A cottage-style home built in 1920, unfolds to reveal a carefully restored, thoughtfully renovated, and lovingly maintained historic property in Diablo, California. The property has retained respect for the integrity of its historical significance while balancing the desire for amenities that serve today’s lifestyle. A summer retreat for city folk in the early 1900s, Diablo also became known for its golf course designed by the renowned Jack Neville, co-architect of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The charming cottage façade belies the spectacular home that features about 3,929 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two powder rooms, a spectacular and expanded great room, chef’s kitchen, and luxurious master bedroom suite with expanded bathroom.
The $1.2 million renovation project from the foundation to the roof was completed in 2008. Its impeccable attention to historic details earned the home the distinction of being named one of only 58 homes in Diablo within the historic district. The historic district, with the approval of the Contra Costa County Supervisors, includes those homes built between 1916 and 1940, the Diablo Country Club and its surrounding chalets, and the Diablo Post Office.
The home also earned the “Spirit of Diablo Preservation Award for Excellence in Restoration and Preservation” in 2002, followed by “A Diablo Treasure” award from the Historical Preservation Committee in 2008 in appreciation for the historical preservation of the property.
The home features beautiful hardwood floors, custom crafted poplar wood trim and sash, custom crafted and custom made Marvin wood windows and French doors. All the mantels, ceiling beams, tongue and groove, and board and batten trim were crafted specifically for the home to match its cottage and historic style. The formal rooms include a painted cast-iron fireplace mantel and renovated side porch that was closed in to create a dining room. The room’s improvements were featured in a 1954 issue of Sunset Magazine and today the versatile space can be used as a library, music or game room.
The well-appointed kitchen was designed by Wendi Zampino of Home Systems in Lafayette and is open to the casual dining space and expansive family room with French doors that open onto the backyard gardens.
A resort-style backyard with pool, spa, built-in grill and brick fireplace are embraced by lush foliage, a 70-year-old fig tree, mature shade trees, multiple retreat spaces, and landscaped gardens designed by Tracey Blume. The .78-acre level lot, about 400 feet deep, extends beyond the creek and offers the opportunity to bridge the creek and further customize with playground, gardens, vineyard or more. There is also a 50-square-foot detached guesthouse with a charming wraparound porch and full bathroom.
This property is listed for $2.95 million with Empire Realty Associates and is showcased by Luxury Portfolio.
