March 3, 2005

STREET SCENERycroft Court

The $1 million homes on Rycroft Court range from 2,000 to 2,800 square feet, and are situated on approx. 8,000-foot lots.

Towards the southern tip of Almaden Valley, within walking distance of Alamitos Creek and the Almaden Cabana Club, lies a tranquil, family-oriented development known as Shadow Brook II. Within this neighborhood nestles peaceful Rycroft Court, made up of families bridging generations and bonded by friendship.

There is a natural rapport between the neighbors on the cul de sac. Being so close, they know each other well and look out for one another. On weekends, it’s not unusual to see children riding their bicycles or playing ball, while the adults stop to chat.

The residents appreciate their choice location, from the natural beauty of their surroundings, to being situated within walking distance of good schools. Most of the families have been here for some time (half are original owners), and have stayed because they love this neighborhood, as well as their neighbors.

Denise and Rob Aitken, who have lived on Rycroft Court for nine years, like being close to Quicksilver Park and the creek trail and enjoy the dramatic view of Mount Umunhum from their window.

“It’s just beautiful,” says Denise. “You can be in the wilderness in minutes,” adds Rob. “It’s really nice to be able to do that.” They also like Almaden Valley’s small town feel. “You see the same kids at soccer and baseball games,” says Rob. “Whenever I go to Safeway, I see people I know,” says Denise.

They like living on a court where the neighbors know each other and the children can play safely. “There are not many cars, so you can play on the street,” says their son Colin. “It’s small, so you know all the people,” adds his brother, R.J.

The ladies of the court gather annually for a Christmas brunch, and to catch up on each other’s lives. “The men of the court just wave to each other as they mow their lawns,” says Rob with a smile.

For the Aitkens, living on this court seemed meant to be. “When we were looking for a house, we had a map of Shadow Brook II, and I pointed to Rycroft Court, saying, ‘This would be a good street to live on,’” recalls Rob. “The realtor called us the next day,” adds Denise, “and not knowing Rob’s choice, said, ‘I might have a house for you on Rycroft Court.’ We just had to laugh.”

They also chose this area for its schools and cabana club. “Graystone and Bret Harte are very good schools,” says Rob. “The kids are there to learn, and the academic standards are high.”

They value the cabana club for its swim team—which most of the court’s children have been on—as well as its social events and view it as the heart of their community. “The kids really enjoy it because they can hang out by the pool with their friends, and we can talk with the adults,” says Denise. In the summer, besides its annual Fourth of July parade and celebration, the club features Wednesday night barbeques and theme dances, such as square dancing, Hawaiian luau and Brazilian dance.

Sheri and Reza Moazeni have enjoyed every day they’ve spent here over the past five years. “We have a beautiful neighborhood, friendly neighbors and a wonderful school,” says Sheri. Their family loves nature and enjoys walking, running, and biking along Alamitos Creek Trail.

“When I think of our memories of this neighborhood,” says Sheri, “I could not move to another place.” Besides the pride residents take in maintaining their homes and gardens, Sheri appreciates their caring spirit.

“Even those neighbors that don’t have young children send homemade cakes and sweets on Valentine’s Day,” she says, “and always support Graystone’s fundraising.” Like the Aitkens, they were originally attracted to the neighborhood by its good schools and cabana club. “The cabana pulled the whole neighborhood together,” says Reza. “It’s a sweet thing. You meet everybody and talk about school, the kids, everything. We enjoy it.”

Rita and Bill Beck, who have lived in the valley since the 1970s, moved into the tract’s model home in 1983. They too, chose this area for its natural surroundings and good schools. Over the years, the Becks have watched their children, as well as other children on the court, grow up, go off to college, get married and return with children of their own. “We are very lucky,” says Rita.

Priscilla and Ken Heck have resided in Almaden since 1966, when orchards stood where homes do now, and horses grazed on the hills. In 1975, they bought their home on the court, close to the schools and the creek path, as well as the cabana club, so their children could swim. “It was a pretty nice place to live,” says Ken, noting that they used to live out in the “country. It’s still very nice.”

Priscilla remembers the days when her children were young and played with the other kids on the court. She has fond memories of the times they decorated their bicycles to take part in the cabana club’s Fourth of July parade—something children on the court still do today. “A city policeman lived on the corner,” adds Ken with a smile, “and always led the parades with his motorcycle, making it official.”

“Everybody on the cul de sac is nice,” says Ken. “It’s just a great place to live.” Priscilla agrees. “We’re good neighbors,” she says. “It’s a friendly place and the neighbors are supportive. That’s another reason why we’ve stayed.”

For years, Priscilla acted as coordinator for the cabana club’s swim team, with Ken as her silent partner. “It was fun,” she says. “It’s part of being a community. It was a safe place for the children and you got to know other people in the tract.”

The cabana club was the biggest draw for Jan Fuller, who moved here in 1989 with her husband Steve, as she remembered the joy of growing up with a pool in her neighborhood.

“We looked here and were so happy this home was available,” she says. “I remember every summer having a place to go with friends that was safe and fun, and it’s been exactly the same way here.”

Both of her sons learned to swim at the cabana club, and were on the swim team—her oldest eventually becoming a life guard there. The Fullers love their neighbors and watching the neighborhood children grow up, learning to ride bicycles and then learning to drive cars. They also appreciate the beauty of Almaden’s hills and creek trail.

“We were blessed to get a home in this area,” says Jan. “It’s a great place to live.”

Three years ago, the Shadow Brook II development was renamed ‘Almaden Park,’ but the change went largely unnoticed by the long-time residents. The Hecks like living on Rycroft Court and highly recommend it. “It’s just that there aren’t any homes for sale,” says Priscilla with a twinkle in her eye.

—By Lorraine Gabbert