Tuscan charm, modern conveniences, great views in Orinda hills.


Home at 33 Las Cascadas

Imagine a medieval hilltop home, basking in the sun, deep in the Italian countryside. We’ve seen it in movies and on our travels. This image was probably in the mind of architect Peter Golze when he designed the home at 33 Las Cascadas in the Orinda hills. The steep driveway curves up to a knoll to reveal the home’s dramatic architectural style. The tiled roof, single turret, rough Tuscan yellow stucco finish, forged ironwork and wood trim above the windows give it old-world charm and substance. Well-chosen landscaping like the ivy that partially covers the façade, and the stately cypresses that stand, sentinel-like, around the home, add to the overall ambience. Though the home was built in 1997, it appears to have been here much longer! A tribute to local builder Daniel Howsepian’s skills.

A short flight of stairs leads up to the tiled front porch. The handsome alder wood door with ironwork detail opens into a high-ceilinged entryway. The latter is painted in a welcoming hue of rich Ralph Lauren Hunting Coat Red with Jerusalem limestone underfoot.

The interior of the home follows a fairly traditional floor plan, designed to offer inviting family-oriented spaces as well as private areas. The living-room, painted in a warm yellow palette feels very sunny, even when it’s grey outside. Designer window treatments add to this cheery atmosphere. The niche limestone fireplace is a focal point in the room, while the bow window showcases front garden views. French doors open onto the backyard with its lawns and pool. The dining room also has backyard access, offering great indoor-outdoor flow. A wide archway and tray ceiling with chandelier give the dining room flair and distinction.

The Family/Great Room beyond is a cozy, comfortable retreat. With a wood-burning fireplace that anchors one end of the room and maple floors that stretch across to the chef’s kitchen. The beamed ceiling and walls of windows capture backyard views and the green landscape beyond. The built-in media center and soothing sage green walls draw the family in to relax and have fun here together.

Poolside at 33 Las Cascadas

A casual eating area, lit by a skylight expands the great room concept and adjoins the open kitchen. Here, a large island with built-in sink is topped with green-black granite, which is also used on the countertops. Maple cabinetry coordinates with the maple floors, giving the kitchen a clean, streamlined feel. A large sink overlooks the flower-filled side garden. So the chef can enjoy watching the birds feed outdoors, while creating culinary delicacies indoors. A host of quality appliances include a GE Monogram refrigerator/freezer, Thermador range, oven and microwave, Bosch dishwasher and a trash compacter. There is also a large, convenient walk-in pantry.

Off the central entry hall, a short flight of stairs takes you to a secluded suite, the owner’s favorite space. The cozy sitting room/bedroom/office has access to a private balcony that boasts verdant hillside views. Rustic pavers, wide arches and a serene ambience make it easy to while away the time out here. With its attached full bath, the suite can be used as au pair or in-law quarters too.

The turret stairway leads to the upper floor with its bedroom wing. Here, the large master suite has a vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet and French doors to the balcony that overlooks the backyard. The limestone fireplace with a wide hearth invites you to curl up and enjoy the warmth on a wintry Orinda evening. A large-sized mirror is strategically placed above the marble vanity in the master bathroom. It reflects nature views outside the window, making the room feel twice as large. A long bathtub soak is a luxurious experience in this very tranquil setting. The arched architectural theme is carried into the bathroom, linking it, design-wise to the rest of the home.

The upper floor also houses three secondary bedrooms (one of which is currently used as an office). A full bathroom services these rooms. The resort-like backyard has been especially designed for year-round entertainment. The elegant cabana/guest house exhibits the same attention to quality features as the main house. Family and friends are drawn to it like a magnet, relaxing in the beamed, vaulted main room around the large dining table. A wall of cabinetry can house books/games/media hardware… making this room a virtual entertainment hub for young and old. Jerusalem limestone floors, skylights and a striking chandelier add character and brighten the atmosphere. The full attached bathroom offers convenient access to the pool. The indoor kitchen has a built-in Thermador barbeque, range and oven, Bosch dishwasher and refrigerator/freezer. A long wall of windows gives you the feeling of cooking in the outdoors. But when the Orinda evening turns chilly, you’ll be glad to bring the party indoors. But come summer, the backyard pool and spa with its backdrop of oaks and scenic views is a very inviting proposition. Add to this the charm of a gentle creek, manicured lawns, trees and shrubs and you can tell why the beautiful estate at 33 Las Cascadas is so inviting… indoors and outdoors! 

Philippa Coelho
Vital Statistics
What: A hilltop estate with distinctive, old-world Italian architectural style. 
The home is approx. 4000 sq feet on a .62 acre lot. 
With an approx. 600 sq. ft. cabana/guest house
Bedrooms:  5
Bathrooms: 4.5
Features: Façade features old-world style stucco finish, turret, ironwork and wood trim. 
Quality interiors with hardwood floors, vaulted, beamed ceilings, wide archways, 
palette of attractive wall colors, custom molding and trim. 
Two-car garage. 
Sentry Alarm System. 
Two heating/AC systems. 
Gated private driveway leads to the beautifully landscaped front garden, vegetable garden 
and flower-filled, fragrant side garden.
Price: $2,950,000
Agent Clark Thompson, Broker, Village Associates, Orinda.
Tel: 925-254-8585.  Cell: 925-998-7898


To view an scanned version of the original story, click here