See home’s $1 million backyard. Super fun, entertaining Bay Area estate priced at $8M
When Tom and Stephanie Taira decided to supercharge their Bay Area estate, they “set the standard for large-scale entertaining,” according to Compass real estate firm.
They put $1 million into a backyard renovation that included adding a guest house, office/gym, sports court, bocce ball area, playground and an over-sized saltwater pool.
The property in Lafayette, California, is now on the market for $7.999 million.
“It was a total dream come true when we found a single-level home with a large flat backyard in Lafayette within walking distance to shops, schools, and restaurants,” Stephanie Taira said in an email. “We immediately fell in love with our home because it had an ideal layout for large gatherings, family time, and personal privacy.”
Tom Taira is president of special projects at online auto dealership Carvana. Stephanie, an engineer by trade, stays home with the children and manages the household.
Their 5,885-square-foot main residence, located at 3666 Happy Valley Road, has five bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths. The property stretches across 1.5 level acres from a quiet front street to a back creek — with an entertaining paradise in between.
“This rare opportunity to own a retreat that caters to every aspect of modern living” checks all the boxes for outdoor activity and sports and a work-from-home environment, according to the property listing.
“Rarely do we see a true family compound complete with a main house, large modern guest house, and all the amenities you dream of having,” said listing agent Dana Green of Compass.
The million-dollar backyard was re-imagined by Randy Thueme Design, according to Compass. The oversized saltwater pool with a slide and spa was completely rebuilt by Hacienda Pools in 2018.
The beautifully maintained grounds contain sprawling lawns, a large circular fountain, custom fire pit, playground, a sand lot, a gated herb garden, raised vegetable beds and mature fruit trees.
“Once the time came to upgrade our backyard, we envisioned a central place to gather friends and family for play dates, barbecues and large events,” Stephanie Taira said. “Alongside our architect, we thought through all of our family’s life stages and events — from learning to ride a bike to growing our own food to throwing birthday parties. We’ve made so many memories here with friends, it’s such a special home.”
As for inside the house, the home’s interior isn’t too shabby, either.
“The alluring main residence offers an unparalleled blend of open living areas and intimate spaces including, a vaulted living room, cozy family room and high-tech home theater with snack pantry,” according to the listing.
The bedroom wing features a bonus space surrounded by three secondary bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The primary retreat includes two walk-in closets and a spa-like bathroom with a jetted tub and mosaic tile shower stall.
Another bedroom, with full bath and bonus/office area, is located on the second floor with private back stair access.
The bright and airy guest house spans 905 square feet with a renovated kitchen, full bath, living room, a washer and dryer, and sliding glass doors to the pool deck.
