Valley Drive is a lovely winding cul de sac of custom homes located in the sought after Glorietta district–close to the shops and restaurants of downtown Orinda, and within convenient proximity to BART and freeway for ease of commuting. Children attend top rated schools, including Glorietta Elementary, which is accessed via a picturesque walking trail at the end of the court, Orinda Intermediate, and Miramonte High. Meadow Swim and Tennis Club is a private club located at the end of Valley Drive. In addition to affording recreational opportunities, Meadow offers instruction at all levels, enables children to compete in well organized swim and tennis programs, runs a wonderful summer camp, and provides a fun-filled social calendar.
The residence at 39 Valley Drive occupies a prime one-half acre site with pastoral views and ample room for play and garden. Long time owners collaborated with award winning architect Gary Parsons to expand the home and create a masterpiece of cutting edge contemporary design. Every corner is both fully utilized and thoughtfully realized. The residence features four spacious bedrooms including two primary suites. There are 3 1/2 well appointed bathrooms. The living room has a striking marble fireplace, hardwood flooring and lovely views from a wide bank of windows. The formal dining room has recessed lighting, wood flooring, and French doors opening to the outdoors. The sparkling white kitchen enjoys serene views of the backyard, ample cabinet and counter space, gas cooktop and large stainless steel refrigerator, plus convenient adjacent breakfast nook. There is a pantry area with pullouts in the kitchen and the nearby walk-in store room provides great supplemental storage space. The two-story “great room” is the heart of the home with warm fireplace, wood flooring, and well placed windows. The eye catching metal railings along the stairway and upper hall were designed by architect Gary Parsons in collaboration with an award winning metal craftsman. This room with its easy indoor/outdoor flow provides ideal space for both intimate family gatherings and memorable large scale social occasions.
The spacious main level primary bedroom with en suite bathroom has maple hardwood flooring and three closets (note the attractive shoji screen doors on the main closet). The light flooded upstairs primary suite is a retreat in every sense of the word featuring a fireplace, built-in speakers, and expansive window seats enjoying gorgeous views and providing concealed storage. There are two spacious walk-in closets. Convenient built-ins include an inviting office/desk area with drawers and shelving, dual nightstands (one harbors a safe), and large built-in armoire in the dressing room. The primary bathroom boasts two sink areas plus vanity table, whirlpool tub, skylit shower, and compartmented water closet. The adjacent exercise room is a sunny space with lovely views that could also be used as an office or nursery.
The outdoors is a tranquil secluded oasis with expansive decking, patio, and lush plantings. The soothing trickle of the babbling waterfall is the perfect backdrop for solo relaxation or outdoor gatherings. Well placed lighting creates a magical ambience for nighttime entertainment. Mature redwoods, dogwoods, and Japanese maple trees provide privacy. The parklike yard with gentle slope and expansive level area offers wonderful opportunities for exploration and creative play. (At one time a sports court and playground apparatus were housed in the back and side yards). The spacious side yard could also be planted with additional gardens.
Added amenities include two zone heating and central air conditioning, security alarm system, and back up generator to insure there will be no loss of power in case of outages. There is a laundry room with built-in wash basin, a utility room with a safe that is bolted to the floor, and interior access to the roomy two car garage with epoxy flooring and storage cabinets.
In summary, 39 Valley Drive is one of those rare homes that will be treasured by its next lucky owner and generations to come.
