Living in a Home Near the Trail

When Danville resident Jessica Fribley walked into my open house last week and told me that she enjoyed reading my Patch articles, I took the opportunity to pick her brain. What, I asked, do love most about your house? 

I was hoping for a new theme idea for this column, and Jessica’s answer didn't disappoint. It was unpredictable and delightful and inspired today’s theme. Jessica's Danville townhouse is right on the Iron Horse Trail. She loves living on the Trail.

My eyes lit up—living near the Trail is truly wonderful and one of the main reasons that westside Alamo and westside Danville homes remain so desirable. When my kids were little, we lived near the Trail in Alamo's westside, and I loved biking everywhere with the kids in the bike wagon.

It seemed the Trail went everywhere that I needed to be: to the grocery store, near their doctor (Kaiser Walnut Creek), all the parks where our playdates were. And best of all, considering the heavy weight in my bike wagon, the Trail is basically flat. I remember my kids saying "faster Mommy!" when I panted up the "hill" on the bridge over Ygnacio Valley Road. But that incline was the biggest challenge for me, and compared to a real hill, it doesn't compare.

When my kids were older, they rode their bikes and I kept up with them on my roller blades as we traveled to and from Rancho Romero Elementary.  The Trail was one of things I loved best about living in that house.

But while our house was a block or so away from the Trail, and we enjoyed the proximity for the access to everywhere, Jessica enjoys the energy she feels from the people on the Trail from her home.

"People don't realize they are jogging and biking right past people's bedrooms," she said.  "They are singing with their iPod and don't consider they are running by people who can hear them. I love waking up to the sound of someone singing as they run. I love the good positive energy of people out having fun."

The Iron Horse Trail is a wonderful part of our community for so many reasons; for detailed information about the Trail, see this link. But there are other trails too, and here are some homes that all enjoy Trail proximity.

Alamo

101 La Serena Ave. is offered by Rick Fiset of Re/Max Accord. This is a 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom plus 2 ½ baths home with 4,200 square feet and situated on a .35 acre lot. It is a large traditional home with curb appeal, lots of spacious rooms (the property website includes a floorplan). The backyard has a pool and pool house, and the home sits adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail, and just a hop and a skip over the bridge on the trail to Hemme Avenue to the Elementary school, or a short stroll in the other direction to the Alamo Plaza for shopping or restaurants. Priced at $1,350,000. Visit the property’s website. Open Sunday 1:00 – 4:00. For showings or questions, please call Rick at 925-362-0415.

Danville

195 Whispering Trees Lane is offered by JuDee Bell and Dennis Harvey of J. Rockcliff. Located near delightful downtown Danville and the Iron Horse Trail, this is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with 3,549 square feet on a ½ acre lot. The location is excellent at the end of a cul-de-sac, and in the desirable westside of Danville. It has beautiful millwork and crown molding throughout; with lovely hardwood floors, and a nicely updated kitchen with stainless appliances and granite countertops. Priced at $1,299,950. See the virtual tour. Open Sunday 1 – 4 p.m.. For showings or more information, please call JuDee at 925-855-4022 or Dennis at 925-855-4059.

San Ramon

7265 Sedgefield Ave is offered by Sharon King of Better Homes and Gardens. This is a 3 bedrooms, 2 bath homes with 1288 sq feet, backing to the Iron Horse Trail with gate access. The home has a low-maintenance yard with decks. The side yard could accomodate a small RV/boat. Zoned for award winning San Ramon Schools. Priced at $439,000. For showings or more information, please call Sharon at 925-577-1196.

Dublin

6427 Ebensburg Lane is offered by Lisa Doyle of J. Rockcliff. This is a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with 1830 sq feet, located in Echo Park and backing to an off-shoot of the Iron Horse Trail. Lots of privacy with no rear neighbors, and an open floorplan that feels spacious. The home is nicely updated with fresh paint and new windows. See the virtual tour. Priced at $469,900. For showings or more information, please call Lisa at 925-855-4046.

Pleasanton

4108 GEORGIS Place is offered by Gina Piper of Better Homes. This is a two bedroom, two bath, 1064-sqar- foot townhome built in 1995. It has a nice corner location in the complex. The high ceilings and abundant windows make the home light and bright. Situated near the pool and close to a walking trail giving easy access to shopping, restaurants, and BART. The dog-friendly trail leads to a few parks, including Creekside Park which has barbecue pits, picnic tables, sand volleyball court, basketball court, handball wall, large play structure, and a softball field. See the virtual tour. Priced at $332,000. Open Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call Gina at 925-463-6177.

Livermore

2211 Bluffs Court is offered by Jennifer Malakoff and Chester Hall of Alain Pinel. This is a five bedroom, three bathroom home with 3,137 square feet on a 1/3 acre lot with a pool. Located in The Bluffs neighborhood, this home was built in 2000. It has a large kitchen with center island and stainless appliances. The home is just steps away from Brushy Peak Regional Park : a favorite of hikers and bikers, it is well known by locals, but one of Livermore's best-kept secrets. Immediately west of the Bluffs HOA is the Livermore Area Park and Recreation District's Garaventa Wetlands Preservel. Because of the Bluffs’ proximity to so much local wildlife, there is a featured greenbelt within the HOA that allows local critters to move through the area in protected habitat, creating a great balance between suburban living and protecting our natural resources. Priced at $699,950. See the virtual tour. Open Sunday 1:30 to  5 p.m. For showings or more information, please call Jennifer at 925-525-3456 or Chester at 925-583-1122.