Beautifully situated in the exclusive gated community of Sanders Ranch, this .56 acre estate property epitomizes the best of the sought-after California lifestyle. The idyllic town of Moraga is home to beautiful trails, parks, and open space, yet boasts two charming shopping centers with inviting restaurants, shops, cafes, and even the art deco style Rheem theater. Just minutes from the freeway and two BART stations, Moraga also offers top-rated nationally ranked schools, including Camino Pablo Elementary, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate, and Campolindo High. Enjoy unparalleled small town charm, including the Sunday Farmers’ Market, Fourth of July fireworks, weekly summer concerts in the park, and the Haciendas community center.
Spacious and light-filled, 4 Merrill Drive, constructed by acclaimed local builder Harold Smith, is a superb 3132 square foot family home. Oozing curb appeal, with sweeping green lawns leading to the covered front porch, this stately traditional residence has a compelling presence. The dramatic two story foyer with hardwood flooring opens to the formal living room with vaulted ceiling, recessed lighting, plantation shutters, and fireplace with marble surround and wood mantel. Adjacent is the spacious dining room with coffered ceiling and views of the gardens.
The heart of the home is the gorgeous renovated kitchen. Truly a chef’s delight, this stunning space features hardwood flooring, recessed lighting, , granite countertops, large center island, and stainless steel appliances including five burner Dacor gas cooktop, Dacor microwave and double ovens with convection. Extensive custom cabinetry throughout includes pull-out drawers, glass front cupboards, and convenient built-in desk/serving bar in the family room. The family-size eating area has immediate access to the patio for al fresco dining. With its sliding door to the back yard, the family room will be the hub of activity. The beamed ceiling, hardwood flooring, and raised hearth brick fireplace flanked by bookshelves contribute to both practical needs and cozy ambience. A buffer between the garage and the living spaces, the large laundry room/mud room has storage closets and a utility sink, and is the ideal spot to shed muddy soccer gear. Completing the downstairs, the fifth bedroom (currently used as office) features a cozy window seat with bookcases and a panoramic view of distant hills. It has its own private access to the updated bathroom, with marble tile shower and custom vanity with raised bowl sink.
A broad traditional staircase leads to the upper level, with its airy landing and four bedrooms. French doors open to the private master suite. The vaulted coved ceiling and verdant views contribute to the atmosphere of a romantic B&B. A second set of French doors reveals the fabulous updated spa bathroom, with two sinks and an oval jetted bathtub. A separate compartmented space is home to a marble tile shower with corner seat and a window. Thermostatically controlled radiant heating in the floor contributes to cozy comfort in winter. A mirrored pocket door provides access to a spacious walk- in closet. There are three additional bright and cheerful bedrooms, with views and ample closet space. The compartmented hall bathroom has two sinks and a tiled combination tub/shower.
Serene and expansive, the incredible park-like backyard is a true oasis. Expansive level lawns, a towering redwood grove, a shady corner for a hammock, a deck with hot tub and built-in benches, and a dining patio offer endless possibilities for relaxation, play, and entertaining. This unparalleled .56 acre yard has been meticulously landscaped for year-around enjoyment. Additional features of the home include an attached three car garage with utility sink and storage, two zone central heating and air conditioning, fire sprinklers. An estate property tucked among Moraga’s pastoral hills, 4 Merrill Drive is truly a private paradise.
