Lookiloos » Desiree

Just Listed: Gorgeous Saratoga Estate

desiree — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:17:09 +0000

I was packing my bags when I realized, I didn’t have enough $$$ in my check book. This Saratoga dream is perfect for California entertaining.
Kitchen, dining and family rooms are open to each other. The french doors on either side open to the front or back of the home.

Love those draperies in the dining room. They look like elegant ball gowns!

The backyard has a pool, a lawn area and a large outdoor kitchen with a fireplace. So, if you decide to buy, could you please invite me to a party??? Check out the entire virtual tour here.

PS. Earlier our Facebook followers heard that this home is owned by a celebrity—all I can say is it’s a sports figure who has been “transferred”.

Looki What I Found: My Two Favorite Things

desiree — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:43:50 +0000

I’m not big on after dinner drinks. They just are too sweet for my taste. I decided a little experiment was in order—mixing two of my current favorite things Mionetto Prosecco and Ciao Bella Sorbet. The result was exactly what I was hoping for. This little after dinner cocktail really hit the spot. Perfect for this 90+ degree weather we’ve had to endure. My personal favorites are the lemon and the blood orange sorbet. The prosecco adds an effervescence that screams summer. So here is how I put these magical little treats together.

First, using a small ice cream scoop—scoop out your choice of sorbet into a frozen martini glass— 3 to 5 scoops, depending on the size of your glass. Next, it gets complicated here, slowly pour the Mionetto Prosecco over the mounding sorbet. Viola, you are ready to sip these refreshing little cocktail. One discovery—the sorbet doesn’t melt right away so you are able to refill your glass!

Happy Summer Everyone!

PS. Check out both Mionetto and Ciao Bella on Facebook—Great recipes, events and promotions!

Summer Entertaining in Style

desiree — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:25:00 +0000

Cathy and Craig Charon took a fifties ranch home and transformed it into a home ready to entertain family and friends. The kitchen and bathrooms have all the bells and whistles. Keeping the same footprint of the home, but reconfigured the layout to add an additional bedroom and half bath.

As you enter, the first thing you notice is the large picture window in the great room and the wonderful view it provides of the backyard. Craig designed the home to capture an indoor/outdoor entertaining space. I have to say this was my favorite part of this home.

The pool is gorgeous and I loved the deck that wraps completely around it.

The outdoor bar area lets you whip up a fruity cocktails or pour a glass of wine without having to run inside. Now, you don’t have to miss one second with your guests.

Here’s the complete slideshow:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Just Listed: Los Altos Dream

desiree — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:30:00 +0000

This Los Altos home was quite simply perfect. I’m a sucker for crown molding and substantial baseboards. I love the way they frame a room.

The living and dining room draperies reminded me of elegant ballgowns. But this home felt warm and relaxed not stuffy.

The kitchen is spectacular and opens to a great family room complete with a wet bar and french doors to the backyard. The backyard is large. It has a nice big lawn for kids and dogs to run, an arbor covered patio and an outdoor kitchen area. This home is great for a family who loves to entertain. You can see all the photos here.

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 3

Asking: $2,165,000

Just Listed: Saratoga Escape!

desiree — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:42:22 +0000

As I wound my way up to the top of Bohlman Road, I have to admit my stomach was filled with butterflies. No the drive wasn’t sending my tummy into aerobatics, but the anticipation of what this home was going to look like. I mean 10 acres in the Saratoga Hills. What was this gonna be?

Well, this home didn’t disappoint me at all so warm and charming as you approach the front and the views were as expected—unbelievable. There were many things I loved about this home and I’m having a hard time picking my one favorite. So, I’m breaking the rules here—I’m telling everything!

Up first, the hiking and horse trails that are already cut in over the 10 acres. They were absolutely beautiful. I only walked one for a short distance (I still had more work to do) and it was spectacular.

Next, LOVED the living and dining room windows that took full advantage of the views and the huge wrap around deck. Whether you were enjoying the sunrise views with coffee or the city lights with a glass of wine—really wonderful.

Lastly, the master bedroom has a loft feel and skylights fill the room with light and a glimpse of the huge redwoods over head. Talk about sleeping in a treehouse. Here’s the whole tour.

Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 2

Asking: $1,625,400

Just Listed: 72 Acres of Paradise

desiree — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:42:39 +0000

Rear of Home and Spectacular View

Ok, I admit it—I’m a city girl. I love the outdoors. It’s just after a day hiking all I want is a really hot shower and a comfy bed when it’s all said and done. Well, this city girl was ready to trade her heels in for cowboy boots this past week. I do own a pair of cowboy boots, made of the softest Italian leather by Donald Pliner. Do they count?

This property is nestled south of Coyote Reservoir. My favorite thing about this house is the unobstructed views of Henry Coe State Park. The view out the kitchen window of the rolling green meadow and oak trees is beautiful.

The living and dining room share a two-sided rock fireplace.

The 72 acres is on a hillside with a lot of flat usable space. There is an outdoor seating area located at the top of the landscaped backyard to enjoy morning coffee, the paper and the view. Check out the rest of the tour here.

Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 2 1/2
Asking: $1,850,000

Low Key Wedding—Are You Ready?

desiree — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:59:18 +0000

So, have you been bit yet? You know by the Royal Wedding Bug? My friends are dropping like flies. Facebook profile pics have been changed, apps have been downloaded and alarm clocks have been set. I have to admit when Diana Spencer married Prince Charles, I was all over that. We didn’t have the internet and my parents didn’t even have cable. Do you know how hard it was to get my information?

I’ve gotten some photos of the of Buckingham Palace and thought I’d share. The opulence of the rooms is breathtaking—further confirming I had to have been switched at birth.

Using red silk damask, the walls of the State Dining Room make a proper background for the portraits of sovereigns from throughout history.

A portrait of Edward VII’s wife Queen Alexandra hangs in the White Drawing Room, apparently it is the grandest of the state rooms and it has views of the gardens. There is a secret door leading to private rooms to allow for a discreet Royal entrance. I’d like one of those—no more awkward entrances. The main focus of the reception will be the picture gallery, where the wedding cake a traditional multi-tiered fruit cake will be on display surrounded with works by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Rubens.

The lavishly appointed White Drawing Room will be one of the rooms used during the wedding reception. Can you imagine standing in the middle of it all?

The finest crystal chandeliers hang from the ornate ceiling of the Blue Drawing Room. I believe I’m going to start refering to the rooms in my own home this way—”Get that skateboard out of the Gold Living Room”! It works—doesn’t it?

Just Listed: Best Views of Valley

desiree — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:19:37 +0000

Can you believe the views??? Nestled at the top of Loma Prieta this home has the most wonderful views. Usually, up in the Los Gatos hills you find yourself in deep shade most of the day—not here. You will find plenty of sunshine and to sweeten the deal lots of flat usable land!

You can find the complete virtual tour here.

Charming Cottages of Palo Alto: A Home Tour

desiree — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:07:31 +0000

The Charming Cottages of Palo Alto Home Tour, is celebrating the 20th anniversary. Four cottages will be open this Friday and Saturday, April 1st and 2nd. The Lookiloos have gotten a hold of an extra pair of tickets! A $70 value. I know it’s late notice but we’re giving them away in an impromptu giveaway. Each home was carefully selected for its respect of tradition and contemporary appeal. Sponsored by the Palo Alto Area Mills College Club to raise funds for womenʼs higher education through student scholarships.

You can purchase tickets either day at the ticket house 3245 Bryant Street, Palo Alto or online here.

Leave a comment here and the winner will be announced on Thursday evening.

Just Listed: Bocce Ball in Saratoga

desiree — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 05:44:04 +0000

Who wouldn’t love coming home to your own bocce ball court AND in Saratoga! So, obviously one of my favorite features was the court. My other favorite was the family room and master bath. Once upon a time I shared a bathroom ( yep you got it ONE bathroom) with one husband and 4 boys—so I can say I love looking at master baths. You can see the whole virtual tour here. Be sure to check out the extra wide pic of the master bath.

Offered at: $1,299,999
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3