1091 Pereira Rd


Beautiful view of 1091 Pereira Rd

It’s springtime in the Alhambra Valley! As you drive down Reliez Valley Road leaving behind the hustle-bustle of city life, a calming quiet steals over you. Turn onto Pereira Road and you’re in another world. A land that time forgot. Hillsides carpeted with a riot of wildflowers. A picturesque old barn basks in the gentle sunshine. Horses graze in soft, green pastures. It seems like nothing much has changed since the early 1900s when the Pereira brothers bought land around this area. Portuguese immigrants, they married two sisters and went on to establish their homes and families in this fertile, beautiful valley.

Realtor John Pereira belongs to the fourth-generation of this pioneer family and remembers his idyllic childhood on the ranch. “This is where I was raised, and spent most of my life,” says Pereira contentedly, as he gazes across the wide open spaces. “They chose areas of land out here based on good water,” he adds.

In the mid 1980s, his cousin Leon Pereira built the home at 1091 Pereira Road and lived there with his family for many years. A contractor/builder by trade, Leon Pereira ensured that his two-story farmhouse, measuring approx. 3200 sq. ft. had all the comforts of home and blended naturally with the surrounding hills and vales. A solar-powered, gated driveway welcomes you to this classic country home with its gabled windows and decorative woodwork. Custom-built on a slight elevation, it has brick steps that lead to a wide, wrap-around porch. The front door opens into an airy, bright entry hall and leads to the Great Room on your left. A floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace dominates the main living area. Vaulted ceilings and multiple windows and doors enhance the indoor-outdoor ambience. At the far end, there’s a corner wet bar and space enough to accommodate a spacious dining table and buffet.

Hickory floors, large display cabinets, a butcher block island and updated appliances give the kitchen a very modern appeal.

The six-burner, Wolf gas range has a stainless steel hood and warming lights. Other appliances include an Electrolux Refrigerator/Freezer, Bosch Dishwasher and GE Monogram trash compactor. Enjoy your morning coffee or lunch in the casual eating area with its charming bow window that overlooks the backyard.

Also on the lower level is a compact den/retreat with a ceiling fan/light and front garden views. A guest bedroom is privately located down the hallway with access to a full bath. There is also a powder room and laundry room nearby.

A well-crafted wood stairway in the entry hall takes you to the bedroom wing upstairs. The master bedroom overlooks the front yard and its terraced gardens. Generously-sized, there’s room for a seating area with natural light pouring in via the gabled windows. A comfy window seat invites you to curl up with a good book and enjoy the serene outdoors. The master bath is outfitted with twin vanities, a jetted tub and a separate water closet. Enjoy private backyard views while you take a relaxing soak.

Interior view of 1091 Pereira Rd

There is also the convenience of a large master closet. The two secondary bedrooms on the upper floor share a bathroom. One of the bedrooms has a fan-light combo, built-in desk and shelving and both have spacious closets.

The home’s wrap-around porch extends all the way to the backyard. It can be accessed via the great room as well. Totally secluded, the back yard is like a secret garden planted with camellias, hydrangeas, lilacs, maples, redwoods, deodar pines, etc. Imagine swimming in the azure pool or relaxing on the wooden deck surrounded by the green hills and horses grazing in the pasture. It feels like you’re deep in the countryside. But Diane Periera, (John’s wife and a realtor herself) reminds us that the property is literally 20 minutes away from highways 24, 80, 680 and 4! The sixteen acres of land that surround the home offer many wonderful opportunities. The previous owners kept horses and made good use of the red, 3-stall barn with its tack room and hay storage. It is equipped with running water and electricity. There is also a horse arena and three separate fenced pastures.

However, if horses are not your passion, the property offers a multitude of other possibilities. A fruit orchard… there are already 12 fruit trees planted here. Or a vineyard, perhaps? The current owners enjoy vegetable gardening, and lovely flower gardens surround the home. The terraced front yard is professionally landscaped with lavender, yarrow, rosemary, salvia, rock roses, California poppies and other native plants.

A separate structure on the grounds measuring approx. 1200 sq. ft., offers indoor boat/truck storage, a loft, work-shop space and two offices. As well as a covered area outside for RV parking. Younger children and teens will love the chance to explore and discover the many special places in and around the property. Hide away near the murmuring creek with its grove of trees and rustic tire swing. Or just hang out at the large natural pond, stocked with bass, blue gill and catfish. And enjoy the relaxing sport of ‘catch-and-release with the entire family! 

Philippa Coelho
Vital Statistics
What: A country estate covering 16 acres of land with an approx., 3200 sq. ft. classic, custom-built farmhouse.
Where: 1091 Pereira Road in the beautiful Alhambra Valley.
Bedrooms: Four
Bathrooms: Three and one half
Features: Scenic property that includes a custom-built house with wrap-around porch and gabled windows with wood trim. 
A separate structure on the grounds offers indoor storage, workshop space, a loft and two offices. 
Three fenced horse pastures, a large barn and outdoor arena make it a boon for horse owners. 
Premiere equestrian centers and riding/hiking trails are close at hand. 
The property has fruit trees, a creek flowing through the property and a natural pond, stocked with fish. 
With this abundance of Nature’s blessings, you still have the convenience of a 15 to 20 minute drive to city shopping and freeway access!
Price: Listed at $ 2,285,000
Agents: John and Dianne Pereira, The Pereira Team, RE/MAX Accord. Tel:  925-297-0321


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