40 Valley View Road

This modern Swatt-Miers home, impeccably designed and appointed, commands what may be the best view in all of Orinda.  Descend a private drive into a gated enclave and enjoy the serenity that puts the cares of the world far away.  The home is exceptional, but one need not even enter the home to appreciate its magnificence.  Stroll the west-facing exterior, over the wide travertine stone deck, and enjoy the warmth of the afternoon sun and the views of the Berkeley hills, ranging from the Briones Regional Park to the north to the ridge in the distance separating Orinda from Tilden Park and its environs.  Oaks, pines, and other mature trees surround the grounds, and the sixth and seventh holes of the Orinda Country Club can be found a few hundred yards through the trees to the south.  A spacious infinity pool adjoins the deck to one side, with a DCS barbecue (with surrounding counters), a shaded outdoor dining area that can accommodate dozens, and a custom firepit easily seating 10 or more.  To the other side lies a secluded Bullfrog hot tub, where in the evening one may enjoy a glass of wine and the hillside lights in the distance.  After relaxing in the hot tub, guests may repair to the private, 840-square-foot guest house just yards away, with a bedroom, living room with television, full bathroom with dual sinks, and private deck.  A walking path surrounds the grounds.

The main home, completed in November 2020, has every amenity.  Enter past a soothing pond and water feature, through a dramatic 9x4-foot western red cedar door.  Ceilings nearly 14 feet high welcome visitors, and the spacious living room and dining room (with a striking chandelier descending from the ceiling), over travertine floors, provide a venue to entertain groups small and large.  Floor-to-ceiling slider windows offer spectacular views of the Berkeley hills and access to the decks.  From the elegant dining room (comfortably seating 10 or more), one path leads to the kitchen past a glass-enclosed, refrigerated wine cellar accommodating 750 bottles.  The other path from the dining room leads to the kitchen past a hidden door leading to a spacious wet bar with wood shelving.  The kitchen offers every appointment, including Miele, SubZero and Bosch appliances, dual sinks, a breakfast bar with stools, and an adjoining breakfast table.  Cabinetry can be found floor to ceiling, and one won’t find a distracting handle anywhere in the room; every cabinet is subtly accessible.  The kitchen leads to the glass-enclosed family room, with views of the swimming pool and hillsides in the distance, a spectacular 74” Samsung television for sports and other TV watching, and a warming gas fireplace just underneath.  The Klipsch sound systems in the ceilings and walls provide music to fit every mood, and radiant floor heat wards off any winter chill.  A comprehensive Savant system allows for control of the home at one’s fingertips, including a home-automation system that (either manually or on a schedule) manages lights, shade, and temperature.

The bedrooms lie on two levels to the other side of the house.  The principal suite offers striking views of the hillside to the west, a private deck to enjoy them, and retractable shades to block sunlight when desired.  Two spacious walk-in closets will accommodate every wardrobe.  The oversized bathroom has dual sinks, a stand-alone tub, and a spacious walk-in shower.  The bathroom adjoins a separate private deck, with unparalleled views from the southwest to the northwest. It’s easy to move from rest to work, because a comfortable office (itself with dramatic west- and northwest-facing views) lies just steps from the principal suite.  A spacious laundry room adjoins the principal suite.

Descend the cantilevered white oak wood stairs to the other bedrooms and living area in the main house.  An entertainment room and full bathroom lie at the bottom of the stairs.  Two other bedrooms, each with stunning views of the hills, and an additional bathroom lie beyond.  All bedrooms have sliders to access the surrounding decks.

Other amenities abound.  A three-car garage and adjacent parking area accommodate the residents and all guests, and a DKS gate system provides security.  A 12.6 kW solar system and two Tesla power walls keep utility and gas costs low.  The guest house is plumbed to accommodate a kitchen.

The home is just minutes to Orinda BART and the 24 freeway; to the dining, shopping, and other amenities of Lafayette and Walnut Creek; and to award-winning schools and regional parks.  Yet it is a world away from the bustle of modern life.