NOW SOLD! Majestic San Mateo Park Home with a Dramatic History
In 1945, Fred Fox built his dream home on a grassy knoll in San Park from old-growth redwoods milled from his own redwood grove in Humboldt County. The extraordinary living room in this residence is a grand tribute to these irreplaceable trees- with tiger grain fully-exposed in the paneling and beams, and the enormous, carved fireplace mantel. The expansive picture window frames the property's own redwood grove - one of the largest and highest in the Park. The adjacent library, also in exceptional old-growth redwood, features another fireplace and pleasing views of this luxuriant park-like property.
Offering over 4800 square feet of idyllic living space, there are two separate residences located on the grounds of 717 West Poplar Avenue. The main home, with its fine traditional architecture, is an imposing three-story structure with four bedrooms and three and one-half baths. The separate guest cottage, open and spacious, consists of three generous rooms and a full bath, and is the original dwelling on the property.
717 West Poplar ‘s interesting history continues. After the Foxes left the home, it became the place of ownership for the Hoys, two famous piano teachers. While the Hoys lived at Poplar, many famous students came here to learn the piano- Kris Kristofferson and Bing Crosby and his family were often seen walking up the path to the home for weekly lessons.
Inside the main residence, the warm and open family kitchen is always flooded with natural sunlight, and has been recently updated with professional-grade stainless steel appliances and handsome French limestone countertops. There's plenty of room for a table and chairs to cozy up in the cheerful window seat for dining.
On the third floor, a generous master bedroom suite with coved ceilings provides stunning views of the verdant grounds. There is a third fireplace here, accented with an elegant black stone surround and a gas log set. Two additional bedrooms and bath are also featured on this level.
Housed in the lower level of the residence is another separate living area/guest quarters with its own separate entrance and a full bath. Also located here is the large and well-equipped laundry and a custom-built redwood wine cellar with a full 2000-bottle capacity.
Extra special features include a sunlight brick garden terrace right off the family kitchen for your entertaining enjoyment, and an unexpected surprise: a cleverly disguised current swimming pool located just under the garden deck! Additionally, the two-car garage and carport provide generous parking, and the newly-installed air conditioning/heating system keeps this lovely home just right, temperature-wise. The private grounds boast some of the most beautiful camellias and rhododendrons in San Mateo Park.
Come experience this well-loved home and help write the next chapter in its colorful history.