Shopping for a Home on a Cul-de-Sac

I have such fond memories of playing “Red Light, Green Light” and “Mother May I?” as a kid — not on the street I grew up on (a busy corner in Denver), but when visiting my cousins in New Jersey, on their delightful cul-de-sac. After dinner and until dark, all the kids would gather in the street and play.

You’ll say that’s a nice memory from another era, and you might be right, but I know my kids will look back on their childhood with fond memories of playing in the street in front of the house we lived in when they were small. It was on a quiet lane in Alamo and the kids would race each other up and down the street — while moms looked on.

I had one of those bright yellow “kids at play” signs that I would prop up in the street to alert the infrequent car. The games have changed (my kids probably never heard of “Red Light, Green Light”), but the fun in the street continues.

Here are some homes for sale with nice cul-de-sac locations that would be perfect for the kids:

Alamo

136 Byerley Court is my new listing in Alamo, and a great example of quiet cul-de-sac living. With a basketball hoop in the court, you can easily imagine how enjoyable the end-of-court location is. This five bedroom, four bathroom home has 3,751 square feet and is in Stonebridge Estates. It’s a rare Alamo neighborhood that doesn’t have freeway noise. This neighborhood is one of the few that is completely tranquil — a quiet location at the foot of Mount Diablo. This large executive home has soaring ceilings and elegant finishes. The optional fifth bedroom is downstairs, currently used as an office, and has an attached full bath. The back yard feels like a resort with a spectacular pool (a Hawkins pebble tech with beach entry and waterfall). Priced at $1,509,000. See the virtual tour. This home will be open Sunday from 1-4 p.m., or call me for a showing at 925-285-1728.

Danville

40 Trish Court is offered by Dotti Lovato of Sotheby’s Realty. This is a four bedroom home with three bathrooms and 3,674 square feet on a .46 acre lot. In addition to a nice cul-de-sac location, this home is set on a private lot. The back yard is beautifully landscaped and has a lovely pool with waterfalls. The kitchen has granite countertops and stainless appliances. This is a two-story home with most bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs bedroom, plus an office. There are maple hardwood floors and plantation shutters throughout the home. Priced at $1,295,000. See the virtual tour. For showings or more information, call Dotti at 925-323-1411.

San Ramon

3912 Jamie Place is offered by Joe Norton and Lindy Penfold of Alain Pinel. This is a five bedroom, three bath home with 4,000 square feet and a four-car garage located in Windemere. Once a model home, this newer home is loaded with upgrades. Enjoy the cul-de-sac location across from a park, plus a private back yard with Mount Diablo views. For guests, there is a bedroom/bathroom on the first floor. The ample square footage includes a bonus room, and formal dining and living rooms. Priced at $999,000. See the virtual tour. For showings or more information, call Joe at 925-785-1353 or Lindy at 925-413-3621.

Dublin

2668 Montelena Court is offered by Mia Teetsel of Better Homes. This newer home (built in 2009) has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,856 square feet with incredible views. The kitchen has granite countertops, a center island and stainless appliances. For guests, this two-story home has a bedroom and full bath on the first floor. Both the family room and the master suite feature surround sound. Priced at $775,000. See the virtual tour. For showings or more information, call Mia at 925-463-6130.

Pleasanton

1867 Sannita Court is offered by Uwe Maercz of J. Rockcliff. This is a five bedroom, five bathroom (plus two half baths) custom home in Ruby Hill with 7,340 square feet on a .58 acre lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. It has beautiful views and large bedrooms and there is a guest suite downstairs. The entry is gorgeous with a stunning dual-staircase. There is a temperature-controlled wine cellar. The back yard includes a large koi pond and built-in BBQ. Priced at $2,675,000. See the virtual tour. For showings or more information, call Uwe at 925-360-8758.

Livermore

4627 Almond Circle is offered by Dorothy Broderson of Keller Williams. Technically not a cul-de-sac, but you get the same effect from this quiet circle of homes; a small community that includes a pool and tennis courts (HOA dues are $85/month). This is a five bedroom, three bath home with 2,738 square feet on a .32 acre lot. Two of the bedrooms are downstairs. The front of the house is dramatic with a large, covered circular driveway. The generous lot is beautifully landscaped with two large shaded patios. Priced at $668,800. See the virtual tour. For showings or more information, call Dorothy at 925-963-8800.