Living off the Land in Your New Home

This is my last House Hunt column to be submitted to Danville Patch’s delightful editor, Liz Shemaria, so I wanted to find a theme that could be in her honor. Next week, House Hunt will continue as usual, but we will have new editors on the job.

I asked Liz what she would consider a great feature in a home, and she had a wonderful answer: A backyard with fruit trees and a vegetable garden.  She said she enjoys the fig tree in her backyard today — and would love to have more fruit trees and a place for a garden.

So with a fond farewell to Liz, let’s explore a few homes that she might enjoy gardening in.

Alamo

1437 Twelve Oaks Court is offered by Susanne Smith and Gretchen Scheid of Alain Pinel. This is a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom, 3,357 square foot home on a large 2/3 acre lot. There are nice details in this home such as hardwood floors throughout. The bedrooms are all large with a separate entrance to one bed/bath combination. There is an amazing total of 16 sets of doors that lead outdoors: to courtyards, and to the gardens. In the back of the lot, there is a large garden area that is patterned after those at Mt Vernon (in fact, in the kitchen of this home, you'll see a map of the Mt Vernon gardens hanging on the wall). This garden includes vegetables and fruit trees: apple, pear, peach, plum, two kinds of persimmons, and fig trees. The backyard includes a lovely pool, and the Iron Horse Trail is a nearby convenience. Priced at $1,175,000. See the virtual tour. For showings, please call Susanne at 925-683-8238 or Gretchen at 925-323-7450.

Danville

80 Saint Ramon Court is offered by Larry Williams of J. Rockcliff. This is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1,932 square feet on a 1/5 acre lot. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac in the South Danville area with wood laminate flooring and crown molding throughout. The spacious living room features recessed lighting and a vaulted ceiling. A cheerful, bright kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances and a huge double pantry. Sliding French doors from the family room and kitchen lead outdoors to the backyard and hot tub. The yard includes mature fruit trees and a large open area that is suitable for a vegetable garden. Open House Sunday 1pm - 4pm. See the virtual tour. Priced at $649,000. For showings or more information, please call Larry at 925-984-3932.

San Ramon

510 Cartagena Lane is offered by Jerry Moriarty of J. Rockcliff. This is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with 2,585 square feet on a 1/5 acre lot. Located in the Twin Creek neighborhood, this home has been extensively remodeled. The kitchen has granite countertops, stainless appliances, and new cabinetry. The home has new plumbing and electrical, plus dual pane windows. The private backyard has a vegetable garden and fruit trees (including plum & apple), plus a play area and large patio. Priced at $739,000. For showings or more information, please call Jerry at 925-855-4107.

Dublin

11808 Southwick Court is offered by Gary Schwaegerle of Schwaegerle Realty. This is a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2,172 square foot home on a generous .22 acre lot. The backyard is private with mature redwoods, fruit trees, and lovely gardens. Built in 1985, this home has only had one owner with a very green thumb, and the pride of ownership shows. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops and stainless appliances. There is a detached garden house that could be used as an office. Priced at $678,999. See the virtual tour. Open on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. For showings or more information, please call Gary at 925-462-3221.

Pleasanton

6610 Arlington Dr. is offered by Sammy Shrimall of Re/Max Aacer Realty. This is a custom 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with over 3,800 square feet on a 1/2 acre lot in Carriage Gardens. The backyard has a garden area and fruit trees, also a beautiful pool with spa and waterfall. The fruit trees include: mandarin orange, tangerine, lemon, fig, cherry, apricot, white peach, and plum. The home has fabulous views and a gourmet kitchen with high-end stainless appliances, cherry cabinetry, walk-in pantry, and a large center island. There are fine details throughout the home, including beautiful millwork and a master bathroom with steam shower. Priced at $1,339,000. Open this Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For other showings or more information, please call Sammy at 925-487-0325.

Livermore

4851 Scenic Ave. is offered by Jennifer Malakoff of Alain Pinel. The home is only two years old, but has the charm of a Victorian Farmhouse with a wrap-around porch. It has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 3,200 square feet. Situated on a ½ acre lot with many fruit trees and a small vineyard. Perfect for the farmer-at-heart, with all the conveniences of a modern home and proximity to town. Priced at $649,950. See the virtual tour. For more information, call Jennifer at 925-583-1122.