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More than 100 years since being built for Los Altos founder Paul Shoup, today this magnificent Craftsman landmark interprets the past with a vision of modern luxury. A true restoration, the romance of the era is still ever present yet every inch has been touched with a fresh chic sophistication most notably found only in new construction. This rare marriage of old and new invigorates the entire home with a crisp clean palette contrasted by rich walnut floors. Many new windows and doors, the best in designer lighting and wall coverings, custom-made cabinetry, and remarkable down-to-the-studs kitchen and bathrooms are just a sampling of this breathtaking, complete overhaul. As one would expect for the Silicon Valley life, every need has been addressed for media (down to the hidden television in the bathroom mirror), connectivity (including Google Wi-Fi on the ceilings), and EV charging in the garage.
The grounds are equally impressive spanning just over one-half acre and bordering a 6-acre redwood nature preserve for amazing privacy and sense of seclusion – yet the Village is a mere three-tenths of a mile away. And, with outstanding amenities for outdoor living and entertaining – a vast deck, brick patio, a pizza oven, and even a shared pool with 5 neighboring families – this is indeed an exceptional place to call home in Old Los Altos.
History
The Shoup House is an American Craftsman, shingle-style home built in 1910 for Paul Shoup, president of Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1920s and ’30s. Shoup was also a founding board member of the Stanford University School of Business in 1925 and the founder of the community of Los Altos. Between 1910 and 2002, there were just 3 owners of the property. In 2003, the home was restored to its former glory and then in 2016 the home was entirely renovated with chic luxurious style for modern living. The home was listed in 2011 in the National Register of Historic Places, the first Los Altos property to be added into the register.
The Mills Act
This property is currently under the guidelines of the Mills Act, which provides for a reduction in property taxes. Mills Act contracts are for 10 years initially, with automatic yearly extensions, and stay with the property when transferred. Subsequent owners are bound by the contract and have the same rights and obligations as the original owner who entered into the contract. The front façade facing University Avenue is protected, requiring that the owner maintain the façade as it has stood for 107 years. No public visits are required under the Shoup House’s Mills Act contract.
Located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains, Los Altos is one of the Bay Area's premier communities, due in large part to the city's natural beauty and convenient location between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Originally an agricultural town with many summer cottages, Los Altos is now a thriving bedroom community known for its beautiful parks and tree-lined streets. Country lanes run throughout the town and are lined with cozy ranch-style houses as well as larger, custom Mediterranean, contemporary, and traditional-style homes. To help maintain the small-town feel of the city, commercial zones within Los Altos are strictly limited to the downtown area and the small shopping and office parks lining Foothill Expressway and El Camino Real. Bucolic charm and unmatched location make Los Altos a great place to call home.
