Representing a property that changes the conversation around luxury real estate is the kind of moment I always hoped for when I started working in the Peninsula market. Villa de Verano is one of those rare estates. It spans 12.5 acres in Hillsborough and has now earned features in both The Wall Street Journal and Robb Report. These features highlight the scale, design, and vision that shape this property into something you do not see often, even in Silicon Valley.
This recognition goes far beyond attention for a single listing. It reflects a long creative process that brought together architecture, planning, and craftsmanship over many years. As someone who works closely with high end buyers on the Peninsula, I am glad to share the story behind Villa de Verano and why its national recognition matters for anyone looking for the highest level of California living.
A Legacy of Excellence: From Bing Crosby to Villa de Verano
Earlier this year, I represented the sale of Bing Crosby’s Northern California chateau. That property reminded me that truly exceptional homes carry stories that go deeper than the numbers on a listing sheet. They show a piece of history, a sense of place, and a feeling that stays with you.
Villa de Verano continues this kind of legacy in Hillsborough. The town has long been a quiet base for leaders in media, finance, and technology. Having a property in this location featured by major national publications speaks to how rare it is and how much interest it inspires across the country.
The Making of a Masterpiece: A Decade of Perfection
Villa de Verano took close to a decade to bring to life. The original vision was shaped with great detail, beginning with a long wish list provided to the architect, Andrew Skurman of Skurman Architects. There were also pages of features to avoid. That kind of clarity shows why the end result feels so intentional.
Construction finished in 2010. The design pulls from two strong influences. One is the formal gardens of Italy’s Lake Como. The other is the Spanish Colonial Revival style shaped by George Washington Smith, whose work helped define California luxury in the early twentieth century. Together, these influences created a 17,000 square foot residence set high above the Bay with views of Mt. Diablo and the San Francisco skyline.
Architectural Excellence and Thoughtful Design
Designer Suzanne Tucker of Tucker and Marks Design played a central role in shaping the interiors. The design blends traditional elements with modern comfort. Grand public rooms work for large gatherings while private family spaces feel warm and welcoming. The kitchen sits under a coffered wood ceiling and leads into a bright breakfast nook. A fireside family room opens to a terrace with views across the Peninsula.
Several features stood out in The Wall Street Journal and Robb Report coverage, including:
• Six bedrooms and seven full bathrooms, along with ten powder rooms
• A 2,100 gallon saltwater aquarium that acts as a living art piece
• A full fitness center and spa
• A theatre with fabric lined walls and a tented ceiling
• A game room with a wet bar and direct access to the pool
These details help explain why the property drew national attention. They show the level of detail behind every part of the estate.
Grounds That Redefine Estate Living
Villa de Verano extends far beyond the main residence. The property unfolds across 12.5 acres of gardens, recreation areas, and quiet natural spaces. Paths move through a redwood grove and under small bridges, giving the estate a storybook feel.
The grounds include:
• A two story guesthouse
• An executive length golf course
• A 150 seat amphitheatre
• Expansive lawns for events
• Loggias with sweeping views
• An Asian garden with a koi pond
• A large reflecting pond with an open air pavilion and fountains inspired by the Bellagio
The sports complex adds another level of amenity, with:
• A championship tennis court
• Courts for shuffleboard, bocce, pickleball, volleyball, and badminton
• A putting green
• A horseshoe pit
• A two story pavilion with dressing rooms and bathrooms
Finding this range of activities on private residential land is extremely rare. It gives the estate the feel of a private resort.
Setting New Standards in Silicon Valley Real Estate
The coverage in The Wall Street Journal and Robb Report looks not only at the design but also at the potential market impact. With an asking price of 88 million dollars, Villa de Verano could set a new record in Hillsborough. The current record has stood since 2000 at 37.5 million dollars.
This value reflects more than size or amenities. It shows how location, architecture, land, design history, and privacy come together to create something that is almost impossible to replicate. Hillsborough has long been a home for people who value both privacy and access. Past residents include William Randolph Hearst, Bing Crosby, and more recently, leaders in the technology world.
National recognition confirms that this property belongs among the great estates of California.
Why National Media Coverage Matters for Luxury Buyers
When properties appear in major lifestyle and financial publications, it tells buyers something important. These estates are vetted for design significance, context, and long term value. Features in The Wall Street Journal and Robb Report help position a property as not only rare, but also meaningful in a broader cultural sense.
For a buyer interested in Villa de Verano, the national coverage supports the estate’s position as a landmark property. It signals that this is a home with staying power, both in the market and in California’s architectural story.
The Jennifer Gilson Advantage in Luxury Real Estate
Representing the Crosby estate and now Villa de Verano reflects the trust placed in my work in the Peninsula luxury market. Clients who work with me benefit from:
• Access to exclusive and off market listings
• Discreet guidance for high profile buyers
• Deep knowledge of Hillsborough, Atherton, and nearby communities
• Global reach through the Sotheby’s International Realty network
• A strong background in architectural and design history
When national publications highlight properties I represent, it reinforces the value of expertise, care, and privacy in the luxury space.
A Property for the Discerning Few
Villa de Verano is not designed for the general market. It appeals to buyers who appreciate architectural detail, privacy, and land that cannot be duplicated in today’s Peninsula landscape. It works for intimate family living and for hosting large gatherings. It also suits buyers who want a home that brings recreation, wellness, and entertainment into one private setting.
Finding the right new steward for a property of this scale requires understanding what makes it so special. Every feature reflects a long, detailed creative process.
Experience Villa de Verano
For qualified buyers who want to experience a complete estate lifestyle in Silicon Valley, private showings are available by appointment. The gardens, the architecture, the views, and the amenities all come together in a way that can only be understood in person.
Villa de Verano offers a chance to own one of the most carefully designed estates in California. Its features in The Wall Street Journal and Robb Report are more than recognition, they highlight how the estate represents a decade of vision, planning, and execution at the highest level.
If you’d like to learn more about Villa de Verano or discuss your goals in the Peninsula luxury market, I’d be glad to share more details and guide you through the next steps.
