June 30, 2005

STREET SCENECastlerock Drive

Homes on Castlerock Drive list for $1.5-$2.3 million with ¼- to 1/3-acre lots and 3,000-4,000 –square-foot homes.

A peaceful street lined with stately homes, Castlerock Drive is true to its name, sweeping up from Olive Branch Lane to soaring heights that overlook rolling hills and the valley below.

Vincent McCord has lived on Castlerock Drive for about a year and appreciates the country club area with its unique homes and generous lots.

Like many homes in the area, McCord’s house features a cathedral ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows, which frame the hills beyond. However, in addition to its prime location, the property also includes a wrap-around patio, terraced backyard, swimming pool complete with cascading waterfall and a guesthouse. “When we first saw the property we were blown away,” says McCord. “My wife flipped over it.”

Being situated above the fairways also provides the advantage of the idyllic setting without the disadvantage of noise or flying golf balls. “The house and location are fantastic,” says McCord. “We’re situated on almost an acre of land on the spectacular setting of the Almaden Country Club golf course. You can’t duplicate the location.”

The McCords are only the second owners of their 35-year-old home, which was designed by original owner Halsey Burke, of Burke Rubber Company. The house is shaded by seven majestic oak trees, which were considered when designing the cut-outs in the brick deck gracing the back of the home, allowing the towering trees to grow through and create a tree house effect. There is even a paved pathway for golf carts that continues downhill from the front drive to access the golf course below. “Burke thought of everything,” says McCord who appreciates his good fortune. “Every day when I come home from work, it’s like going to a retreat.”

Paul and Lynn Ward have lived on Castlerock Drive for about 27 years and plan to remain for years to come. Original owners, they first saw the site as a vacant lot and watched as a house was built upon it and put up for sale. As soon as the home came on the market, they made their move. “We recognized a good thing when we saw it,” says Lynn. Situated above the golf course, they have a magnificent view and privacy too. “We can see Mt. Hamilton from our front yard and Mt. Umunhum from our backyard,” says Paul. Lynn appreciates the view from their home, as well as its location and lot size. They also like the neighborhood featuring 30- to 40-year-old homes, whose owners keep up with the times.

On Castlerock—rather than dealing with traffic—residents deal with deer feasting in their gardens. And rather than city noise, they’re serenaded by birds during the day and coyotes by night. “We have a nice niche right here,” says Lynn.

About nine years ago, Laurie Chiappe and her young family relocated to Castlerock from Hampton Drive, just three blocks away. “I was on my way to Safeway, and my husband and kids were swimming in the pool,” recalls Chiappe, who was drawn to the home when she spied the open-house sign. “I walked into the house, saw this view, went home and said, ‘Honey, get out of the pool—we’re moving!’” Upon seeing the house, her husband fell in love with it as well, even though they had just finished remodeling their current home and had to start the process all over again. “It was worth it,” she says. “We had seen every house listed in Almaden in the country club area…then we walked into this one and bought it that day.” To sweeten the deal, their new home also came with a pool as well as stunning vistas of the surrounding hills, including views of Boulder Ridge Golf Course from their front yard and Almaden Country Club Golf Course from the back. “This beautiful view of the valley and the golf course epitomizes Almaden Valley,” says Chiappe.

For her children, it’s all about the animals. Not only do they adore seeing the deer and quail in the backyard, but when her son saw a “quail crossing” sign at an art and wine festival, he said, “Mommy, we have to get it! We have quail crossing in our yard!” With room to grow, including a finished basement complete with full bath and bedroom, the Chiappe family is firmly planted on Castlerock Drive. “We’re not moving,” says Chiappe. “We love it here. This is where one day my daughter’s engagement party will be and our grandchildren will visit us. Once you live in Almaden, you just can’t leave.”

—By Lorraine Gabbert