February 3, 2005

STREET SCENEFox Meadow Court

Fox Meadow Court is a quiet cul-de-sac in New Almaden nestled near the mountains, affording its residents stunning views as they drive home. In addition to living in comfortable custom homes built 20 years ago, residents here understand the meaning of good neighbors.

Mike and Aylene Kuhn had their house built 20 years ago by one of the 10 builders who constructed five homes on 50 lots in the area. They are one of two original owners that still occupy the court and never want to move.

“We raised our three children here,” Aylene said taking a break from straightening out their garage.

“Now they’re grown and married. We’ve seen families grow up and now we have a new generation of young children. It’s a great neighborhood. If you need help, they are there.”

“Don’t tell anyone about this street,” Mike joins in laughing.

The seven homes that occupy the street are large, over 3,000 square feet. They sport manicured, mature landscaping that enhances the well-taken-care-of homes. No homes have sold in recent years but the adjacent street has brought million-dollar price tags.

The Foxhovens have lived on the street for four years and are pleased with their choice.

“It really is a close-knit street,” Dan Foxhoven said. “There are 11 kids on the block and they’re always riding bicycles and scooters or playing ball. We like to walk the trail every weekend, too. It really is beautiful here but the best thing is the neighbors.”

Foxhoven is speaking of the Almaden Quicksilver Park, a short walk from Fox Meadow Court that provides the scenic backdrop for the street.

Tom and Suzanne Freeze are raising their 6-year-old twins Kendall and Lindsey, who attend Williams Elementary, and 4-year-old Brennan enrolled at Almaden Country School, on the cohesive court. The girls ride their bicycles as the Freezes’ chit-chat with their neighbors.

“This is such a great neighborhood,” said Suzanne, a realtor at Coldwell Banker in Almaden. “And a very unique court. We have a get-together six or eight times a year, Christmas, Fourth of July. It’s the type of neighborhood that if I’m out of butter for brownies, which happens a lot, I can run over and borrow some.”

Freeze relates how one of her neighbors on the street moved to Los Angeles and ended up moving back to San Jose, buying a home close to Safeway on Almaden Expressway. Missing their home on Fox Meadow Court, they bought the next one that came available and moved back to the dream cul-de-sac.

“Don’t forget to tell them about the parties and the dogs that run about,” Tom Freeze teases the Kuhns’. “And the port-a-potty.”

The Freezes’ have just finished remodeling their home and while the construction was in progress, a portable lavatory was on the premises for the workers.

“When there’s a remodel going on everyone is involved,” Suzanne said.

John and Karen France actually live on the cross street but have come to know the neighbors on Fox Meadow Court.

“I love it here,” Karen said. “I wouldn’t leave. We have Easter egg hunts, New Year’s Eve celebrations. On July Fourth, we all decorate the kids’ bikes. And it’s not just the holidays. If someone is sick, we try to be helpful and take care of each other. We’re very fortunate to live here.”

Fox Meadow Court, one small street in Almaden valley, where the neighbors enjoy the beauty of the area in comfortable homes surrounded by neighbors who care for one another. It doesn’t get much better than that.

—By Jeanne Carbone Lewis