4200 Canyon Road

Happy Valley Splendor, Inside and Out
 

This Mediterranean-style estate, custom built to the owners’ specifications, offers peace and privacy and exemplifies the best of Happy Valley living.  Enter through a secure gate and descend the gently winding stone driveway through an elegant garden of oaks and other mature trees and foliage.  Ahead lies the home, and over its terracotta-tiled roof one surveys the hillsides of Happy Valley below. 

Enter the house through an artistic arched door made from beautiful alder, and entertainment, work, and relaxation areas are close at hand.  To the right, one enters the grand living room, under beamed wood ceilings some 17 feet high, with fine hardwoods beneath.  An oversized fireplace, with a simple yet elegant cast stone mantle, will ward off any winter chill, and while lounging with friends or family one enjoys views of the garden to the rear.  The nearby formal dining room lies adjacent.  It comfortably seats 10, and diners will admire the artistic chandelier and dramatic 9-foot arched window, offering views of the surrounding oaks, garden, patio, and pool.

A spacious butler’s pantry, with ample storage space, connects the dining room to the well-appointed kitchen.  The SubZero and Dacor appliances all are top of the line.  Immense granite counters, including freestanding islands measuring 60” x 75” and 40” x 75”, accommodate all parcels and groceries.  Casual dining in the kitchen area is easy, either at the breakfast bar (served by 3 barstools) or dining nook (with windows surveying the deck, pool, and garden), seating 6-8.

The kitchen leads seamlessly to the first of two gathering areas for family and friends.  Custom alder cabinetry houses a 55” television and the sound equipment, fed through ceiling speakers.  Recessed lighting sets the mood.  Downstairs, a second family room (served by a bar and adjoining half bathroom) offers more space for entertainment and play.  It features a built-in 75” TV encased in custom cabinetry. 

Three of the four bedrooms lie upstairs.  Two are up a half flight of stairs, with a bathroom featuring a distinctive tiled shower, dual sinks, and large cabinets.  Proceed to the principal suite up another half flight, through distinctive dual alder doors.  That bedroom, under elevated beamed ceilings, commands striking views of the pool, lawn, and pool house.  Two separate walk-in closets, with custom cabinetry and shelving, provide ample storage space.  (One of the two closets is plumbed, if the owner chooses to convert it to an additional bathroom.)  The principal bathroom is exceptionally large, with dual sinks, a distinctive custom-tiled backsplash, a shower with dual custom heads, and a jacuzzi bathtub.  The immense bathroom window frames views of a spectacular white oak tree (surely 100 years old or more) and gorgeous moonlight in the distance. 

The fourth bedroom, with its own en-suite bath, is ideal for guests.  It is found on the first floor, near the entry foyer. A spacious guest house, outside adjacent to the pool, can accommodate longer-term guests. It offers a kitchenette, full bathroom, fireplace, and views of the pool and gardens. The guest house also could be configured as a pool house/game room, with plenty of room for ping-pong, pool, or card tables.

Work or study from home is easy with multiple distinct work centers.  The largest of these is the exceptional office, adjacent to the entry hall, which sits under a 15 1/2-foot beamed ceiling (and two custom chandeliers) and commands views of (and access to) the front balcony and garden.  Custom cherry cabinetry offers ample storage and filing space.  The kitchen has its own work station as well, for easy access to family schedules, recipes, e-mail messages, and other information.  The downstairs family room has two more work/study stations, each with built-in custom cabinetry.  And the principal suite has its own office, which easily could be configured as a convenient nursery for a newborn.

Describing the inside of the home tells only half the story, as this estate exemplifies indoor-outdoor living.  Outside the kitchen is the principal outdoor dining area, equipped with a built-in gas grill, sink, and elegant tiled counter.  The covered dining area comfortably seats 8-10.  Two large built-in heaters and an overhead fan facilitate al fresco dining in any season.

From there, descend a graceful stairway to the 37-foot pool and surrounding deck.  Sunning areas are plentiful on both sides, surrounded by distinctive stone columns and railings.  The built-in Pentair hot tub adjoins the pool, seating six, with its control panel within easy reach.  Evening conversations with friends are easy, either there or in front of the spacious outdoor gas fireplace steps away.  Mature oaks, and in particular the immense white oak, encircle the entire yard and provide shade when needed.  A spacious grassy play area lies beyond, with grand views of Happy Valley and the surrounding hillsides.  Gardens abound below, and a walking path circles the grounds.  The entire yard is fenced for child safety.

Oversized garages provide parking for three vehicles and ample storage space.  Guest parking is easy; the adjacent stone courtyard and driveway can accommodate at least 10 cars, and the readily available street parking above can accommodate 30 more.  Residents may enter the home either from the garage or a side door into a mud room, which adjoins the spacious laundry room (equipped with LG appliances, distinctive tile, and ample storage) and a half bath.

The home is just minutes down the hill to Lafayette shopping and restaurants, and yet far enough removed from the highway to eliminate traffic noise and provide the ultimate tranquil retreat.