The former leader of a major Internet search company is selling his ultra-private estate in Atherton, a California enclave known for having one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States, according to Compass Real Estate.
The property, known as the Walsh Estate, is listed for $24.5 million. Atherton is 30 miles south of San Francisco.
The property is owned by 383 Associates, a limited liability company, according to public property records. Compass representatives did not name the seller, but multiple media reports said the property was the longtime home of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
According to Compass Real Estate, the sellers purchased the original home on the Walsh Road property in 1990 and eventually acquired three contiguous parcels of land to create a classic European countryside setting. The building is said to have built a spectacular real estate-style complex.
In 2007, an extensive renovation expanded the elegant main residence and added a guesthouse that opens onto an expansive entertainment pavilion. After adding the third plot, the owners built an English garden house and installed a landscaped garden with views of the hills to the east. Another expansion of the property was completed in 2013, creating a secluded retreat suitable for entertaining large groups while maintaining a warm and intimate atmosphere for families.
“It is very rare to see a property of this size in Atherton, over three acres, but once you spend time there and understand the thought and care that went into the current design, you realize just how unique it is. I get it,” said Compass listing agent Catherine Carroll. said in her email statement. “The grounds are so beautiful that you feel like you’re in Filoli (an historic home and garden in nearby Woodside).
“The landscape design, which takes advantage of the elevation and hillside, creates a sense of peace, but also provides a natural level of privacy not found in Atherton apartments,” Carroll said. “While this property is very well served by the seller, the potential to develop features that incorporate landscaping is very exciting. Sho.”
The main house measures 5,265 square feet and has five bedrooms and eight bathrooms on 3.36 acres.
“The main residence is characterized by elegant scale and the finest choice of materials,” the official property listing states. “While embracing California's beauty and climate, it reflects classic European design, with nearly every room providing plenty of natural light and access to the lush outdoors with access to the home's many terraces. Is possible.”
Outdoors, the expansive lawn entertainment area features an impressive outdoor fireplace and amphitheater on one side and cascading water on the other.
Other features of this property include:
▪ Herringbone hardwood floors.
▪ Chef's kitchen with custom marble counters and backsplash, two sinks, two dishwashers, and a Thermador commercial range.
▪ Breakfast nook with bay window and access to private patio with custom water feature.
▪ Formal dining room with bay window overlooking pool, flooded with natural light.
▪ Living room facing pool terrace and patio.
▪ A formal entry spotlights a dramatic staircase.
▪ Office/den with fireplace and pool access.
▪ This family room features a wet bar, fireplace and access to the pool terrace.
▪ Private sunroom with garden and fountain.
▪ Main suite with private bathroom and dressing room, access to a private terrace, marble shower, elegant bathtub and two water closets.
▪ Laundry room and home staff office.
▪ There is a separate three-car garage with a recreation room below.
▪ Separate office with powder room and skylight.
