| Skywood/Skylonda, Woodside
Located in the western hills within the Town of Woodside, Skywood Acres is a community of 75 homes, many with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding foothills.
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"This is a community in the truest sense of the word," says Suzanne Muller, the Association's president. "We have an active board of directors, an Internet users group, hold a wonderful annual BBQ, throw Ladies' Nights get-togethers, and have a parent's group. I've never lived anywhere that has as much of a neighborhood feel as here."
Each home in the neighborhood was custom built on up to several acres of property. Architectural styles vary from mid-century modern to contemporary craftsman, with classic ranch styles predominating. Most older homes have been remodeled. Landscaping is also diversified, ranging from a preference for native species to patioed pool areas and formal Japanese gardens.
Skywood/Skylonda facts:
FIRE STATION: 3111 Woodside Road, Woodside
PARK: Wunderlich County Park, 4040 Woodside Road, Woodside
PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Portola Valley School District -- Ormondale School, 200 Shawnee Pass Road, Portola Valley Corte Madera School, 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley
Sequoia Union High School District -- Woodside High School, 199 Churchill Avenue, Woodside
SHOPPING DISTRICT: Four Corners, Highways 84 and 35 Woodside Road, Woodside and Redwood City
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: Skywood: $1,357,500 ($900,000-$1,625,000); Skylonda: $990,424 (($749,900-$1,400,000)
NO. OF HOMES SOLD: Skywood: 6; Skylonda: 6
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Skywood Association: Suzanne Muller, president, 650-529-1999; Skylonda Area Association: Sandra Bachman, president, 650-851-5135 |
Many residents regularly walk the five streets that comprise the neighborhood, or utilize local access to Wunderlich Park trails. Others take advantage of nearby cycling routes and horse trails. Matt Richter, a newer resident, enjoys that his back property line is on the Woodside Horse Trail. "My three-year-old, Alison, loves to watch horses ride by," he says.
Skywood Acres boasts its own award-winning boutique winery, the Chaine D'Or, and the Thomas Fogarty, Woodside and Kings Mountain Wineries are also close by. Local restaurants are within walking distance or a 10-minute drive to downtown Woodside. And with Highway 280 also just 10 minutes away, the entire Bay Area is quickly accessible.
"I love my short commute through the trees to my business on Sand Hill Road, convertible top down. It just starts my day in such a relaxed way," says 28-year resident, Kyung Yoon.
Bordering Skyline Boulevard is the wooded neighborhood of Skylonda.
"We have the freshest air anywhere," says Patty Mayall, who has lived here for more than 15 years. "You live far enough apart that it's a very peaceful place to reside," she adds.
For neighborhood communication, residents rely on a bulletin board posted at Four Corners, the name given to the busy intersection of Highways 84 and 35, where locals go to buy gas, convenience groceries and to dine. A recently opened art gallery offers a showcase for local professional artists. On the weekends, the Four Corners is also a popular meeting place for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and hikers. One can meet tourists from throughout the world who have been attracted to the beauty of the area.
Towering redwoods, wildlife and rural tranquility attracted San Franciscans to build summer homes in Skylonda in the earlier part of the 20th century. Today, "a lot of professionals, Stanford professors and doctors, artists and musicians" populate the area, says Ms. Mayall.
"It's a lovely little community," says Hertha Herrington, a Skylonda resident since 1985.
-- Kate Daly and Karen Canty |
