Atherton Classic Revival

The remarkable story of this remodel begins in San Francisco where the home was originally built in 1904. Then in 1925 the house was lifted from its location and sent on a barge down the bay to Atherton, where it was placed among towering heritage oak trees and ornamental azaleas and camellias. The ageing structure was stripped down to its framing and had its foundation replaced before being transformed into the beautiful home that now stands. Two wings were added on either side to expand the home, creating an open space for an expansive kitchen and family room on one side of the house, and a master suite with his and hers bathrooms on the other. Ornate moldings vary by room, exemplifying the custom craftsmanship throughout this American neoclassical home. The white wood-paneled walls and exquisitely detailed archways lead guests from room to room to take on sights such as hand-stitched wall coverings and gorgeous chandeliers. This home also features an artist studio in the backyard. Shaped like a barn and with numerous large windows, this studio provides a space to create while overlooking the pool and the well-manicured landscape.

This Federalist-style home is an amazing example of how to do a complete remodel that allowed the homeowner to save the unique structural elements of the original house. The original foundation had no steel in it, so we were forced to lift the home off the ground, rebuild and enlarge the basement and foundation, and then set the home back down. It was re-bolted to the new foundation, and we began the complete renovation. This century-old home was made completely from solid Redwood, and we wanted to honor the beauty of this Federalist-style through adding custom woodwork throughout.

The massive capitals on each side of the front door are faithful to the original style. The architect actually designed all of the unique shapes that define the extremely fine molding used throughout. To create all of the unique molding and trim elements, we had to make 17 profiles of knives to make the exterior and interior wood work unique to this home.

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This Federalist-style home is an amazing example of how to do a complete remodel that allowed the homeowner to save the unique structural elements of the original house. The original foundation had no steel in it, so we were forced to lift the home off the ground, rebuild and enlarge the basement and foundation, and then set the home back down. It was re-bolted to the new foundation, and we began the complete renovation. This century-old home was made completely from solid Redwood, and we wanted to honor the beauty of this Federalist-style through adding custom woodwork throughout.

The massive capitals on each side of the front door are faithful to the original style. The architect actually designed all of the unique shapes that define the extremely fine molding used throughout. To create all of the unique molding and trim elements, we had to make 17 profiles of knives to make the exterior and interior wood work unique to this home.

This is the gorgeous, completely remodeled dining room. You will notice throughout the dining room the special attention given to symmetry in all the spaces and elements. Every trim and molding detail has unique, customized shapes. Though this dining room was in the original home, the completely reworked woodwork completely transforms the space. Our teams stripped everything away, including taking out all the plumbing and electrical so that we could completely reconfigure all the openings.

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This is the gorgeous, completely remodeled dining room. You will notice throughout the dining room the special attention given to symmetry in all the spaces and elements. Every trim and molding detail has unique, customized shapes. Though this dining room was in the original home, the completely reworked woodwork completely transforms the space. Our teams stripped everything away, including taking out all the plumbing and electrical so that we could completely reconfigure all the openings.

In this picture, we are looking from the entry back into the dining room. Again, the attention to detail is manifest in the meticulous symmetry. You can see how the keystone on the arched entryway lines up perfectly with the chandelier and the rest of the lighting elements. We consider a project to be successful when a client invites us to dinner, and we are proud to say that upon completion, we were able to share this beautiful dining space with the clients who have since become friends.

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In this picture, we are looking from the entry back into the dining room. Again, the attention to detail is manifest in the meticulous symmetry. You can see how the keystone on the arched entryway lines up perfectly with the chandelier and the rest of the lighting elements. We consider a project to be successful when a client invites us to dinner, and we are proud to say that upon completion, we were able to share this beautiful dining space with the clients who have since become friends.

The remodel included gas fireplaces placed strategically throughout the home, and a beautiful fireplace merits special attention to masterful woodworking. You will notice the steps in the wall, crown, and mantel, which were all custom-made paneling by the tradespeople we brought on for the project. Also, the finished painting throughout the home was given high priority. Between the initial preparation of the walls, the priming, and the finish coat, it is impossible to see any of the nails in the walls or trim. The focus on clean and crisp intersections is also important to the final aesthetic. Every one of the joints in the trim, molding, and paneling is nailed and glued together so they don’t come apart. Every wood component in the home is at or above furniture grade so that none of the joints begin to separate over time.

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The remodel included gas fireplaces placed strategically throughout the home, and a beautiful fireplace merits special attention to masterful woodworking. You will notice the steps in the wall, crown, and mantel, which were all custom-made paneling by the tradespeople we brought on for the project. Also, the finished painting throughout the home was given high priority. Between the initial preparation of the walls, the priming, and the finish coat, it is impossible to see any of the nails in the walls or trim. The focus on clean and crisp intersections is also important to the final aesthetic. Every one of the joints in the trim, molding, and paneling is nailed and glued together so they don’t come apart. Every wood component in the home is at or above furniture grade so that none of the joints begin to separate over time.

This beautiful living room space can be appreciated by looking at the front door through the archway. The unique wallpaper on the back wall adds depth and contrast while the hickory flooring contrasts beautifully with the white walls. You will also see several steps in the woodworking over the windows and door. Even the rug was custom made for the room with small notches to make room for the fireplace hearth.

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This beautiful living room space can be appreciated by looking at the front door through the archway. The unique wallpaper on the back wall adds depth and contrast while the hickory flooring contrasts beautifully with the white walls. You will also see several steps in the woodworking over the windows and door. Even the rug was custom made for the room with small notches to make room for the fireplace hearth.

This massive, customized kitchen space is one of the main areas of the home. The hood over the range keeps indoor air quality pristine; the Viking stove offers professional quality for homemade cooking. There are built in entertainment details with speakers recessed into the ceiling, which allowed us to stay faithful to the original Federalist style while simultaneously making the home more modern in use and livability. The double hung windows were custom made to match the style and include individual panes for true divided lights. During the installation, the painter accidentally scratched some of the window panes in the house. Even though the individual scratches were barely perceptible, we completely replaced every scratched pane, showcasing our dedication and commitment to “doing it right.”

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This massive, customized kitchen space is one of the main areas of the home. The hood over the range keeps indoor air quality pristine; the Viking stove offers professional quality for homemade cooking. There are built in entertainment details with speakers recessed into the ceiling, which allowed us to stay faithful to the original Federalist style while simultaneously making the home more modern in use and livability.  The double hung windows were custom made to match the style and include individual panes for true divided lights. During the installation, the painter accidentally scratched some of the window panes in the house. Even though the individual scratches were barely perceptible, we completely replaced every scratched pane, showcasing our dedication and commitment to “doing it right.”

In this picture of the kitchen nook, you can again appreciate how every detail in the home lines up in perfect symmetry. The round window at the top coincides perfectly with the rest of the individual paned windows. Our attention to these minute details is what sets Conrado apart from other custom home builders.

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In this picture of the kitchen nook, you can again appreciate how every detail in the home lines up in perfect symmetry. The round window at the top coincides perfectly with the rest of the individual paned windows. Our attention to these minute details is what sets Conrado apart from other custom home builders.

Here you notice the meticulous attention to detail in all of the furniture-grade trim work that is ubiquitous throughout the home. Though these details might look like mass-produced plastic molding, each of the details is custom made wood that even required us to “invent” specialized knives to make the detailed cuts.

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Here you notice the meticulous attention to detail in all of the furniture-grade trim work that is ubiquitous throughout the home. Though these details might look like mass-produced plastic molding, each of the details is custom made wood that even required us to “invent” specialized knives to make the detailed cuts.

The client wanted a functional kitchen that also allowed for an enormous amount of natural lighting. Throughout the kitchen area, we used every possible opportunity to add natural lighting. This kitchen space also includes specialty, luxury elements like a built-in espresso machine, and a huge island with a built-in microwave. We also installed a custom farmhouse sink.

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The client wanted a functional kitchen that also allowed for an enormous amount of natural lighting. Throughout the kitchen area, we used every possible opportunity to add natural lighting. This kitchen space also includes specialty, luxury elements like a built-in espresso machine, and a huge island with a built-in microwave. We also installed a custom farmhouse sink.

This is a picture of the entryway and the stairs leading to the second story. As the main entryway to the home, we made a special effort to stay true to the architectural form of the period. The window over the front door is unique to the Federalist-style homes. All hickory floors are made from engineered wood so that the owners will never have to worry about warping or buckling. This highlights our commitment to only using the highest quality materials to build the most durable homes possible.

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This is a picture of the entryway and the stairs leading to the second story. As the main entryway to the home, we made a special effort to stay true to the architectural form of the period. The window over the front door is unique to the Federalist-style homes. All hickory floors are made from engineered wood so that the owners will never have to worry about warping or buckling. This highlights our commitment to only using the highest quality materials to build the most durable homes possible.

Here we appreciate the main stairwell and a peak into the living room. The stairs, like the rest of the home, were designed to be true to the historical period of the home. The original grip and railing didn’t conform to building codes, so our project manager came up with a solution to add wainscoting that could be used simultaneously as a handrail as well, which you can see on the wall of the stairs. Potential obstacles during the remodel were seen as an opportunity to add customized detail to improve the aesthetics of the home while also making it completely code compliant.

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Here we appreciate the main stairwell and a peak into the living room. The stairs, like the rest of the home, were designed to be true to the historical period of the home. The original grip and railing didn’t conform to building codes, so our project manager came up with a solution to add wainscoting that could be used simultaneously as a handrail as well, which you can see on the wall of the stairs. Potential obstacles during the remodel were seen as an opportunity to add customized detail to improve the aesthetics of the home while also making it completely code compliant.

This is a picture of the master bedroom. You can notice the symmetrical alignment of the bed and bed stands, and the customized lighting. The master bedroom also has concealed window shades, allowing for customized privacy.

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This is a picture of the master bedroom. You can notice the symmetrical alignment of the bed and bed stands, and the customized lighting. The master bedroom also has concealed window shades, allowing for customized privacy.

In this picture of the master bedroom, you will not notice the concealed shutters that allow for blackout and privacy but are built into the customized windows. The master bedroom also includes built in dressers, unique molding, and customized woodwork throughout.

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In this picture of the master bedroom, you will not notice the concealed shutters that allow for blackout and privacy but are built into the customized windows. The master bedroom also includes built in dressers, unique molding, and customized woodwork throughout.

The owners wanted both “his and her” office spaces in the upstairs part of the home. These separated yet connected office spaces, like the rest of the home, includes unique, customized molding and trim work that stay faithful to the period of the home. You can also notice how every effort was made to allow for natural lighting to flood the home. In the upper left of the picture, you can barely notice concealed fire sprinklers that keep the home up to date for all safety codes without negatively affecting the unique aesthetics. Similarly, the custom-cut registers for heating above the window allow for maximum comfort without adding an eyesore to an otherwise beautiful space. We go the extra mile to seamlessly blend every element of the home together.

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The owners wanted both “his and her” office spaces in the upstairs part of the home. These separated yet connected office spaces, like the rest of the home, includes unique, customized molding and trim work that stay faithful to the period of the home. You can also notice how every effort was made to allow for natural lighting to flood the home. In the upper left of the picture, you can barely notice concealed fire sprinklers that keep the home up to date for all safety codes without negatively affecting the unique aesthetics. Similarly, the custom-cut registers for heating above the window allow for maximum comfort without adding an eyesore to an otherwise beautiful space. We go the extra mile to seamlessly blend every element of the home together.

The client also wanted “his and her” bathrooms. Her bathroom includes a customized tub, natural lighting, and customized trim strategically designed into this bathing space.

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The client also wanted “his and her” bathrooms. Her bathroom includes a customized tub, natural lighting, and customized trim strategically designed into this bathing space.

This is his bathroom, which includes a beautiful walk-in shower, and several custom cabinets. When we were designing the shower space, it was extremely difficult to get the glass curved correctly to fit the angle. The glass actually broke four or five times during the installation process. Our commitment to “doing it right,” however, allowed for a unique, customized space.

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This is his bathroom, which includes a beautiful walk-in shower, and several custom cabinets. When we were designing the shower space, it was extremely difficult to get the glass curved correctly to fit the angle. The glass actually broke four or five times during the installation process. Our commitment to “doing it right,” however, allowed for a unique, customized space.

This massive walk-in closet includes dozens of personalized touches such as the huge center island. The built-in dressers were also custom made. As this was the “her” closet, we also included beautiful fabric on the inside of the doors to add a luxurious, feminine touch. Glass knobs and chandelier lighting complement the personalized closet space.

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This massive walk-in closet includes dozens of personalized touches such as the huge center island. The built-in dressers were also custom made. As this was the “her” closet, we also included beautiful fabric on the inside of the doors to add a luxurious, feminine touch. Glass knobs and chandelier lighting complement the personalized closet space.

This exterior picture of the home shows a railing on the roof which is made to look like the roof has a deck. Though there is not actually a deck on the roof, this feature stays faithful to the architectural period of the home. The roof is made from copper and slate, which are extremely durable materials that will last for hundreds of years without needing replacement. The customized brick patio has a brick drain which doesn’t interrupt the aesthetics of this unique outdoor living area. All of the shutters on the home are real wood that can be closed as well.

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This exterior picture of the home shows a railing on the roof which is made to look like the roof has a deck. Though there is not actually a deck on the roof, this feature stays faithful to the architectural period of the home. The roof is made from copper and slate, which are extremely durable materials that will last for hundreds of years without needing replacement. The customized brick patio has a brick drain which doesn’t interrupt the aesthetics of this unique outdoor living area. All of the shutters on the home are real wood that can be closed as well.

This picture again showcases the insane amount of detail that went into every customized piece of woodwork. You will notice how the copper roofing hangs out half an inch over the customized woodwork. This ensures that when water drips off it falls to the ground instead of falling down the woodwork and leading to ugly, black stains. This attention to the smallest of details is what allows Conrado to build homes that are enduring and resilient.

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This picture again showcases the insane amount of detail that went into every customized piece of woodwork. You will notice how the copper roofing hangs out half an inch over the customized woodwork. This ensures that when water drips off it falls to the ground instead of falling down the woodwork and leading to ugly, black stains. This attention to the smallest of details is what allows Conrado to build homes that are enduring and resilient.

In this picture you can see the extremely heavy and solid overhang on the front entrance. The façade of the home also includes intricate dental molding for a truly personalized frontal view. The customized brickwork on the patio and sidewalk complements the home entranceway perfectly.

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In this picture you can see the extremely heavy and solid overhang on the front entrance. The façade of the home also includes intricate dental molding for a truly personalized frontal view. The customized brickwork on the patio and sidewalk complements the home entranceway perfectly.

The owner of this home is an artist, and here you will see the unique design of the pool and art studio. The design of this space was intentionally made to be a completely different design than the house. The solid wall of windows allows for an enormous amount of natural light while still being entirely structurally sound. The elevated section of the roof adds dimension while the rain chains on the sides allow the water runoff to fall artistically through copper pails to the ground.

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The owner of this home is an artist, and here you will see the unique design of the pool and art studio. The design of this space was intentionally made to be a completely different design than the house. The solid wall of windows allows for an enormous amount of natural light while still being entirely structurally sound. The elevated section of the roof adds dimension while the rain chains on the sides allow the water runoff to fall artistically through copper pails to the ground.

The interior of the art studio required a unique artistic touch. The ceiling features customized woodwork and unique angles that complement the distressed parquet floor that was installed in a creative fashion. An artistic studio needs an artistic perspective, and we went to every effort to create a space that allowed for maximum creativity.

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The interior of the art studio required a unique artistic touch. The ceiling features customized woodwork and unique angles that complement the distressed parquet floor that was installed in a creative fashion. An artistic studio needs an artistic perspective, and we went to every effort to create a space that allowed for maximum creativity.

In this picture you can again appreciate the architectural detailing. On the roof we installed custom made copper chimney tops. One of the chimneys is to vent the 4-inch flue for the gas fireplace. The other chimneys are actually designed to cover up the other plumbing vents for the home so as to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the home exterior.

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In this picture you can again appreciate the architectural detailing. On the roof we installed custom made copper chimney tops. One of the chimneys is to vent the 4-inch flue for the gas fireplace. The other chimneys are actually designed to cover up the other plumbing vents for the home so as to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the home exterior.

Again, the defining feature of this customized home build is the absolutely beautiful molding, trim, and woodwork featured throughout the home. To design and build a custom home like this one, lots of interaction with the client and all the individuals involved is necessary. The logistical preparation, the focus on proper communication, and our meticulous attention to every detail is what allows Conrado Home Builder to make the most unique custom homes that resemble artwork.

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Again, the defining feature of this customized home build is the absolutely beautiful molding, trim, and woodwork featured throughout the home. To design and build a custom home like this one, lots of interaction with the client and all the individuals involved is necessary. The logistical preparation, the focus on proper communication, and our meticulous attention to every detail is what allows Conrado Home Builder to make the most unique custom homes that resemble artwork.

On each side of the front door, you can notice copper caps over the moldings. This is to avoid issues with rot and to offer maximum durability, and why we installed copper topping to keep every horizontal surface protected from the rain and eventual rot.

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On each side of the front door, you can notice copper caps over the moldings. This is to avoid issues with rot and to offer maximum durability, and why we installed copper topping to keep every horizontal surface protected from the rain and eventual rot.