laurel Kabob) – set to open two weeks ago – hit some snags when key deliveries didn’t make it on time, etc.
So today, “is the day!!!!” says owner Charles Evans.
The menu won’t be totally complete for its debut. Evans says they’ll have: four different kinds of sausages, pulled pork, several fresh salads, cole slaw, condiments (relishes and mustards), eight beers on tap and wine to come soon.
For a background story on Bair Island, click here. Located at 635 Laurel Street in San Carlos.. Sounds like another winner! Go San Carlos…..
Super Diamond is here at the Fox!
August 19, 2011
Image via Wikipedia
I love Neil Diamond, probably because he was on my flight with TWA in the olden days. He was sitting in first class and un-be-know to me, he was/is an artist and painting a profile picture of me. He left it with me when he left the plane. Now, where in the world is that?
When your parents popped in a Neil Diamond tape on repeat during long interstate road trips, you reluctantly sang along. Never thought you’d turn out to be a Diamond fan now, right? But singing along to “Sweet Caroline” and “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show” is so addictive now, you’d do anything to see Neil on stage. A band out of San Francisco can put a rest to that Diamond thirst. Super Diamond delivers a high-octane Diamond tribute show that rocks!
Friday September 9 @ 9PM
www.foxrwc.com
650-369-7770
$18-$36
San Carlos will pay new firefighters 7.5 percent less
July 13, 2011
The San Carlos City Council has agreed to pay firefighters who join the city‘s new department in October an average of 7.5 percent less than current ones. Well, I guess because they are new-bees and we are trying to protect our city and cut costs. A good way to start a job though.
In May the council decided to pay new firefighters 5 percent less, but on Monday night it voted 4-1, with Bob Grassilli dissenting, to cut the pay even more. The 2.5 percent difference in salary will save San Carlos an additional $75,000 a year, according to city officials.
San Carlos’ fire service costs should drop from $7.1 million a year to $6,078,107 after its joint department with Belmont dissolves in October and is replaced by a “hybrid” agency run by Redwood City, said administrative services director Rebecca Mendenhal. San Carlos chose to go its separate way several months ago after Belmont refused to pay a larger share of operating expenses.
In addition to paying firefighters lower salaries, San Carlos expects to save money by shedding its own command structure and avoiding some duplicative equipment expenses.
Firefighters hired to work for the new department will receive an average base salary of $85,092, among the lowest on the Peninsula, according to a city analysis.
Grassilli said he voted against a 7.5 percent salary drop because he fears firefighters would bolt to higher paying departments as soon as they get a chance.
I want to thank those that are willing to even be in this job with the risks and what they have to go through… I for one and grateful.
Giants Trophy in San Carlos
May 15, 2011
San Carlos is hosting the “San Francisco Giants World Series Trophy in Burton Park On June 20th. Don’t miss it from 3-5.
Giants World Champion Tour in Redwood City
February 5, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
3:30-5:30pm
Courthouse Square (map)
Redwood City is very proud and excited to let you know that the San Francisco Giants World Champions Trophy Tour is coming to our community! This means that you can get up close to the fabulous World Champions trophy, take pictures, and be part of the Giants’ historic 2010 championship run. The Trophy will be on display at Courthouse Square and Fans will have the opportunity to view the trophy in person and have their photo taken with it. You can see the trophy in person during the specified times on a first-come, first-served basis. The viewings are free to the public. Fans can purchase an official photo with the trophy through Giants Fan Photos, which will be available on-site. The Trophy Tour is presented by Visa. Toyota is the official vehicle of the Trophy Tour.
Information on the entire Championship Trophy Tour is online at http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/fan_forum/trophy_tour.jsp
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