147 Camellia Lane

Tranquility in Upper Happy Valley

This Mediterranean-style estate occupies a 1.22-acre lot, on a peaceful, shady, and private lane in Upper Happy Valley.  It is well removed from traffic and noise, and yet freeway access is just a mile down the hill.  The home offers five large bedrooms and four and one-half bathrooms, and 7,195 square feet in all.

Enter the property past oaks, Japanese maples, a lemon tree, and other mature foliage.  Ascend to the foyer, which sits over artistic tile.  The home’s formal entertainment areas lie to each side, a living room (with fireplace) to the left, and up a few stairs to the right the formal dining room (which easily seats 10 or more).  Ceilings are 15-24 feet overhead, and beautiful Australian eucalyptus hardwoods lie underneath.  The oversized kitchen sits adjacent, featuring Wolf and other elite appliances; exquisite granite counters and a huge island, with bar seating; an informal dining area that accommodates a family of any size and guests; a butler’s pantry with custom cabinetry; a skylight admitting cheery sunshine; and French doors offering access to a patio and outdoor grilling area.  The kitchen flows seamlessly into the spacious, 506-square-foot family room (with fireplace), which in turn provides access to the large front terrace, overlooking the trees and other foliage to the front of the home.  Also on the main floor, at the other end of the home, is a spacious office with built-in cabinetry; it features a fireplace and offers views of a patio and garden.

The principal bedroom suite is on the main floor, under another elevated ceiling.  The bedroom is 432 square feet in size.  Its en-suite bath features dual sinks, a vanity, a spa tub, an oversized shower (with body jets and a rain showerhead), and a huge walk-in closet/dressing area that will accommodate any wardrobe.  The other four spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms lie upstairs, along with a 500-square-foot game room/play room and wet bar (with dishwasher and full-size refrigerator).  

The back yard features a terrace, deck, putting green, and swimming pool, and is surrounded by mature and lush foliage.

Parking is easy in the two, two-car garages and spacious courtyard between them.  Enter from one garage into a mud room (with four locker-style cabinets and two closets, a bench with a storage shelf, and coat hooks), and ascend a short stairway to the home’s main level.  From the other garage, enter into another mud room, which adjoins a spacious wine cellar.  A large exercise room is just off this garage.

The home’s Spanish-tile roof affords fire protection, and the Contra Costa County Fire Station is close at hand down the hill.

Though this estate is just minutes from Lafayette’s restaurants and shopping and commands easy freeway access, the home offers the exceptional tranquility characteristic of the best properties in Upper Happy Valley.