Villa de Verano: A Lake Como-Inspired Masterpiece in Silicon Valley
Villa de Verano, an extraordinary estate in Hillsborough, California, has entered the market at $88 million, potentially setting a new price record for the exclusive Silicon Valley community. Inspired by the romantic estates of Italy’s Lake Como, this 12.33-acre residence offers panoramic views of San Francisco, the Bay Area, and Mount Diablo, combining European elegance with the California indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Listing agent Jenn Gilson of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty told californialuxuryhouses that the property’s scale, privacy, and design make it unprecedented for Hillsborough. “This estate is a rare gem. Its combination of craftsmanship, acreage, and versatility for entertaining is unlike anything else in the region,” she said.
A Vision Realized by AD100 Architects and Designers
The current owners, Ted and Alexia Kruttschnitt, purchased three adjoining parcels in 2006, demolished the existing homes, and commissioned AD100 architect Andrew Skurman and interior designer Suzanne Tucker to create their dream estate. “We visited Lake Como several times, and each visit inspired elements of Villa de Verano,” Ted Kruttschnitt explained to californialuxuryhouses.
Construction took six years and involved 110 subcontractors, some flown in from Europe, culminating in a residence completed in 2013 that later won the California Landscape Contractors Association Grand Sweepstakes Award for best residential estate. The Kruttschnitts designed the compound to host large-scale events while providing a private sanctuary for family living.
A Home Designed for Entertainment and Lifestyle
Villa de Verano spans 12,404 square feet across three levels, featuring six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, ten half baths, a fitness center, theater, game room with bar, and an elevator. The interiors include a coffered-ceiling kitchen with central island and double-height living spaces with twin monumental fireplaces, all seamlessly connected to terraces and gardens.
The grounds reflect the same attention to detail, with a reflection pond, rose garden, open-air pavilion, redwood grove, and a 19,000-gallon koi pond within an Asian-style garden. An amphitheater accommodating 150 guests demonstrates the estate’s capacity for sophisticated gatherings, which Ted Kruttschnitt confirmed: “We hosted a black-tie event with a big band for 450 guests on the lawn. The space handled it beautifully.”
“Villa de Verano is a private resort as much as it is a family home,” Gilson told californialuxuryhouses. “The seamless blend of architecture, landscaping, and amenities creates an unparalleled experience for its residents.”
Guest House and Sports Pavilion
A separate 4,612-square-foot guest house features one bedroom, office, and additional living spaces for staff or visiting guests. Beyond that, the two-story sports pavilion stands as a centerpiece of recreation, with a lounge overlooking a sunken championship tennis court and multiple courts for pickleball, volleyball, badminton, bocce ball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes, plus a putting green and an executive-length golf course.
Gilson emphasized the estate’s uniqueness: “It’s incredibly rare to find a property that combines luxury, entertainment, wellness, and privacy at this level. Villa de Verano is essentially its own private resort.”
Hillsborough: Silicon Valley’s Exclusive Residential Enclave
Located 20 miles south of San Francisco and minutes from the heart of Silicon Valley, Hillsborough is a highly sought-after residential community with no commercial zones. The area is known for its top-rated schools, tree-lined streets, sprawling estates, and proximity to major tech hubs. Local amenities, including high-end shopping, fine dining, and cultural attractions, are a short drive away.
Gilson added, “Hillsborough’s combination of privacy, views, and accessibility continues to make it one of California’s most coveted addresses.” Buyers seeking the Hillsborough real estate lifestyle value the neighborhood’s tranquility while remaining close to Silicon Valley business centers.
Transaction History and Owner’s Perspective
Ted and Alexia Kruttschnitt acquired the properties in 2006 and completed the villa in 2013. The estate has remained in their ownership since, and they are selling because they are spending more time at their Palm Desert home. “I’ll miss everything about this place—the gardens, the views, the mornings on the terrace,” Ted told californialuxuryhouses. The family declined to provide further commentary on art and furnishings, adding to the estate’s exclusivity.
This listing represents a rare opportunity in Hillsborough luxury homes for sale, offering both historical context and a modern, resort-style living experience on a grand scale.
Conclusion
Villa de Verano is more than a home; it is a symbol of architectural mastery, lifestyle, and privacy. With a listing price of $88 million, it may set a record in Hillsborough while showcasing the pinnacle of Silicon Valley luxury real estate. From expansive gardens to world-class amenities and event-ready spaces, the property captures the essence of an Italian-inspired estate in the heart of California.