See inside California’s ‘White House’ with oval office, rose garden. Price tag – $25M
A neoclassical Georgian Colonial—known as the “Western White House” in the Bay Area community of Hillsborough and designed by California’s first female architect—recently hit the market for $25 million.
“With historic grandeur rarely seen, Hillsborough’s ‘Western White House’‘ ranks among the region’s finest legacy estates,” according to the official property listing.
Julia Morgan, the first female licensed architect in the state, was also the first woman admitted to the famous l’École des Beaux-Arts architecture program in Paris. She gained notoriety after designing Hearst Castle. Morgan designed the Western White House on commission by the Hearst family. Built in 1915, it was once owned by George Hearst, the oldest son of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. In 1930, George Hearst brought in Bay Area architect Julia Morgan after the residence was badly damaged by fire.
The palatial 25,000-square-foot, 24-room residence sprawls across nearly 3 acres of manicured grounds and features 11 bedrooms, 11 full baths, four half-baths, a wine cellar, movie theater, gym and a library inspired by the Oval Office of the nation’s Capitol building in Washington, D.C., according to the listing.
The home, located south of San Francisco at 401 El Cerrito Avenue, Hillsborough, is spread over three levels.
Behind a gated entry, the estate’s yard presents fountains, trees, hedgerows and an expansive mosaic motorcourt offering ample parking. Towering pillars open to sprawling lawns, a rose garden and ivy arches surrounding a massive statue-studded pool, bathhouse and gazebo.
“Unmatched in pedigree and amenities, this is an estate truly fit for royalty,” the listing states.
“My favorite features are the rose garden (and) when walking around the perimeter you can take in the classic architecture from every angle, and the exterior features of the estate,” said listing agent Jennifer Gilson of Golden Gate Sotheby’s.
If the estate sells at its asking price, it would be Hillsborough’s highest sale ever, Gilson said.
The seller is Shailesh Mehta, former chairman and CEO of credit card issuer Providian Financial, who purchased the property in 1997 “with the vision of maintaining the property while remodeling to bring it up to today’s design and keeping its rich, cultural aesthetic,” Gilson said.
Mehta bought the mansion in 1997 for about $6 million, according to Zillow, and did some heavy remodeling.
“They made extensive renovations to the pool and interior while adding master suites at either end of the house to create a warm, luxurious environment for family and guests,” Gilson said
Gilson, who holds the listing with Max Lo Green Banker Realty, said Mehta is selling because “he’s relocated down south.”
This story was originally published October 29, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
