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Still retaining its private-estate atmosphere from the days when the "Silver King of the Comstock Lode," James C. Flood, lived there on 600 acres, Lindenwood's twisting lanes and roads are accessible via two impressive gates on Middlefield Road and one on Frederick Avenue.

Flood built Linden Towers, a 44-room, three story home that was considered among the most ospulent on the Peninsula. He adorned his 1878 estate house with towers, gables and cupolas and furnished with exotic treasures from around the world. Fittingly, all the plumbing fixtures were sterling silver.

Between 1937 and 1955, the area now known as Lindenwood was developed after the death of Flood's son. But Flood's presence still presides over the neighborhood.

Many of the artifacts from the estate, which was torn down in 1934 -- fountains, statues, street lights -- still exist, in some cases, on private properties.

Lindenwood has retained its private estate atmosphere because it is totally enclosed. Lindenwood's lanes, avenues and roads take a winding course. James Avenue, the "Main Street," is one of its few straight streets.

"A visitor coming from either of our two entrances is likely to get lost unless they know where they are going," board member Phillip Lively noted, adding that the meandering roads contribute to the overall safety of the tricky-to-navigate neighborhood.

Most parcels are just under one acre and may not be subdivided by city code, which contributes to Lindenwood's low population density.

The lush foliage-lined neighborhood draws out strollers and cyclists that appreciate the wide streets' low rate of destination-driven traffic. Despite the private atmosphere, organized events such as block parties draw residents together.

The Lindenwood Homes Association is active in the neighborhood, planning social events as well as taking care of such things as repairing the gates and maintaining the plantings in the public areas, according to Lively.

Mr. Lively estimates 63 percent of the 470 homes belong to the association, each paying $40 annual membership dues.

Lindenwood is known as a tight-knit community, according to Mr. Lively.

"We're a very 'neighborly' neighborhood, he says.

--Susan Golovin


FACTS
CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: The Playschool, Holbrook-Palmer Park, 150 Watkins Ave., Atherton
FIRE STATION: 300 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park
LOCATION: Marsh Road, Ringwood Avenue, Bay Road and Middlefield Road
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Marion Oster, 650-325-0714
PARK: Holbrook-Palmer Park, 150 Watkins Ave., Atherton
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Menlo Park City Elementary School District -- Laurel School, 95 Edge Road, Atherton; Encinal School, 195 Encinal Ave., Menlo Park; Hillview Middle School, 1100 Elder Ave., Menlo Park
Sequoia Union High School District -- Menlo Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton
SHOPPING: Downtown Menlo Park
MEDIAN 2010 HOME PRICE: $3,100,0900 ($1,825,000-$6,100,000)
HOMES SOLD: 11

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