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Mary Ancell lives in a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home with a garden resembling the original design (from the 1950s) by renowned landscape architect Thomas Church on Family Farm Road.

There are other kinds of homes nearby though -- from revamped hunting lodges to old rustic cabins, she explained. Many of the homes have retained their original designs.

Her own garden was featured in two-page spread in Sunset Magazine and Church's book "Gardens Are For People," she said.

"Nothing is super new on this road and there's a lot of history," says Ms. Ancell.

She moved into this neighborhood 12 years ago from Atherton. After being introduced to Family Farm by a Realtor in the 1970s, she kept her eye on the area for a while.

"It's very unusual to see homes on the market. There's such a little turnover rate so to have a sale was remarkable," she said. When her future home became available, "it clicked."

"We just adore it. It's quiet, secluded, calm -- you close in but you feel that you're far away," she said. "Neighbors are absolutely phenomenal and not cliquey. Everyone appreciates privacy."

Though privacy is valued, good neighbors are, too. "We're just always friendly and mutually supportive," says Ms. Ancell.

Joan Sullivan is a fourth-generation San Franciscan who has been living on Family Farm Road with her family for the past 16 years.

In 2002, the Sullivans and three of their neighboring families started Rhys Vineyards on Family Farm. Currently, there are only five other locations in California where pinot noir is produced.

Ms. Sullivan explained that they grow pesticide-free pinot grapes and "it's turned out to be really good wine." The neighbors host a harvest party in the vineyard every year and bring in horse-drawn carriages for the children.

Family Farm also provides plenty of walking space and horse trails. Connected by a walking path, the north and south sides of the road encircle a big loop through a wooden path.

"It's very unique and very lovely," Ms. Sullivan said.

-- Joann So

FACTS
CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOLS: Woodside Parents' Nursery School, 3154 Woodside Road, Woodside; Woodside Preschool, 3195 Woodside Road, Woodside
FIRE STATION: 3111 Woodside Road, Woodside
LOCATION: North of Portola Road to Family Farm Road and west of Westridge Drive
PARK: Huddart County Park. 1100 Kings Mountain Road, Woodside; Wunderlich County Park, 4040 Woodside Road, Woodside
PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Portola Valley School District -- Ormondale School, 200 Shawnee Pass Road, Portola Valley; Corte Madera School, 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley
Sequoia Union High School District -- Woodside High School, 199 Churchill Ave., Woodside
SHOPPING: Woodside Road, Woodside
2011 MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $8,842,000 ($2,250,000-$17,650,000)
HOMES SOLD: 3

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