Christie's International Real Estate Presents Chiltern, An Elizabethan Manor With 21st-Century Comforts

Hillsborough, California—Secluded on more than six acres just minutes from the thriving heart of the world’s most vibrant technology and cultural centers, this stunning estate is the epitome of the house as a work of art and an embodiment of tradition. As one of the West Coast’s largest private residences, Chiltern also embraces the preservation of nature as its guiding principle, and reflects a deep appreciation and respect for the magnificent mature redwoods on its grounds. In addition to the impressive 36,000-square-foot (approximate) five-bedroom main house, the property offers three separate apartments, as well as an elegant guest house.

Completed in 1992, Chiltern combines Renaissance-era inspiration with state-of-the-art, progressive technology. The estate abounds with museum-quality artifacts such as carved wood and stone reliefs, armorials, and tracery. The 18-foot-high carved-oak panels in the stately grand salon incorporate 15th Century flamboyant Gothic doorways with other Renaissance elements. The sumptuous great hall’s lavish 17th Century panelling is from Wales’ Dyffryn House. Many of Chiltern’s 16 fireplaces have exquisitely carved mantels and fire surrounds also dating from the 17th Century.

“What sets Chiltern apart is that its old world elegance is enhanced by its progressive systems,” says Zack Wright, Christie’s International Real Estate Vice President, Western Region. Those systems include computer-controlled lighting, heating, and air conditioning, access control, and intercom. An elaborate security system features glass-breaking detectors on windows, motion detectors, video recorders, night cameras, and lasers. A professional-quality, elegantly appointed media room features a THX sound system. The serious chef will appreciate the commercial-grade appliances in the luxuriously detailed, efficiently designed kitchen.

“Chiltern is a testament to fine craftsmanship, both inside and out,” adds Wright. “Its dramatic Renaissance-age interiors are filled with artworks from the 16th, 17th, and 18th Centuries, and its construction is solidly and impeccably executed with modern touches that make it a superb family residence. The grounds and gardens mirror the same perfectionism as the home.”

More than 250 pieces of stained glass date from as early as the 13th Century, including the “St. Giles” and “St. Catherine” panels from the William Randolph Hearst collection. Many rooms feature beautiful marbles, granites, and onyx, as well as semiprecious stones such as tiger’s eye and 350-million-year-old fossil stone.

Chiltern’s luxurious grounds foster spiritual enrichment with 60-year-old gardens, a 50-tree orchard, numerous rose gardens, abundant walled English garden, lush maze garden, French parterre, greenhouse, koi garden, pond and waterfall, rose-covered arbors, fountains, gazebos, and nature trails. Stone walls, some as high as 25 feet, abound throughout the grounds. Amenities for the physically active include a 20- by 73-foot indoor pool, racquetball and squash court, tennis court, exercise area, and whirlpool bath.

The discerning eye will appreciate the property’s understated elegance and dedication to perfection, as well as the beauty inherent in Chiltern’s underlying element of historical drama.

Chiltern is offered for sale for $43,888,000 by Clay Herman Realtor, Inc., with international marketing services provided by Christie’s International Real Estate.