Publication Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2003

Stand-out properties
Some things old, some things new

Every once in a while unusual properties come on the market. What sets them apart from the ordinary is their history, their style or their unique place as the most expensive properties in town.

The following properties were all on the market at the end of September. For further information on them, visit www.mlslistings.com.

An oldie but goodie
Where: 1107 Alma St., Palo Alto
When built: about 1895
Size: 2,544 square feet on 5,625-square-foot lot, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Details: Two-story, Stick-Eastlake, balloon- or platform-frame house clad in V-groove siding; probably built for family that took in boarders (with large front porch for family, smaller, side porch for boarders); some decorative trim; extensively renovated in 1991 with three porches rebuilt.
Asking price: $898,000

A house with an artistic past
Where: 100 Waverley Oaks Court, Palo Alto ("Hacienda de Lemos")
When built: 1930s
Size: 8,149 square feet on cul de sac; 6+ bedrooms, 4+ bathrooms
Details: Two-story stucco archway spans driveway; intricate stucco work, as well as stone and tile in California Arts-and-Crafts styled home built to resemble Pedro de Lemos family's castle in Spain
Unusual features: Historic landmark, designed by Pedro de Lemos.
Asking price: $7.95 million

This year's Designer Showcase
Where: 1 Ridgeview Drive, Atherton
When built: 2003
Size: 13,000+ square feet; 9 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 2 half-baths on three levels + semi-attached guest house
Details: Tudor-style; two garages, five fireplaces, two-level foyer, formal dining room with built-in cherry wood buffet and china cabinet; temperature-controlled wine cellar; formal and informal family rooms; professional quality kitchen with walk-in pantry; formal gardens
Asking price: $12.9 million

Most expensive in Atherton
Where: Atherton (called "The House of Dreams")
When built: 2001 (took four years to complete)
Size: 15,000+ square feet on three levels, with guest house, pavilion, authentic Japanese tea house; 6+ bedrooms, 4+ baths
Details: Major audio-video components, media room with theater-quality sound; authentic English pub (brought over from England and reassembled); grounds include rocks that conceal speakers that infuse the air with music; high-capacity backup generator
Asking price: $22.9 million

Most expensive in East Palo Alto
Where: 784 Bell St., East Palo Alto
When built: 1952
Size: 3,000 square feet on 40,000-square-foot lot, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Details: Ranch-style house
Asking price: $1.5 million