Los Altos Hills chateau is tailored after Loire Valley's castles

By Linda Taaffe,

The newly built two-story chateau on the banks of Adobe Creek is grand even by Los Altos Hills standards.

Tailored after French castles in the Loire Valley’s chateau country, the 6,495-square-foot house emulates the grandeur associated with French royalty during the 16th century.

The home features three staircases with handcrafted wrought-iron banisters, five limestone fireplaces, seven bathrooms, a 250-bottle wine room and 20-foot vaulted ceilings on 1.3 acres of creekside property.

French builder D.J. Roget imported the limestone floors and slate roof tiles from Europe along with village artisans to install the materials using techniques passed down from generation to generation.

The multimillion-dollar home is one of two Roget-designed chateaux tucked behind the curved hillside at the base of Fremont Road along the Los Altos border, less than a mile from downtown.

The short walk to Los Altos’ shops and nearby Edith and Lincoln parks is flat and relatively easy. The newly renovated and reopened Covington Elementary School serves neighborhood children.

A spacious country approach is created by the wrought-iron gates, gracefully tiered fountain and stone driveway encircled by oak, pine and eucalyptus trees. French powder stone, tall divided paned windows and upper-level balconies with wrought-iron balustrades accentuate the French design.

Roget may have had “grand” in mind down to the tiniest detail when building the home, but he didn’t sacrifice functionality. The floor plan is flexible, designed to accommodate an extended family comfortably.

Closet space at the base and top of the entry stairs is large enough for an elevator conversion; the hallways are wider than average; and there is an in-law wing with a private entrance. Most rooms include a built-in sound system and CAT5 Internet access.

The home’s ground level is bright and open, with large archways defining each room.

A sweeping staircase spirals across the two-story foyer under a domed ceiling and crystal chandelier.

Arched doorways on either side of the foyer lead to a formal dining room and a library. Both rooms have wood plank floors, faux walls and limestone fireplaces. An arched walkway under the staircase leads to a formal living room.

A butler’s pantry connects the dining room to an expansive kitchen that opens into a great room.

A skylight provides natural sunlight over a marble kitchen island and breakfast bar. Custom cherry-wood cabinets conceal the dishwasher and refrigerator. The room includes a walk-in pantry, two convection ovens, a six-burner gas cooktop and an adjoining mud room.

Beyond the kitchen lies the great room with a casual dining nook tucked in a miniature turret, highlighted with windows that overlook a stone patio.

On the west side of the room, lies the family area with a wet bar, built-in media cabinet and stone-carved fireplace.

The downstairs master suite features 20-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a limestone patio. A two-way fireplace divides the bedroom from the marble bathroom.

All of the upstairs bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with French doors leading to private Juliet-style balconies.

The bedroom in the west wing includes a separate sitting area, window seats, a private entrance and access to a bonus room with built-in shelves.

The grounds include a pool house with a half bath.

The property has approval for a pool and tennis court.

For more information, call Coldwell Banker agents Alice Nuzzo at 917-5808 or Alicia Tuvell at 917-5809.