March 31, 2005

STREET SCENETorrington Court

Torrington Court abuts Meridian Avenue and creates a personal’ oasis for the families who reside there.

The T. J. Martin homes were built over 30 years ago, including single-story, two-story and tri-level residences. The landscape is manicured and improvements display pride of ownership. The last house for sale had an asking price of $850,000 for a four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home with more than 2,000 square feet. As you drive into the court, the Santa Cruz Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop.

Ellie and Tony San Filippo are original owners and have seen neighbors come and go throughout the 30 years they have lived there.

“There are only three original owners left on the street,” said Ellie who has grown children, grand kids and great grandchildren. “The best thing about living here is the convenience, good police and the community mindedness of the area.”

As the new families move in with their young children a sense of renewal permeates the area. The children are the hope for the future and on Torrington Court the kids are active with soccer and softball and school studies.

Teenagers baby-sit for other families on the street. There is a sense of belonging and safety of another time and place.

Don Hopper is busy between rains planting Japanese boxwoods in his front yard in the soft, wet dirt. The Hoppers moved to Torrington Court seven years ago. His girls attend Pioneer High School.

“The best thing about living here is it is quiet and safe,” said Hopper holding a shovel readied for digging. “That and there’s lots of wildlife. We saw a red fox jump on the fence across the street at the neighbor’s house. There are hawks, raccoons and skunks.”

Asked if he has ever seen any coyotes [the Villas are across the street where there has been much outcry over the critters] Hopper said no.

“I know most of the neighbors,” said Hopper. “It’s a great neighborhood and there are lots of youth activities for the kids.”

Torrington Court is one street in Almaden. An area where there are good neighbors, the beauty of nature and where people safely raise their children and live their lives. It’s a good place to live.

—By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis