Fair Oaks estate overlooking river eyes the $4M club, may set record sale price
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fair Oaks estate lists at $4.5M, could become town’s priciest sale.
- Riverfront scarcity and nearly one-acre lot boost interest and record chance.
- Property targets high-end buyers with luxury finishes and resort amenities.
If the panoramic view of the American River doesn’t stop you in your tracks, the price tag might.
In a wooded bend of the river, tucked below Fair Oaks Village and invisible from main roads, a contemporary estate just hit the market for $4.5 million. It’s the most expensive home for sale in Fair Oaks.
The 5,100-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bathroom residence on nearly a one-acre lot is poised to rewrite the record books for the unincorporated community east of Sacramento. It’s not only the most expensive home for sale in Fair Oaks right now, but if it sells anywhere near the asking price, it will become the priciest residential sale the community has ever seen.
For the time being, the Tobia Way home purchased by California Gov. Gavin Newsom at the end of 2018 for $3.7 million holds the sales record. Newsom still owns the Fair Oaks property, according to public records, although his family now primarily resides in Marin County.
No sale has pushed the Fair Oaks community over the $4 million threshold — a psychological line that signals ultra-luxury in the Sacramento region that is now crossed with increasing frequency.
“A few years back, $4 million was a big threshold for the Sacramento region, but these days it’s more common,” Sacramento appraiser and housing analyst Ryan Lundquist said in an email.
On the cusp of $4 million
Since 2020, the region has seen 41 sales above $4 million on the Multiple Listing Service. Fair Oaks has not that mark, but it’s only a matter of time, Lundquist said.
Sacramento County has been home to 15.5% of the region’s sales of more than $4 million since 2020, compared to Placer at 65.5%, El Dorado at nearly 14%, and Yolo at about 5%.
The listing itself reads like a wish list for the upper tier of California buyers who want Northern California scenery without Bay Area price tags.
“This property is perched right along the American River,” Lundquist said. “Homes with river views in Fair Oaks Village don’t come up for sale very often. There have only been three MLS sales adjacent to the river over the past decade.”
That scarcity is a big part of the story: In 10 years, only three homes on the river in the coveted pocket have changed hands through MLS.
The owner, a well-established Sacramento home-services contractor, built the house in 2016.
Described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Fair Oaks’ prime riverfront location,” the estate will test how far buyers — and the Fair Oaks market — are willing to go.
‘Primo spot’
“It is really the primo spot,” listing agent Angela Gitt of Windemere Real Estate said. “You can see beautiful sunset views, of course, looking downstream, but then incredible sunrise views upstream as well.”
The marketing language leans all the way into the theatrics of its setting: “Dramatically perched above the American River with incredible river (and) parkway views both up and down stream, yet tucked away from busy streets in your own … gated sanctuary!”
There’s history here, too.
“The very first home in Fair Oaks was built in this location,” Gitt said.
The old 4,680-square-foot Victorian manor on the property was built from 1899 to 1900 by wealthy Chicago clothier George Straith, who moved to Fair Oaks to retire.
“It’s now been moved back away from the bluff to make room for these (newer) houses, but I think that’s really cool, because, if you’re the first developer you’re going to pick the best spot in all of Fair Oaks,” Gitt said.
The Edgevale Court home’s glass-and-stone architecture overlooks one of the region’s defining natural corridors. The sales pitch hits squarely at the lifestyle that commands top dollar in today’s high-end market.
“This majestic … beautifully designed newer home blends the latest modern style (and) finishes with state-of-the-art energy efficiency” the listing states.
Open-concept floor plan
Open-concept living, now a baseline expectation in luxury construction, is elevated into a selling point, as well: “Truly designed for today’s lifestyle, the spacious great room is the heart of the home with expansive travertine floors (and) walls of windows to take in the spectacular views,” the property listing says.
The great room — with the river as a backdrop — is anchored by a custom entertainer’s bar and built-ins, a cozy gas fireplace and a hydraulic hideaway television.
In the kitchen, the listing speaks directly to buyers who expect restaurant-quality equipment at home: gas range, built-in refrigerator, dual dishwashers, roomy pantry, prep area and an in-wall espresso machine.
The layout telegraphs multigenerational and flexible living. The main living areas and bedrooms are on one level, with a family room, separate bedroom and bath suite — a good set-up for multi-generational housing needs.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom is positioned as a private retreat: The property description notes the luxury primary bath with jetted tub, dual vanities, walk-in closet and “the best walk-in shower view you’ve ever seen.”
Outside, the property chases resort status.
“A backyard that feels like a resort-style getaway with an outdoor kitchen (and) bar, sparkling salt water pool plus spa and a built-in fire pit,” the description states.
There’s also a five-car garage.
“It feels like a very comfortable home the way it’s laid out for entertaining but not feeling like a big, empty box,” Gitt said. “It really has a good flow to it and a good feel. They designed it purposefully for the views and to live like a nice, comfortable home.”
This story was originally published March 7, 2026 at 5:30 AM.
