262 Glorietta Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563

OVERVIEW

Tucked away in the rolling hills of the East Bay lies the community of Orinda, known for its verdant scenery, excellent schools, and a population that Forbes Magazine has rated one of America’s very friendliest. Among Orinda’s winding streets is Glorietta Boulevard, where you’ll find house number 262, a 3,632 square-foot (3428 sqft+204 sqft for the zoom room+walk-in closet), 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home with additional office space, and a detached garage, all situated on nearly a half-acre of artfully terraced land. Offering a rural ambiance within an easy commute of Berkeley, San Francisco, and other communities on the Bay, it offers the best of all worlds, combining a picturesque small town and pristine natural spaces with all the convenience of a major metropolitan area.

Upon arriving at 262 Glorietta Boulevard, you’ll be charmed by the gracious approach to the home, its weathered brick walkway leading through the gently shaded front yard to the gracefully arched front door. The classic appeal continues within, where the foyer impresses with an exposed-beam ceiling, generous wainscoting, a stately staircase, and the gorgeous hardwood floors found throughout the first story. A suite of wonderful gathering spaces defines the entry-level, including a living room with a fireplace and dramatic cathedral ceiling and a family room connected to the formal dining room by a second, double-sided fireplace.

Directly adjoining the family room is an inviting chef’s kitchen outfitted with all-new appliances, including a 5-burner gas range, as well as a combined butler’s pantry and laundry room. Harlequin tile graces the hood above the range, the counter splashes, and the family room hearth, providing a point of visual continuity along with subtle bursts of color. A bar with seating and a separate buffet—perfect for entertaining—complete the transition between the kitchen and family room. Throughout the entry-level, you’ll find ample windows, as well as sliding doors opening onto the backyard patio for dining and lounging in Orinda’s pleasant Mediterranean climate. The lower level also features an additional office space set apart from the home for additional peace and quiet, as well as 3 bedrooms, including a guest room with a newly remodeled en-suite bathroom in marble tile.

On the second level, you’ll find similarly generous spaces, beginning with the seating area at the top of the stairs. While one of the upstairs bedrooms features an enormous walk-in closet completely lined with cedar, the other has both a gas fireplace and a luxurious, spa-like bathroom featuring a double sink, large whirlpool tub, and a separate shower enclosure. Owing to the home’s hillside location, the upstairs also offers direct access to the yard, in addition to extensive balcony decks. Mature fruit trees and rose bushes adorn the beautifully landscaped slope, growing alongside a newly installed fountain and waterfall, itself surrounded with a patio in an earthy slate. Expertly constructed planter boxes allow you to easily raise your own herbs and vegetables. A permanent hammock stand, a porch swing for two, and a striking modern gazebo offer distinct ways of enjoying the exhilarating views into the hills.

While the backyard can be your own little paradise, the hills beyond will also beckon. The home is less than a quarter-mile from Lafayette Reservoir, featuring excellent hiking and boating opportunities. And it’s not much further from Orinda Oaks Park and Siesta Valley Recreation Area, among other highly regarded public lands. Glorietta Elementary School is just a 2-minute walk from the front door and the Meadow Swim & Tennis Club is just 8 minutes away on foot. Hop in the car for a 7-minute drive to the Orinda BART station for speedy access to the entire region, including downtown Berkeley, San Francisco International Airport, and the city of San Francisco. At 262 Glorietta Boulevard, you can enjoy the best of both town and country living, all from one enviable address.