$4,435,102Average Value$1,525Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
A community of high-value homes that emphasize the surrounding nature
Portola Valley, nestled into the wooded hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains on the San Francisco Peninsula, is a picturesque town of spacious, multimillion-dollar homes that is known for its extensive network of protected trails that highlights the community’s natural beauty. “To stop future development and to preserve what many people felt was a very, very special place, the town was incorporated in 1964,” says Hugh Cornish, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty and longtime town resident. “It’s an unusual place in the sense that it is one of the richest zip codes in the country, but the wealth is very quiet, very reserved. There’s a big emphasis on the natural environment here. We have a tremendous amount of open space.” The town also has its own school district, which features an array of top-rated schools, both public and private, and it is conveniently located on the doorstep of Silicon Valley, just west of Stanford University and adjacent to Interstate 280.
Midcentury modern designs blend into the natural environment
Quiet and reserved also applies to the town’s housing, at least in relation to surrounding communities that are known for their large, garish homes. Portola Valley features a variety of relatively understated homes on oversized lots, generally priced between $2 million and $9 million. Sleek midcentury modern designs are prominent in both established homes and new constructions. “When the area was first being developed in the 1950s and ‘60s, even before incorporation, there was a focus on contemporary architecture that was ahead of its time. It was avant-garde, but it’s never been ostentatious,” says Cornish. “It’s always been more conservative than surrounding areas because the homes seem to blend in to the natural environment very well.” Foremost among the midcentury-modern designs are Eichler homes, built by famed Bay Area developer Joseph Eichler. Ranch-style homes nestled into the mountains, sprawling contemporary custom homes in dedicated subdivisions and quaint renovations can also be found. The residential aesthetic, like the natural environment, is protected. “There are a number of restrictions in architectural styles and sizes because officials want to keep the town looking like it did 50 years ago,” says Cornish. That means the town’s newest homes can offer modern touches, but they must adhere to the restrictions and can’t stray too far from Portola Valley's signature look. “Even now, if you want to build a home in Portola Valley, the process takes a little longer.”
Portola Valley has very large modern homes.
Ranch style homes are common in Portola Valley.
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Protected trails and a popular community center provide recreation
The trail network is concentrated in the southern half of town, starting just south of Alpine Road, Portola Valley’s main thoroughfare. Part of the town’s development included an agreement with the developer that this section of Portola Valley would be preserved as open space in perpetuity so residents would always have access to the trails, which wind their way through the Coal Mine Ridge Nature Preserve. Hikers are exposed to a variety of native plants and animals along the trails, but they must stay on the designated paths at all times, and bicycles and dogs are not allowed. These rules are strictly enforced to ensure that the tranquility of the preserve is not disturbed. The Alpine Trail also can be accessed in town, and it leads to the adjacent Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. For more contemporary recreation, residents have access to the Alpine Hills Tennis and Swimming Club, which is anchored by 12 tennis courts and three pools of various sizes and includes a clubhouse, fitness center and playground. Portola Valley offers an activity-filled Town Center as well. It provides residents with a library that hosts community events including weekly family storytime, monthly Crafturday sessions and other regular activities such as Lego Club and tai chi class. The center’s community hall offers fitness classes that include yoga, aerobics and jazz dance; and recreational amenities that provide opportunities to play soccer, softball and tennis.
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve features hiking trails in the neighborhood of
Portola Valley
Portola Valley has a wonderful library.
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A historic eatery anchors the community's dining options
The retail and dining options that can be found in town are concentrated along Alpine Road. Roberts Market offers not only groceries and sundries, but its deli is a popular place to pick up a meal for those on the go. Rossotti’s Alpine Inn is a quaint eatery that serves up comfort food classics and is known not only for its popular beer garden but also for its tavern, whose roots can be traced to 1852.
Portola Valley's Alpine Inn is a great place to go grab lunch..
Alpine Inn is a great place to grab a beer in Portola Valley.
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Students have access to highly rated public and private schooling
Portola Valley’s public school district includes Ormondale Elementary, an A-rated school by Niche, and Corte Madera, a middle school given an A-plus by Niche. Nearby Woodside High School is part of the Sequoia Union district, but don’t worry, it’s A-rated as well. For those interested in private school, the town is home to Woodside Priory, a co-ed college preparatory school for students in sixth through 12th grades, and Woodland School, an independent day school that serves special needs students in preschool through eighth grade.
Ormondale Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of
Portola Valley
The front of Woodside High School Oak Knoll.
Woodside Priory provides private education in the neighborhood of
Portola Valley
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Main roadways provides easy work commutes to Silicon Valley
Portola Valley is just minutes from the heart of Silicon Valley and Stanford University, which results in an eclectic group of residents. “There’s an interesting mix of people and professions,” says Cornish. “Nearby is 3000 Sand Hill, known as the venture headquarters of the world, so you have residents working in venture capital, high tech, biotech. And with Stanford University nearby, there are a lot of professors and doctors. It’s a large cross-section.” Alpine Road becomes Sand Hill Road just north of town, providing convenient access to the many venture capital and tech jobs in the area. Additionally convenient is that Interstate 280 can be accessed even closer to town via Alpine Road, allowing for travel north toward San Francisco or east to San Jose.
Electric car charging is easy accessible in Portola Valley.
Cyclists and cars share the roads in Portola Valley.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Sean Viray
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sunaina Arora,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Portola Valley, CA sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Portola Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $4,250,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Originally the 1912 gatehouse to Willowbrook Farm, this iconic compound was expanded and totally rebuilt in 2012. This "Home of the Future" is within a storied stone envelope, set on 1.13 flat, gated acres. The over 5,000sf compound features soaring ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, individually climate-controlled rooms, including the wine/library lower level, and a finished attic retreat. The
Nestled along coveted Alamos Road in the prestigious Westridge area, this extraordinary property was refurbished top to bottom; presenting a rare opportunity to own a private retreat in one of the Peninsula's most exclusive neighborhoods. Set on nearly 2.75 acres of serene, country-like grounds, this exceptional estate offers unmatched privacy, tranquility, & breathtaking panoramic bay views; all
Welcome to Portola Valley! Situated on a lovely, quiet & cul-de-sac & situated in the highly desirable Ladera community! This home has1,560 +/- sq ft. of living space & sits on a 9,600 +/- sft. flat lot w/views & within the highly rated Las Lomitas Elementary school district. The residence offers three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, including a primary bedroom with a walk-in closet and a stall
Set on a rare, relatively flat .28-acre cul-de-sac lot in the heart of Ladera, this 4BD/3BA home offers an ideal blend of location, layout, and everyday livability. Quiet, safe, and incredibly convenient, it's just a short stroll to the Recreation Center with pool, tennis, and more, as well as the Ladera Shopping Centers restaurants, cafés, and grocery, with easy access to Highway 280. The home
Far-reaching views of Coal Mine Ridge define this beautifully remodeled home at Portola Valley Ranch, set on nearly one-half acre. Expanses of glass, soaring ceilings, and dramatic skylights fill the interiors with light and volume, while fine hardwood floors underscore a cohesive, modern aesthetic throughout the open main level. Indoor-outdoor living extends across both levels with expansive
Originally the 1912 gatehouse to Willowbrook Farm, this iconic compound was expanded and totally rebuilt in 2012. This "Home of the Future" is within a storied stone envelope, set on 1.13 flat, gated acres. The over 5,000sf compound features soaring ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, individually climate-controlled rooms, including the wine/library lower level, and a finished attic retreat. The
This home personifies tranquility. Nestled in a serene country setting just minutes from I-280 and top-rated Portola Valley schools, this beautifully updated 6-bedroom, 2- Office 3+-bathroom custom designed home perfectly balances rural privacy with modern convenience. The interior boasts an expansive, light-filled atmosphere defined by cathedral ceilings and large windows that frame the
Peter CowperthwaiteGolden Gate Sotheby's International Realty
Rarely available estate, located in the highly sought-after Westridge neighborhood of Portola Valley. This lovely home is set on 3.86 serene acres w/ majestic oaks and offers a panoramic view of the SF Bay from Stanford to Mount Diablo. Enjoy a picturesque vista from the main home and newly built, stunning ADU. A gated driveway escorts you to a light-filled home highlighted by an open concept
Perched on a knolltop within prestigious Blue Oaks, this luxurious estate epitomizes elegance and exclusivity. Set on 2.53 acres of naturally organic beauty, this residence offers unparalleled privacy and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. A true sanctuary, the home seamlessly blends sophisticated design with the tranquility of its natural surroundings. The expansive living room, bathed
Nestled along coveted Alamos Road in the prestigious Westridge area, this extraordinary property was refurbished top to bottom; presenting a rare opportunity to own a private retreat in one of the Peninsula's most exclusive neighborhoods. Set on nearly 2.75 acres of serene, country-like grounds, this exceptional estate offers unmatched privacy, tranquility, & breathtaking panoramic bay views; all
On the market for the first time, this exceptional Craftsman home is located in prestigious Blue Oaks, an enclave of estate homes surrounded by 285 acres of open space & trails. Built by Chessler Construction in 2003, the home showcases timeless architecture, exquisite woodwork, & a flexible multi-level floor plan designed for today's lifestyle. Set on approx. 1.29 acres, the property enjoys a
TRI-LEVEL ESTATE OFFERS POOL HOUSE, 3+ ACRES | Transport yourself to the East Coast in this incomparable custom estate. Gated acreage framed by California oaks reveals an exquisite Shingle-style home surrounded by bridges, enchanting gardens, a three-car garage, and fully functional pool house with pool and spa. Faced by a circular gravel drive, the tri-level main residence built in 2010 has been
Build your dream home on this approx. 4.2-acre undeveloped country parcel situated adjacent to Portola Valley on Santa Clara County land just up from the Ladera Shopping Center shops and restaurants. The lot is surrounded by open space, Stanford lands and the gently flowing Los Trancos Creek and is in the Palo Alto Unified School District.
Build your dream home on this approx. 4.2-acre undeveloped country parcel situated adjacent to Portola Valley on Santa Clara County land just up from the Ladera Shopping Center shops and restaurants. The lot is surrounded by open space, Stanford lands and the gently flowing Los Trancos Creek and is in the Palo Alto Unified School District.
Discover the perfect blend of nature and modern convenience at 1019 Los Trancos Road in the peaceful Los Trancos Woods neighborhood. This charming home, built in 1930, offers 1,770 SF of versatile living space (per the Seller) in two buildings with freshly painted exteriors. The 1,225 SF main house features three bedrooms and two baths, with vaulted ceilings and skylights that invite abundant
Set on approximately half an acre in the Los Trancos neighborhood, 21 Old Spanish Trail offers a rare opportunity to lease a private retreat surrounded by natural beauty. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence blends comfort and sophistication with light-filled interiors and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Spacious living and dining areas create an inviting setting for both
Ginny KavanaughColdwell Banker Realty
$5,500 per month
Beautiful 2BD/2BA ADU in Peaceful Portola Valley Setting
Nestled on a serene and expansive lot in the heart of Portola Valley, this beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ADU offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and peaceful living. Tucked privately behind the main residence and surrounded by mature trees, the home provides a quiet retreat with a unique sense of privacy and natural beauty.Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed
$4,950 per month
1 Bed
750 Sq Ft
Tucked away on a premier Westridge estate in Portola Valley, this fully furnished, beautifully appointed guesthouse offers privacy, comfort, and a serene retreat surrounded by natural beauty on approximately 4.9 acres and with stunning Windy Hill views. Thoughtfully designed with light-filled interiors and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the guesthouse features spacious living areas, a
LOCATION: 683-A Old La Honda Rd, WoodsideRENTWISE PRESENTS: Escape to your private Redwood retreat in this updated 1 bedroom + loft guest cottage, just minutes from Hwy 280!PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:* Completely detached guest cottage - enjoy privacy and tranquility* 1 bedroom + loft -- Spacious primary suite with en-suite bathroom -- Private loft - ideal for a home office
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Portola Valleys most desirable neighborhoods, this inviting fully furnished home offers privacy, comfort, and a seamless connection to its natural surroundings. Thoughtfully designed with generous living spaces, the residence is filled with natural light and framed by serene views of mature trees and landscaped grounds. The main living areas flow
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