Western White House

This amazing 2.9-acre property in the heart of Lower South Hillsborough is a notable part of Bay Area history, where opulence and grandeur greet you at every turn. It is clear from the moment you arrive that this is a truly legendary setting, with abundant sunlight and soaring ceilings throughout. The magnitude of this residence truly takes the breath away with its Neoclassical Georgian architecture, towering Ionic columns and vast stretches of honed white marble. The 24,350 square-foot residence was originally designed in 1930 by renowned Bay Area architect Julia Morgan, from a plan conceived by George Hearst, the eldest son of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. The result is the “Western White House,” a dazzling architectural representation of the presidential White House in Washington D.C. The current owner has meticulously refreshed all of the living spaces with refinished floors and new paint. An elevator, new light fixtures, gleaming stone surfaces and top-of-the-line appliances all combine to present an elegant landmark interior that shines with all of its original historic beauty. Outside, a sparkling swimming pool with spa enhances the rear terrace, while a fully finished pool pavilion enjoys a changing area, full bath, cedar-lined sauna and kitchen for catering indoor/outdoor events. The gorgeous grounds are uplifted by a fragrant rosarium inspired by the actual Rose Garden at the presidential palace, the ideal spot for a wedding ceremony with photo-shoot. An exceptional offering of the utmost rarity, a modern marvel of engineering and design, this Julia Morgan estate home presents the ultimate venue for living lavishly and hosting grand-scale soirées. All of this within easy reach of high-end shopping, fine dining, exclusive golf clubs and major commute routes to San Francisco and the South Bay. A SUMMARY OF THE PROPERTY Approximately 2.9 acres of lush land in desirable Hillsborough Heights area of Lower South Hillsborough Once owned by William Henry Howard, who constructed a Swiss chalet structure on-site with a saw mill and then sold the home to silver baron Charles Frederick Crocker (San Mateo County Historical Records) The Crocker family sold the chalet to Burlingame contractor Charles Lundgren, who physically moved the chalet to its current site (San Mateo County Historical Association) George Hearst purchased the home and commissioned Julia Morgan in 1930 to remodel it into an architectural representation of the presidential White House in Washington D.C. The current owners have refreshed the interiors with new fixtures and appliances to retain the original architectural detail while bringing the home into the 21st century Four levels with approximately 24,350 square feet of living space, all accessed by a cascading main staircase, a secondary stairwell and an elevator 11 bedrooms, 9 full bathrooms and 5 half-baths Main level has a formal entry parlor, 2 powder rooms, replica “East Room” with fireplace, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry, breakfast room, family room and replica “Oval Office” Upper-level features 5 bedroom suites including the spacious master suite with 2 bathrooms, expansive dressing rooms and a private executive office, and an additional 6th bedroom The top level has a recreation room, a home cinema theater with snack bar and powder room, a luxurious oversized bathroom with changing room, 1 bedroom suite, and 2 additional bedrooms Lower-level staff quarters features a fitness room, a family room, an elegant lounge and wine cellar, 2 bedrooms, 1 hallway bath, powder room and laundry center Stunning grounds with exquisite mature trees, terraces, lush lawns, rose gardens, marble hardscaping, recently refinished swimming pool with hot tub, and pool pavilion with sauna/bath and full kitchen Additional features include a dumbwaiter, laundry chute, garbage chute, extensive solar panels, rooftop sun deck, 8-car detached collector’s garage, a bank safe as large as a room, and a lower level panic room safe A WALK THROUGH OF THE “WESTERN WHITE HOUSE” MAIN LEVEL MOTORCOURT AND ENTRY PARLOR A security entry gate opens to a tree-lined drive from El Cerrito Avenue. A stone paved motorcourt flows past a detached 8-car garage to a trickling stone fountain. Ionic columns rise above the sheltered marble entry porch, which wraps around to the grounds. Inside the home, a grand entry parlor with chandelier and fireplace introduces the handcrafted plaster details, oak hardwood flooring, deep crown moldings, plastered wainscoting, dentil embellishments and double-hung windows found throughout the main level. A grand staircase and an elevator ascend to all levels. Two sets of double French doors open out to the terrace and grounds. “EAST ROOM” – GRAND FORMAL LIVING ROOM A replica of the “East Room” in the Washington DC White House residence. Double doors from the entry parlor flow into the expansive formal living room, which features a manorial fireplace with marble surround, windows with garden views and oak floors. Two chandeliers add elegance. Two sets of double French doors open to the wrap-around terrace. “OVAL OFFICE” – GROUND FLOOR OFFICE A replica of the “Oval Office” in the Washington DC White House residence. The richly polished “oval office” library is completely lined in floor-to-ceiling wood paneling and bookcases. Hardwood floors are set in a herringbone pattern. A gas-log fireplace anchors the space and a double French door flows out to the terrace. FORMAL DINING ROOM & BUTLER’S PANTRY The formal dining venue has a beautiful crystal chandelier and crystal wall sconces. A tray ceiling rises above. The space is anchored by a gas-log fireplace with marble surround. A double French door opens to the terrace. A butler’s pantry connects the dining room to the gourmet kitchen and includes marble counters, a prep sink and a Thermador dishwasher. GOURMET KITCHEN Finishes include marble countertops and backsplashes, a center island, custom cabinetry, two sinks and a large pantry. A dumbwaiter adds convenience. The top-grade appliances include 2 paneled Thermador dishwashers, 2 Bosch refrigerators with freezer drawers, a 6-burner Thermador range with grill and 2 ovens, Wolf espresso machine, industrial overhead ventilation hood, Thermador wine cooler and 2 Thermador wall ovens. BREAKFAST ROOM & POWDER ROOMS The adjoining breakfast room has abundant natural light, a chandelier and framed archival photographs of the home’s history. Two nearby powder rooms have marble finishes and single-sink vanities. FAMILY ROOM Located off the kitchen, the inviting family room has oak floors, 2 crystal chandeliers, built-in speakers, a component closet and 2 double French doors to the terrace. UPPER BEDROOM LEVEL MASTER BEDROOM SUITE & TWO BATHROOMS The crown jewel of the upper level is the master bedroom suite, where double-hung windows frame views and a gas-log fireplace adds warmth. Two dressing rooms with abundant built-ins are augmented by 2 separate bathrooms. Master Bath 1 has a single-sink vanity, a glass-enclosed shower with rainspout and heated floors. Master Bath 2 is finished in marble and has a whirlpool tub, glass-enclosed shower with rainspout and bench, three custom mirrors and a makeup counter. Down the hallway, the private master study has maple paneling, a gas-log fireplace, a custom executive’s desk and multiple built-in bookcases. BEDROOM SUITES Five spacious bedroom suites on this level have abundant storage, custom light fixtures and either walk-in or wardrobe closet storage. The en suite bathrooms have marble finishes, custom mirrors, single-sink vanities and either glass-enclosed showers or a tub with overhead shower. An additional sixth bedroom off of the back staircase. TOP LEVEL RECREATION ROOM, HOME THEATER, BEDROOMS & BATH A sunny recreation room offers the perfect spot for a billiards table, where a double French door opens to a rooftop sun deck. A glorious home theater features plush carpeting, a state-of-the-art 4K cinema projector, movie screen by Stewart, AV systems with 6.1 surround sound, 7 “rumble chairs” by Soundcheck for an interactive screening experience and a handy kitchenette with appliances. A powder room has a sink and commode. Two bedrooms have oak flooring and wardrobe storage closets. A bedroom suite has a chandelier, walk-in closet and bathroom with single-sink vanity and glass-enclosed tub with shower. A hallway bathroom has marble finishes, a single-sink vanity, built-in towel racks and a glass-enclosed tub with overhead shower. LOWER LEVEL STAFF QUARTERS FITNESS ROOM, FAMILY ROOM, LIVING ROOM, BEDROOMS & BATH Separate from the house on the lower level is a self-sufficient staff quarters with its own access to the grounds. Features include a fitness room with mirrored walls and workout equipment, a powder room, laundry center with hookups for 2 washers and 2 dryers, a family room with sitting area, two bedrooms with wardrobe storage (one has hallway storage) and a hallway bathroom with tub and overhead shower. A living room with fireplace features a wine cellar with wine racks for approximately 1,000 bottles. THE GROUNDS GARDENS, SWIMMING POOL & PAVILLION The private, 2.9-acre grounds are uplifted by towering trees, a vast expanse of level lawn, a rose cutting garden, custom planting urns and classic stone statues. A recently refinished swimming pool has an integrated hot tub. A vine draped arbor offers the perfect spot for a photo-shoot. The pool pavilion has a changing room, full bathroom with single-sink vanity and a cedar-lined sauna. The pavilion also features a catering kitchen with prep sink, wine cooler, Vevor electric cooktop, Bosch dishwasher, Samsung refrigerator and Samsung double wall oven, making indoor/outdoor catering a breeze.