The Smiths look down on splendor of local foothills

By Clyde Noel, Town Crier Staff Writer

Tom and Karen Smith’s Los Altos Hills back yard overlooks the protected land of Hidden Villa and parts of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The pool’s shape mimics the countours of the canyon, creating a seamless integration into the natural surroundings.

Tom and Karen Smith enjoy living in a home that overlooks nature. From the back of their house they look down on Hidden Villa properties, Moody Canyon and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District property.

“Coming from Texas, you can’t begin to appreciate this fantastic view of the mountains,” Karen said. “When the carpet of fog rolls in and hangs in space over the mountains, it’s an unbelievable sight.”

As empty nesters living in Los Altos Hills, Tom and Karen see their share of nature. Their grandchildren, who visit on a steady basis, also enjoy communing with nature.

“There’s a deer easement between the properties, and you should see the deer using it back and forth,” Tom said. “Other animals use it too, and without that easement, they would jump into our vineyard.”

The Smiths live on the usual one-plus acre property in a charming hills environment. The 28-year-old house is well maintained and radiates character. The two-level structure is built on a slope, with most of its 3,500 square feet in the center of the property.

On the lower floor, Karen has her office, which overlooks a small pool and beyond to an expansive view of the mountains.

In 2001 Karen was president of the Los Altos Kiwanis Club, and many of her awards are scattered around the house. The house is the setting for the Kiwanis party after the annual pet parade.

Karen shares her office space with Tom’s wine cellar. The cellar maintains a perfect wine environment using an elaborate wine cooler that Tom retrieved from Del Baffo restaurant in Menlo Park. Other than a guest room on the lower level, the living space of is upstairs.

Around the black-bottom pool potted plants and perennials poke out of the ground adding beauty to the area.

“I spend a lot of time with my flowers,” Karen said. “The lantanas this time of year are fabulous. I enjoy perennials and keep a lot around the pool.”

Near the pool is a 0.3-acre patch of chardonnay and merlot grapes. Recently picked, the grapes were shipped to Kris Casto’s winery in Mount Bullion.

Entering through the front door, you immediately step down into a large living room with a wall-to-wall bay window overlooking the mountains.

On a large coffee table in the middle of the living room is a huge book on Leroy Neiman’s works and a book on Canada’s classic fishing lodges.

On the wall is a tapestry of Neiman’s African adventures with a huge crimson elephant as the centerpiece.

“I enjoy Neiman. I like the color and the blurry gestures. That’s why I have his paintings scattered all around the house,” Tom said. “I find his paintings of sports scenes entertaining and expressive.”

The modestly furnished family room is where the Smiths spend most of their time. A used brick fireplace acts as the main feature and focal point of the room.

“Every night we are home we have a fire,” Tom said. “We watch sporting events and other programs and just relax.”

When Tom bought the house 11 years ago from a German couple, the bar was well stocked with descriptive German steins. Many are still there along with several appetizing red wines ready to be poured.

All the rooms in the house have a southwest exposure, and all those rooms overlook the mountains.

“Waking up in the morning and seeing the fog blanket is relaxing. Walking outside on the bedroom patio or from the bedroom, you can view nature at work early in the morning,” Karen said. “It’s quiet, serene, and that’s when you appreciate living here.”

The kitchen also has a view of the mountains. It presents a bright, crisp atmosphere with white cabinets, white tiles with black grout and complementary white appliances.

In the middle of the kitchen is a chopping block that Karen uses as a server. The breakfast nook, where the Smiths enjoy their meals, adjoins the kitchen.

The house is perfect for entertaining local volunteers and dignitaries. The view alone facilitates a calm and productive meeting.

The Smiths are fond of entertaining. Tom was president of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce in 1998 and is still on the board. With Karen’s Kiwanis parties and Tom’s business activities, the house hosts many visitors.