by Anton Blewett on August 30, 2007
A few months back, a client asked me to focus on any upcoming, available homes on Eden Bower Ln, Silver Hill Rd and Lonesome Pine Rd. I’d seen homes here before, but I’d never focused on the area with particular attention. Surprising this time around a feeling of joy struck me. After driving up Eden Bower, stopping in front of a few houses, and driving back, I thought, “Wow, I’d love to own a home here.” Just last week, I drove the street again and felt the same feeling: therefore Eden Bower is one of my favorite streets.
In the neighborhood of Farm Hill Estates, Eden Bower is situated on a ridge just south of Farm Hill Boulevard. The street is particularly quiet since it ends after three blocks in a cul-de-sac (about 40 homes total). The eastern side of the street enjoys sweeping views of the bay. The view focuses on the Peninsula but includes San Jose and San Francisco on the periphery. The houses are mainly ranchers, which I’m particularly fond of because the typical rancher floor plan flows very well. The lots are particularly large, ranging from 10,450 sq ft on the low end and 31,000 sq ft on the high end. Finally, the associated public is Roy Cloud (K-8). Strong parent support and teaching make it one of the top ranked public schools on the Peninsula.
In summary, the east side of Eden Bower is a great street for the following reasons: well-built homes that suit a variety of lifestyles, large lots, sweeping bay views, a quiet street and good public schools. Say location-location-location with me. So what’s the downside? These homes are rarely available. Since 1998, only 10 homes on the south side have sold.
What to expect:
- Bedrooms: 3-5
- Bathrooms: 2-3.5
- Interior: 2000 to 2500 sq ft
- Exterior: 10,500 to 20,000 sq ft
- Purchase Price: $1,3 to $1,55M
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by Anton Blewett on July 2, 2007
Mount Carmel, Redwood City, is a neighborhood I suggest to many move-up buyers because it provides charming architecture, similar to homes found in neighboring Menlo Park and San Carlos, at more affordable prices. The neighborhood boasts great weather, steadily improving schools (greatschools.net gives both North Star and Clifford top marks), tree-lined streets and ample green space through parks and nearby schools. Situated north of Jefferson and west of El Camino, the neighborhood meets many demands of the Peninsula lifestyle, including convenient commuting, easy access to shopping and the growing Redwood City downtown, and a strong sense of community.
The majority of my past buyers, who purchased real estate in Mount Carmel, did so because of the area’s charming architecture and lot sizes — 7500 square foot lots are common. Styles include Craftsmen homes from the early century, Spanish bungalows from the 20s and 30s, and ranchers from the 50s. The homes are well constructed; in fact most were built when a two-by-four was actually two by four inches. Overtime many of the original 2/1s and 3/1s were converted to 3/2s, which brings my only complaint: oddly configured home additions. In one house, the master bedroom was accessible only by way of the toilet.
Perfect for Move-Up Buyers
With the following considered, Mount Carmel is an ideal fit for buyers looking to upgrade aesthetics, home size or neighborhood.
Suggested Drive
To get a quick sense of Mount Carmel, take Whipple west from 101. The neighborhood streets begin just west of El Camino and ascend in alphabetical order, from Arch to Birch to Clinton and so on. Start paying close attention to the homes after Duane St. Turn left on King St. At the end of the first block, you see Stafford Park, a favorite picnic spot. From here I suggest either stopping to walk the streets or continuing on to the downtown (approximately Middlefield and Broadway). For those who make the drive, please comment with your thoughts.
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