August 11, 2005

On top of the world

Two new homes being built in Almaden Urban Reserve

Neighbors relieved that owners will not subdivide land; properties to rely on existing well water

By Sheila Sanchez
Staff Writer

Next year, despite concerns from future neighbors, the Caruso brothers will be moving into large new homes in the unincorporated South Almaden Valley Urban Reserve.

Sal and Anthony Caruso have purchased 15 acres of land in the Almaden Valley Urban Reserve and are each building their dream homes for their large families. Photo by Sheila Sanchez

Sal Caruso, his wife, Josephine and seven children will live in a 5,600-square-foot single-story, four-bedroom home being constructed on top of a hill that sits on 10 spacious acres along rural McKean Road.

The 42-year-old Sal purchased the property last year from the Chinese Church in Christ, which turned around and bought an-already built worship house in Blossom Valley.

Sal’s building plans, along with those of his brother, Anthony—building a similar-sized home for his wife Maria and five children on Schillingsburg Avenue—had some residents in this quiet part of town concerned about piecemeal development. Sal began building last March.

The brothers said this week they will not build additional homes in their land, but may consider building a secondary unit for their parents in the future. They also said their properties will be self-sustaining, relying on a water well, and not buying water from private companies that provide service to many homes in the area, but are viewed as growth-inducing. Sal’s property will solely rely on a 320-foot-deep water well.

According to Santa Clara County planners, current zoning laws only allow the construction of one home per five acres in the reserve.

“I’m not in development. I’m an architect,” Sal said this week proudly showing off his new home’s construction. “We’re very excited.”

Sal buys 10 acres, Anthony buys 5 acres
Sal purchased 10 acres at 20431 McKean Road for a little more than $1.5 million. The 45-year-old Anthony purchased five acres at 21670 Schillingsburg Avenue for $895,000. The brothers are not revealing the value of the new homes. Anthony owns Anthony Caruso Construction Corporation. Sal owns Sal Caruso Design Corporation. The businesses operate out of the same office in Santa Clara.

In addition to the 5,600 square feet of the home’s living space, about 2,500 square feet of Sal’s home will be dedicated to outdoor verandas, which will include an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven. He’s also planning to build a horse ranch, olive orchard and vineyard in the future.

Anthony’s two-story four-bedroom home will also have a horse barn. He expects to break ground in early 2006.
After searching all over the South Bay for the ideal place to build their dream homes, the brothers found the land in the urban reserve.

Sal fell in love with the property while driving along McKean Road one weekend last year and noticing a gigantic for-sale sign. “My wife yelled, ‘Stop the car. This is the one.’”

He remembers running to the top of the hill and being overwhelmed by the breathtaking view of the valley.

“We said, ‘This is where we want to build our house. This is where we want to raise our children.’ It’s the best of both worlds because we’re five minutes from any city convenience, but yet we can have a very quiet and rural lifestyle,” Sal said.

Sal has already planted an orchard with 60 prune, plum, apricot and peach trees on his property. The fruit will come in handy as his family does its own canning, preparing about 100 quarts of tomato sauce each year to make pizzas and 80 quarts of canned fruit for their children in the winter. Sal’s children range in age from 17months to 13 years old. Anthony’s children range in age from four months to 10 years old.

Sal Caruso, a local architect, is building his dream home on 10 acres located at 20431 McKean Road. Photo by Sheila Sanchez

Sal has been living in Almaden Valley for the past year near Graystone Elementary School. “Almaden Valley has exceeded our expectations,” Sal said.

Sal studied architecture in Italy for five years. He returned to the United States in 1984 and began working as an architect for Barry Swenson Builder. In August of 1988, he opened his architectural firm. Anthony also studied in Italy, working in the construction business when he was 18 years old. He opened his own construction firm in 1992.

Anthony was drawn to the urban reserve after building several homes for his clients in Almaden Valley. “I just love the area,” he said. “We want land for horses.”

The Caruso’s parents live in San Jose’s Rose Garden area. They immigrated to the United States from Sicily in 1958. The Carusos were born here but lived in Italy for several years.

“What makes Almaden Valley very special are the people and the sense of community and beauty that’s created here,” Sal said. “That’s one thing that you can’t build ... It’s something that’s been created by people who really care about the community. We’re happy to be joining their neighborhood.”

Several residents of the urban reserve, who rely on well water for their homes, orchards and ranches, expressed relief that the brothers would not destroy the rural character of the reserve. They’re still concerned, however, about homes being built in the area without an exact plan in place to preserve the area’s infrastructure.

Anthony’s current home in Campbell on Dry Creek Road, designed by Sal, was featured on the cover of Builder/Architect Magazine because of its beauty.

“I’m not moving into this area to destroy its beauty or its integrity. I’m moving in because I want to continue to preserve its pristine nature and be respectful of its character,” Anthony said.