Category Archives: Projects

Carolands

After decades of neglect and the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, all the windows and exterior doors, as well as the electrical and plumbing systems in the Carolands 65,000 square foot mansion needed to be replaced. PCH was honored to be chosen to take on the difficult and delicate task. In seismically repairing the historic chateau, we preserved its historic features, including the ornamental plaster and imported French paneling. We also returned the 78-foot high atrium (the largest enclosed space in an American residence) to its former prominence. In saving the mansion from the wrecker’s ball, we proved that extensive expert renovation can take place while maintaining original architectural integrity. Read more in Architectural Digest.

Architect: Page & Turnbull Architects, Taylor Lombardo (ballroom)
Landscape Architect: Martin Lane Fox
Designer: Mario Buatta
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 65,000

Fair Oaks

Nestled amongst heritage oaks and palms, this remarkable estate, reminiscent of early 20th century craftsman architecture, seamlessly blends classical elegance with modern day conveniences. In collaboration with Fergus Garber Architects and Suzanne Miller Design, the home’s grandeur is exemplified through the exceptional design, artisanal craftsmanship, intricate woodwork, rich German oak plank flooring, wrought iron railings, and steel windows and doors. Formal entertaining rooms open onto a covered veranda which overlook grounds designed by Christian Douglas Design. The home boasts a chef’s kitchen, expansive foyer, entrance hall gallery, formal living spaces, comfortable bedroom suits, and lush landscaping. At Fair Oaks, every detail is a testament to quality and style.

Square footage: 7,095 square feet
Architect: Fergus Garber Architects
Interior Designer: Suzanne Miller Design
Landscape Architect: Christian Douglas Design
Photographer: Paul Dyer Photography
Styling: Yedda Morrison Studi

La Verna

Graham Architects and Ann Lowengart Interiors designed a complete interior renovation on this Peninsula residence which incorporated white oak distressed hardwood floors throughout the home. The finish carpentry turned out beautifully, and includes a new library with custom made cabinets and high gloss paint, custom made office cabinetry and new custom stairs. Wallpaper, wainscoting, Lutron lighting system and fireplaces with antique stone mantles added to the designer touches.
Architect: Graham Architects
Designer: Ann Lowengart Interiors
Photographer: Paul Dyer
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 3,057 sq. ft.

Manzanita

This Mediterranean estate is the creative genius of Arnn Gordon Greineder. Set on a three and a half acre site in Los Altos Hills, the main house is complimented by a guest house/cabana, a perfectly placed infinity pool, a small vineyard and a working wine cave. Sophisticated systems, beautiful interiors and magnificent views combine to make this estate truly one-of-a-kind.

Architect: Arnn Gordon Greineder
Landscape Architect: Todd R. Cole Landscape Architecture
Designer: Fisher Weisman Interior Design & Wheeler Design Group
Photographer: Nick Vasilopoulos
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 12,000

Victorian

By bringing renowned designer Atelier Ugo Sap’s vision to life, we delivered on the client’s request for something different. Integrating modernism with twenty-first century technology, we added distinctive features throughout the three-story Pacific Heights Victorian, from hand-painted hardwood flooring to exquisite custom-plastered ceilings. As featured in Architectural Digest, the updated classic style is visible at every turn, especially in the custom metal and glass elevator that ascends to the glass floored balcony and new roof deck capturing panoramic views of the City and the bay. Read more in Architectural Digest.

Architect: Atelier Ugo Sap
Landscape Architect: Peter Tarne
Designer: James Marzo Design
Photographer: Matthew Millman
Location: San Francisco
Square Footage: 8,300

Northgate

This modern hilltop home was designed to showcase the client’s diverse art collection and unique decor. The home sits on one acre, has an open layout with clean lines and ceiling elevation changes which identify different rooms. Our clients wanted their art to remain a focus throughout the house so subtle materials and colors were used to create a clean slate to highlight their collection. The landscape, architecture and interiors all flow together seamlessly. Living in California, our clients are conscious about saving water so the landscaping is drought tolerant and the plants require little to no water. The same modern and linear style inside the house continues outside with an infinity edge reflection pond surrounded by Gingko trees. A new site drainage system was installed and designed to collect all surface and sub-surface storm water which releases slowly into one of the two dissipation tanks located on the property.

Architect: Walker & Moody Architects
Landscape Architect: Suzman Architects
Designer: Douglas Durkin Design
Photographer: Tom Seawell Photography
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 11,500

Tripp

Originally a winery, we renovated this historic building for clients seeking a weekend retreat away from the City. By underpinning and reinforcing the stone walls with concrete, we brought the building up to current seismic code. We also procured and integrated several artifacts specified by our client, including a confessional door from a cathedral in Europe and beams salvaged from a barn in Pennsylvania. We completed the transformation by building a new master bedroom under the eaves, a freestanding art studio/sitting room, and a cozy guesthouse opening onto the clay tennis court. The result is a house that’s every bit as majestic as it is inviting. Read more in Architectural Digest.

Architect: J.E. Caldwell Architect
Landscape Architect: Todd R. Cole Landscape Architecture
Designer: Tucker & Marks
Photographer: Don Roper & Matthew Millman
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 3,800

Chamisal

This magnificent home full of exceptional craftsmanship and quality sits on 35 acres with 2.5 acres of manicured homeland. Fully immersed in natural beauty, the estate brings in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Carmel Valley. We built a golf cart path for the homeowners to travel easily between the main house, caretaker’s residence and garages. Resawn Douglas fir ceilings, reclaimed exterior siding boards and the corten steel roof on the structures add special elements. Water features and ponds complete this private estate.

Architect: Remick Associates
Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects
Designer: Stephanie Sendell
Photographer: Marc Howard
Location: Carmel
Square Footage: 6,000

Meadow House

PCH completed a renovation of this magnificent equestrian 1940s Mediterranean estate. The property features a historic octagonal barn with 10 stalls, an apple orchard, natural grasses, meadows and a formal lawn. Our team is proud of the craftsmanship that went into remodeling the great room which includes an elevated media/library area. The project included a renovation of the master suite, new exercise room, balconies, fencing, great room, stairs, master bath, and rooftop deck. The new pool completed the beautiful grounds which also has a well for irrigation.

Architect: Charlie Barnett Associates
Designer: Tucker & Marks
Photographer: Bernard Andre
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Square Footage: 6,050 sq. ft.