A grand estate radiating an ambiance of good fortune and happy living sits on its private knoll in the Los Gatos hills at 23 Kimble Ave. Wrapped in more than two acres of park-like land with meandering pathways, resort-style backyard, spectacular views and state-of-the-art amenities, this custom home was completed in 1999, but took another 10 years to achieve its present grandeur. Inspired by the Palace Hotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the home’s design is elegant and regal from its ornamental Iron gate, long driveway, balconies with stone balustrade, and Porte-cochere wrapped in a custom stone frieze.

Los Gatos Architect Gary Kohlsaat integrated the 9,730-square-foot estate with a landscape that has flourished since around the turn of the century and includes walking paths bordered by rock retaining walls, stairways, majestic oak trees and mature foliage that ensures the utmost of privacy.

Elegantly designed with flexibility and attention to function, the estate features three levels in the main home, and two guesthouses for a total of seven bedrooms, and eight and a half bathrooms. There is a luxurious Master suite with separate sitting room/lounge and two balconies, formal office, music room, home theater, wine cellar, expansive gourmet kitchen and family room, and more than 1,300 square feet of cast stone decks and balconies to take in the beautiful views of distant mountains or the artfully designed gardens. Entertain on a grand scale or relax with family and friends in the professionally landscaped backyard featuring a Pebble Tec pool shaped like a pond with real boulders to blend in with the natural landscape, spa, sport court, and koi pond, lotus waterfall with lily pond, flagstone patios and spacious loggia with outdoor dining areas. The outdoor kitchen is well equipped with pizza oven, charcoal barbecue, and gas grill. Multiple retreat spaces occur along the meandering pathways including a tea terrace under the canopy of a 100-year-old oak tree.

Fine finishes and craftsmanship are highlighted throughout the home and include custom ceilings from vaulted and exposed beams to coffered, French limestone floors, cherry hardwood, crown molding, art niches with custom lighting, and cabinetry by T & B Cabinets in San Jose including a custom front door with wrought iron handles designed to look like bamboo. The spacious foyer with soaring ceiling has a view of the sweeping staircase. The formal dining room to the right features a French door that open onto a spacious balcony with picturesque views of the valley. A stunning chandelier hangs from a center dome with gold leaf detailing. The gold leaf is repeated in the staircase balusters.

The formal living room is grand with an adjoining music room with window seat. Natural light illuminates the rooms and the large picture windows frame beautiful views of the gardens. The library is lined from floor to ceiling in rich mahogany custom built-in cabinetry with gorgeous box beam ceiling with gently rounded beams and French doors that open onto the loggia with views of the pool and ponds. The spectacular gourmet kitchen is open to the expansive family room that is anchored by a floor-to-ceiling and wall length built-in entertainment unit and fireplace. The well-appointed kitchen features an island shaped like a piano with stove-top and custom copper hood facing the breakfast bar and bar stools. Gleaming granite counters set off the cherry cabinetry, with dual appliances including dishwashers, double ovens, and microwave ovens and refrigerators. The home theater was added in 2008. Its design is such that it doesn’t share common walls and is isolated from the rest of the living space. Enjoy around the clock entertainment without the sound disturbing anyone else.

The theater also features a walk around wet bar, nine terraced recliners and French door to the backyard patios and pool area. On the upper level is the luxurious master suite with fireplace, two walk-in closets with custom glass door built-in cabinetry, and spa-inspired bathroom, including heated floors, towel warmer, hydrotherapeutic soaking tub with dual controls, dual vanities, and oversized shower with nine shower heads. There are also three additional bedrooms, home gym, large laundry room with microwave and refrigerator. The guesthouses each have separate entries and full bathrooms and onehas a full kitchen. There is also a separate game room/additional rec room.

The Town of Los Gatos, within walking distance, is known for its charming downtown, quaint shops and boutiques, fine restaurants and top-rated schools. It is ideally located near major commute routes to Silicon Valley and San Francisco.

By Monica Lander, Bay Area News Group Correspondent