CHANDRAN RESIDENCE
A large scale Mediterranean inspired estate with Garden rooms of individual character ranging from the formal elegance of the European inspired pool to the exotic naturalness of the Balinese garden. Commanding sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, this expansive estate presents a cool classic Palladian facade to the street, giving no hint of the rich diversity of it's gardens. The underlying design concept is based on contrasting formal and natural elements, recalling the south of France where formal architecture and exuberant plantings entwine.
Beginning at the entry, the stairs rise gently from the drive toward the central fountain which provides the first major visual axis of the garden. Between the stairs and street, the steep hillside is planted in a deceptively casual and natural manner with a wide variety of trees and shrubs which are carefully positioned to provide visual screening and balance to the house. Stretching out from the fountain, a gravel walk begins your journey through the garden. The formal shapes of tall clipped roses flanking the path, this symmetry is back dropped by the exuberance of an informal rose garden on one side and a variety of lavenders on the other.
Continuing on the path, the crisp black and white trunks of Birch trees define another axis point, revealing at the last moment the rough textured stone of a statue of Buddha nestled under their cascading branches. Next, you reach a curving seat wall carved into the hillside, whose central point is a graceful Cherry tree, once again to be surprised as you turn around to see the rich green lawns flowing downhill toward the expansive bay view. A wide variety of plants loosely and informally positioned in their curving beds surround the lawn with contrasting leaf colors and textures unified by a palette of blue, white and pink.
Next the visitor steps into the European formality of the pool garden with it's central courtyard cupped between the house's wings. The strong verticals of the columned arbors are silhouetted against the house's walls as they balance the curving arbor draped in Wisteria at the far end of the pool. The detailed patterning of imported Italian tile, contrasting rich golden and creamy tones, and smooth and rough textures add a complex note underfoot. Symmetrically placed trees and shrubs surround the space, their precise placement counter-pointed by more casual plantings beneath.
Finally, you reach the garden's climax, the Balinese garden. It is presided over by the exotic fantasy of it's pavilion. Perched on the hillside, it's curving spine crowning the roof, this playful structure entices the viewer. Banana trees and bamboo, a statue of a Hindu goddess and a dripping fountain complete the mood of quiet contemplation and unexpected revelation. It is a secret garden in a landscape of variety, beauty and surprise.
Formal European Garden, Pool with Arbors, Rose Garden, Balinese Garden.
2 Acres
Chandran Residence Photo Gallery
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