Gardiner Court, a sought-after enclave of exclusive custom homes in the heart of the prestigious Miner Road neighborhood of Orinda, offers families the rare opportunity to enjoy a resort atmosphere only minutes from shopping, transportation, and Orinda’s top-rated schools. Filled with sunlight and offering panoramic views from virtually every room, this house epitomizes the joys of California living. The home, built in 1992, is a spacious 5156 square feet, and is sited on a magnificent 1.2 acre lot. The fabulous floor plan offers both generously proportioned formal entertainment rooms and wonderful casual spaces that flow artfully and offer easy indoor/outdoor access. With five spacious bedrooms plus an office, there is room for every family configuration.
The inviting well landscaped front yard provides great curb appeal for this majestic home, entered through an imposing glass-paned double front door flanked by windows on both sides and crowned by a Palladian window. The dramatic entry, with hardwood flooring, soaring ceiling and view to the charming interior courtyard, provides the perfect introduction to this exceptional home. On one side is the formal living room, anchored by a gas fireplace with marble surround, and offering spectacular views through tall bow windows. On the other side is the gracious dining room, distinguished by its deep coved ceiling defined by elaborate molding, and ideal for elegant entertaining. Light and airy, the warm kitchen has hardwood flooring, granite counters, oversize central island with second sink and gas cooktop, stainless steel appliances including Kitchenaid double ovens and two Kitchenaid dishwashers, wine refrigerator, recessed lighting, and amazing vistas of distant hills. There is ample cabinetry, a large walk-in pantry with a dumbwaiter from the garage for easy grocery unloading, and convenient desk/work area. The attractive casual dining area, also with hardwood flooring, opens to the wonderful sunny family room. With its impressive vaulted ceiling featuring three sky lights, grand stone fireplace, and alcove with wet bar and storage, this space will be a magnet for family and friends. Three sets of Andersen French doors insure an easy flow to the inviting brick terraces.
The fabulous private master suite is located on the main level. Accessed through French doors, this romantic hideaway offers pastoral views and a cozy reading/sitting area with a fireplace flanked by built-in media storage. The luxurious spa bathroom features a jetted tub, separate marble shower, and dual sinks. With custom shelving and cabinetry and ample hanging space, the enormous walk-in closet will please even the most committed shopper. In the same wing of the house, the quintessential office is visible through glass-paned French doors and boasts built-in desk and bookshelves, fireplace with marble tile surround and wood mantel, and extensive windows overlooking the courtyard. There is also an inviting guest bedroom on this level. Adjacent is a full bathroom with tiled shower and a convenient glass door to the yard, so kids can come in and drop wet swimsuits and towels.
Downstairs, there are three light and spacious bedrooms, all with spectacular verdant views. Two bedrooms, each with walk-in closet, have a Jack and Jill configuration. The shared compartmented bathroom includes a tiled combination tub/ shower and two sinks. The third bedroom has an en suite full bathroom, also with tiled combination tub/shower. The cheerful laundry room offers extensive storage cabinetry and a sink, and access to a separate large storage room.
Additional features of the home include an attached four-car garage, security alarm system, ceiling fire sprinklers, attic storage area, surround sound with ceiling speakers, two zones of forced air heating and air condition- ing, dual pane wood windows and French doors, extensive millwork. Gardiner Court has all the amenities of a mini-resort. The gorgeous back yard is completely private, and will delight young and old, gardener and entertainer, al fresco diner, lap swimmer and paddler, basketball star, or afternoon napper! The lovely pool is perfectly situated to benefit from maximum sunshine and pristine views, and has both solar and gas heat. There are expansive patios and terraces for relaxing and lawns for playing, as well as a separately fenced sports court. No need to fight the weekend traffic to Tahoe…this is truly a unique property that “has it all!”
