In the Silicon Valley hills, one of Northern California's most extravagant private estates has changed hands for US$70 million. This sale sets a new record, doubling the previous high of US$35 million. The residence, known as Villa de Verano, whose design was inspired by Lake Como, was commissioned by private equity investor Ted Kruttschnitt and his wife Alexia, who invested six years in its construction.
Completed around 2010, the 12-acre estate is conceived as a comprehensive homage to Italy's lake region. It features terraced gardens, dramatic water features, and one of the most extensive private amenity collections in Hillsborough. Although the buyer's name has not been officially disclosed, reports suggest that this individual works in the AI industry.
At the heart of the estate is the 12,404-square-foot main residence. This three-storey house, connected by a lift, was designed around a blend of formal living areas and private amenities. Bespoke furnishings and artworks define the interiors, which include a fitness centre, a theatre, a games room, a spa, and a saltwater aquarium.
Outside, the house opens onto a series of covered and open terraces, perfect for dining and relaxation. Tall arches, oversized lanterns, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame the outdoor spaces, with views extending over the surrounding pool and reflection pond to San Francisco Bay. The terraces wrap around different sides of the residence, creating diverse opportunities to enjoy the gardens, redwood grove, water features, or the broader views beyond the estate.
At the front of the estate, the 4,612-square-foot guest house and sports pavilion form a separate area, distinct from the main residence. Inside the sports pavilion, it extends over two storeys, with an upper viewing platform above the sunken tennis court. This area is surrounded by dedicated courts for pickleball, volleyball, badminton, bocce, horseshoes, and shuffleboard, complemented by a putting green.
Behind the main house, a cascade of fountains tumbles through the landscape to a massive reflection pond, modelled after the Bellagio in Las Vegas. At the opposite end, an open pavilion sits directly on the water, framing views back towards the house and across the city. From this pond, paths branch off to an Asian garden with a koi pond, a rose garden, a redwood grove, and an English spiral mound.
Villa de Verano is considered one of Silicon Valley's most lavish private residences, designed with a level of grandeur and customisation rarely found in California. Through its Lake Como inspiration, stunning gardens, and extensive list of amenities, the Kruttschnitts created a true legacy estate. However, as they spend most of the year in Palm Desert, where they own a home at the Bighorn Golf Club, it no longer made sense for them to retain Villa de Verano. The sale offered the new owner a rare opportunity to acquire an estate unlikely to come back on the market anytime soon.
