December 29, 2005

STREET SCENEBurchell Court

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Burchell Court is a close-knit community of neighbors who know and genuinely like each other. The residents take pride in their homes. On weekend afternoons they enjoy working in their gardens while children ride their bikes along the sidewalk.

Homes on Burchell Court are about 2,700 square feet with lot sizes varying from 6,000 to 12,000 square feet and selling for $800,000 to $1 million.

Located off of Burchell Avenue, the cul de sac’s residents are part of a neighborhood that shares in summer block parties, Christmas dinners and holiday festivities like decorating their trees with big red bows.

Situated near TJ Martin Park and hiking trails that overlook the Santa Cruz Mountains, residents appreciate their scenic surroundings as well as the proximity to downtown San Jose.

“You’re so close to nature,” says homeowner Terri Jimenez, “as well as museums, the ballet and symphony. It’s just a wonderful place.”

Roz and Paul Dumesnil, who have lived on Burchell Court since 1978, were initially attracted to the safety afforded their children by the cul de sac and the good schools. Living on Burchell Court, they found that and more. “Almaden is a great place to raise a family,” says Paul. “It’s a good, safe community.”

The Burchell neighbors watch out for and take care of each other. When the Dumesnils remodeled their home, it took eight months to complete. At one point, when it seemed like the work might never be finished, Roz and Paul were filled with despair. Neighbor Nancy Sanderson came over and gave them each a big hug. “She was very understanding,” says Roz, “and it helped a lot.”

Likewise, when Sanderson returned from a hospital visit, Roz showed her concern by bringing her dinner. “She was very thoughtful,” says Nancy. “We have good neighbors.”

Having lived on Burchell Court for 36 years, Bill and Nancy Sanderson are the only remaining original homeowners. “When we moved in, the houses were unoccupied,” notes Bill, “and there were vineyards behind our home.”

The Sandersons were attracted by Almaden’s natural beauty and rural feel. In 1969, when Nancy’s brother came to visit he was amused by the local children’s astonishment to see a car passing by. “Wow, you guys are way out in the country here,” he’d say.

Although times have changed, one thing remains the same. “It’s just beautiful,” says Bill. “I love to see those gorgeous green Santa Cruz Mountains when I’m rolling along Camden Avenue.”

Nancy agrees. “We love Almaden Valley,” she says. “It’s a small community that’s close to a big city, without feeling like one.”

The Sandersons also like the accessibility of the mountains and the ocean. “We have everything here,” says Nancy. “We don’t know any other area we like better,” adds Bill, “or with better weather.”

Now that their own children are grown, the Dumesnils delight in watching neighborhood children play on the court. “I love having young families with kids here,” says Paul. “It’s good for various ages to live together.” Roz agrees. “The people are friendly here,” she says. “When we get together, we all say we should do this more often.”

As well as their age range, the residents of Burchell Court appreciate the ethnic diversity of their families and being exposed to various cultures. “I think it’s good for all of us,” says Paul Dumesnil.

The Sandersons were especially moved by their experience attending a brunch hosted by an Iranian family. “I never saw such a festive and elaborate table,” says Nancy. “She greeted each one of us with rose water, and asked us to wash our hands, and look in the mirror and say, ‘You are a beautiful person.’ It made us feel very welcome.”

For the Sandersons, their neighbors are like an extended family and the children keep them young at heart. “We have everything from a new baby to retired people living here,” says Nancy, “and it’s really nice.” They especially get a kick out of the Smith children. “They’re so darling,” says Nancy. “When they see us driving up, they come running to say ‘hello.’ We feel blessed to have them here.”

Burchell Court Homes share great curb appeal.

The Sandersons have also become close with the Tregoning family. “We’re like parents to them,” says Bill. “Like family,” agrees Nancy. “We feel a real bond. It’s nice to have Mike and Lori right there, and see their kids grow up.”

Mike and Lori Tregoning have lived on Burchell Court for about 12 years. They like living on a court and being close to the park. They also like being part of a community and seeing people they know at the grocery store. The Tregonings happily assist the Sandersons in putting up Christmas lights and enjoy their neighborhood get-togethers. “The Sandersons and all of the neighbors have been great,” says Lori. “It’s nice to know there’s always a watchful eye and we really enjoy them.”

The Tregoning and Sanderson properties are distinctive not only because they are situated at the end of the court, but also because they are bisected by school district borders. Families on one side of the court attend San Jose Unified School District schools, while those on the other side attend Union School District schools. To make matters even more interesting, as the area is a ‘high school free zone,’ students have the option of attending either Branham or Leigh High School in the Campbell Union School District.

Chuck and Amy Smith, who moved here about two years ago, love the neighborhood and being on a court. “The neighbors are great,” says Amy, “and there are kids around the same age for our children to play with. We love Almaden Valley and we’re very happy we moved here.”