Old-to-new change works for remodel in old-town neighborhood

By Clyde Noel,

With its old trees, sidewalks, alleys and standout houses, the University district of Los Altos is more popular than ever. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood west of downtown was the first to be settled. Some of its oldest homes date back to 1908.

Joe and Patty LoConte bought one of those old homes on Orange Avenue, tore it down to the footprint and built it anew.

“We had an architect incorporate all of our ideas and built it as large as we could,” Patty said. “We wanted it unique, contemporary and comfortable.”

“We wanted a house that was open with lots of light and not too formal,” Joe said. “For comfort, we used a lot of built-ins, natural stone surfaces and floor heating.”

The house was designed for courtyard living, most of the rooms open onto the outdoor area.

“I like the way the house wraps around the courtyard because it offers lots of light to the house the way the windows are situated,” Joe said. “And it’s ideal for entertaining.”

The LoConte courtyard and roof are lined with Vermont purple slate salvaged from the Carolands 98-room mansion in Hillsborough. At 65,000 square feet, Carolands was said to be the largest single-family residence west of the Mississippi before its restoration.

Entering the hallway through the front door, the first room on the right is Joe’s study, his office away from the office. His large desk faces the street.

“I’m comfortable here as I work, and it provides a view of the neighborhood,” Joe said. “I can see my neighbors as they walk by on their way downtown.”

A comfortable well-furnished living room is across the hallway from the study. It features a gas log fireplace and interesting wall inserts.

The LoConte lifestyle centers around the intimate kitchen. The granite-covered island and countertops, mahogany cabinets with rosewood stain, commercial Dacor ovens and a Sub-Zero refrigerator provide all the necessities for any chef.

“I like the natural light to work with and I find it easy to move around so two people can work without getting in each other’s way,” Patty said. “I love to cook. When we entertain, our guests can sit in the courtyard or the gathering room and I can talk with them.”

The gathering or “great” room is an extension of the kitchen. It is moderately furnished and includes the television and necessary communication devices.

“I also cook. I’m a big soup maker and barbecue chef,” said Joe. “I make a great vegetable or beef-mushroom soup that everybody loves.”

The LoConte’s 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom/three-bath home is comfortably designed for entertainment. Two months ago, more than 50 guests were present for their son, James’ wedding.

“Everybody had a place to sit for lunch and drinks were served in the courtyard,” Joe said.

Guests drifted through the dining room, enhanced with antique Chinese screens, out into the courtyard. In use year-round, it features shade netting and includes a misting system for summer cooling. The floor consists of interlocking pavers. A Lisbon lemon tree, the only thing saved from the original house, is displayed.

The end of the hallway leads to a basement that includes a wine cellar, laundry room, bathroom and the mechanical enclosure.

Joe is president of Olive Wood Construction Company located in Mountain View since 1981. He has built or remodeled over 250 homes from San Francisco to San Jose during those years.

“When people build today, they look for higher quality in construction and many convenience items,” Joe said. “Those are some of the characteristics I built into this house.”

Patty is the project manager for many of the remodels. She works with people on design and colors for the total house.

“I like to work with unusual challenges and designs,” she said.

Together, they like to build architecturally challenging and unique structural projects.

The LoContes moved to their present location after living in Los Altos Hills on Story Hill Lane for years where they maintained a large area.

“Living here is a much better way of occupying your time than taking care of your acreage,” Joe said. “This house is a reflection of Patty’s and my tastes.” ◊