26 Sea View Avenue

Welcome to 26 Sea View Avenue, an incredibly luxurious and secluded single-family residence in exclusive Piedmont. Built on over two and a half acres, this lush estate has the largest grounds of any residence in Piedmont, spanning across four residential lots that were purchased for the sole purpose of enhancing the open space. Designed in 1958 by architect Gardner Dailey for the Bechtel family, this estate features 8000 square feet of living space along with a host of intimate and stunning outdoor areas, retreats, and trails originally designed by renowned landscape architect Thomas Church.

Entering through a private hidden gate down the driveway, surrounded by redwoods, a large circular courtyard, perfect for hosting large events, leads to a pathway to the main house, with the backdrop of a burbling waterfall set in one of two seating areas at the front of the house. A double-height entry greets you, with windows inset around a grand oak entry door.

Inside, the walls and floors are awash with stylish and well-preserved mid-century woodwork and an inviting double-height entry displays a glass chandelier overhead. To the right is a wide hallway, with gallery walls perfect for art display, and sliding glass doors opening to reveal a central sun-drenched courtyard for al fresco dining and entertaining. The hallway brings you to a formal living room with a wood-burning fireplace and two walls of oversized windows overlooking a sprawling terrace, with views over the pool and cabana surrounded by greenery and mature trees. 

One of the signature facets of Gardner Dailey’s design is the integration of outdoor rooms, and in this residence, he has created them all over, with sunny terraces seamlessly flowing off all the main rooms and connecting through meandering pathways and glass sliding doors to create a true indoor/outdoor experience.

The large terrace connects the formal living and an elegant formal dining room with a dramatic vaulted wood ceiling and two walls of sliding glass doors to the outdoors. Adjacent to the dining room is the heart of the home: the fabulous kitchen. The room encompasses a welcoming breakfast area separated by pocket doors, a large center island surrounded by prep countertops and cabinetry, a built-in desk or informal dining area, and a bar that extends naturally into the family room. The kitchen is equipped with a SubZero refrigerator, Wolf microwave and double ovens, multiple sinks, a Viking Professional cooktop with hood, a Miele espresso maker, a walk-in pantry, and a wet bar and SubZero wine refrigerator in the bar area.  Handsome custom oak cabinetry allows for endless storage and functionality while creating a warm, informal space to cook and gather. A door from the kitchen leads to a wraparound deck with steps down to a landscaped lawn, also accessed from a wall of glass French doors in the wonderful family room, which also boasts a wood-burning fireplace.

Off the family room is a secluded guest suite or ‘nanny quarters’, featuring a kitchenette (complete with cooktop, refrigerator, sink, microwave and dishwasher), a lovely bedroom with outdoor access, and an attractive bath.

Also on this level is a wonderfully private office or library off the entry, with doors out to the front courtyard/patio, a powder room for guests with chic wallpaper, and a large utility room including a temperature-controlled wine cellar, laundry room, garden shed, and ample storage. This area presents a possibility for expansion should one wish to add to the interior living space of the home.

Up the stairs, guests are treated to a truly private and elevated living experience, featuring three bedrooms on one level, an office (or fourth bedroom) and half bath adjacent to the primary bedroom, and even more outlooks over the bucolic grounds. The sumptuous primary suite includes a wood-burning fireplace, a deluxe walk-in closet with custom built-ins and laundry area, and a spa-like bathroom with two vanities, a separate soaking tub and walk-in shower, and water closet. One of the most breathtaking outlooks can be seen from the primary bedroom’s beautiful terrace, which presents views overlooking the main lawn / landscaping, centering on the striking pool, flush mounted hot tub, cabana, and walking trails. One can even spot the Buddhist themed meditation area, perched at the edge of the hill in a tranquil corner, surrounded by towering and majestic redwoods and other fauna. Amazingly, from almost all vantage points on the property, it feels completely private and secluded from other homes.

Down the hallway from the primary suite is a light-filled guest bedroom with a vaulted ceiling, ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet, and across the walking bridge is a fantastic family room for informal gathering and two generous bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms.

The expansive living room terrace extends to an amazing rose garden, with rows of meticulously planted flowers. Continuing along the path, there is a Buddhist-themed contemplation gazebo overlooking the trees around and below. The jewel of the grounds is the stunning heated pool, with plenty of surrounding deck for lounging and seating, and an elevated built-in spa surrounded by trees. The pool is served by a fabulous cabana, outfitted with outdoor speakers, Subzero refrigerator drawers, sink, cabinetry, shaded seating, an outdoor shower, separate changing area, and half bath. Around the corner from the cabana is an idyllic grove of lemon trees and a grilling area, as well as an herb garden.

On the opposite end of the extensive grounds is a professional-size tennis court, lit for night tennis with a raised platform for spectators, and a three-car garage with motor-court and gym facilities. The property is equipped with both a well, as well as being connected to the city water system, copper gutters, a built-in sound system, multiple staff bathrooms, and more. 

Each element of this house is special, but combined with the breadth of the lot, the indoor / outdoor spaces, the finishes, and the privacy, there is truly no other home like it in the Bay Area. The private driveway and gate conceal from the street a home that is the height of luxury and resort-style living. Located in the exclusive town of Piedmont, offering great weather, excellent schools, and a close-knit community, with convenient access to all the big city amenities of San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and Walnut Creek.

26 Sea View Features

• Built on 2.75 acres, spanning 4 residential lots
• Designed in 1958 by Gardner Dailey
• Landscape design by Thomas Church
• Interior: 8470 sq. ft. per graphic artist
• Five bedrooms
• Five full bathrooms and five half bathrooms
• Guest suite with kitchenette
• Chef’s kitchen with deluxe appliances, island, breakfast and bar areas
• Two dens/offices
• Utility room including a temperature-controlled wine cellar, laundry room, garden shed, and storage
• Multiple terraces, patios and decks
• Park-like setting with lemon grove, rose garden, towering redwoods
• Heated pool
• Poolside cabana with wet bar and outdoor shower
• Built-in spa
• Two BBQ areas
• Meditation gazebo
• Professional-size tennis court, lit for night tennis with a raised platform for spectators
• Three-car garage with home gym
• Private entrance gate