The single biggest budget decision for the Elena Road whole home remodel is how many of the courtyard arches in this 2004 Mediterranean estate become larger glass openings. In this Los Altos Hills house, the arches and covered walkways organize the flow between the wings and the central pool courtyard. If too many arches are replaced with modern glass, the rhythm and character of the house’s formal entries, carved stone balustrades, and stucco walls could be lost. If only a few are changed, the family could gain better indoor-outdoor connection without sacrificing the distinct Mediterranean style that defines the property. This is my plan for the family’s house on Elena Road, where the goal is to connect the dispersed rooms around the 11,206 square foot main footprint, while respecting the original structure and the ground it stands on.
Selective Openings in the Courtyard
The courtyard is the organizing outdoor room for this house, with its rectangular infinity-edge pool, beige natural stone paving, and classic stone columns supporting covered walkways. I would keep most of the arched openings that frame the pool court, but propose to enlarge a few selected arches into rectangular glass doors or windows. For example, expanding the opening from the living room or family room to the pool court could make those indoor spaces feel more connected to the outdoor lounge and spa. The carved balustrade stone railings and wrought iron entrance doors already express a strong style, so restraint is important: too many changes would dilute the Mediterranean identity. Instead, I would recommend a more textured or layered plaster finish on the stucco walls, lighter and more open railing systems at certain terrace edges, and simpler, cleaner planter box shapes to reduce the formality. These changes would update the look while keeping the house’s original architectural language intact.
Working with the Foundation and Roof
This house sits on a concrete perimeter and slab foundation, with stucco exterior walls and a terra cotta tile roof. Any new glass openings must be designed around these existing construction details. The position and size of each proposed glass door or window should be coordinated with the concrete and stucco structure, so that the new work meets the existing beige stone paving and carved stone details cleanly. The tile roof and stone balustrades are in excellent condition and should be retained as key features. The goal is to create better connections between the indoor rooms and the courtyard, not to replace the entire exterior.
The property occupies a gently sloping 2.12-acre lot, mapped as Urban Land-Montavista-Togasara complex with 9 to 15 percent slopes and hydrologic group D soils. The FEMA flood map places this house in Zone X, with only a 0.2 percent annual chance of flood hazard, and CAL FIRE rates the wildfire hazard as Moderate. The hillside setting and mature trees provide privacy and shade, while the southern exposure ensures plenty of sun for the pool and outdoor entertaining spaces. These site features support the decision to focus on enhancing the courtyard connections rather than altering the overall structure.
Systems and Room Relationships
The house uses central forced air heating (gas) and multi-zone cooling, which is especially important when changing how rooms connect to the courtyard. Enlarging openings between the family room, living room, and outdoor spaces should be coordinated with the existing HVAC zones to maintain comfort and efficiency. The home’s high and vaulted ceilings, wet bar, and walk-in closets are assets that should be preserved where they contribute to the sense of volume and luxury. Lighting can be layered to highlight the new glass connections and the original stone and plaster details.
The property is served by public water and a septic tank. Any plan to add or move plumbing fixtures, such as adding a poolside shower or moving a bathroom, should consider the septic system’s capacity. The kitchen, with its granite countertops and pantry, is already well-equipped and does not need to drive the remodel budget. Instead, I would focus finish changes on the rooms that border the courtyard and benefit most from new connections.
Honoring the Estate’s Scale
With two stories, a 6-car attached garage, a guest house, and six fireplaces (in the family room, living room, primary bedroom, and outdoors), this house is designed for both grand entertaining and private retreat. The remodel plan should respect the separation between main living rooms, private wings, and guest spaces, using simplified perimeter details and new glass only where it truly enhances the flow to the courtyard. The extensive motor court, mature landscaping, and formal pool court are all part of what makes this property unique in Los Altos Hills, where most homes are smaller and older (the median closing is a 1976 build, 3,769 sq ft on a 48,242 sq ft lot, per Redfin sold data).
If you are ready to explore which arches and connections in your own courtyard-centered home should change, and which should remain, I invite you to get in touch with me to discuss your project on Elena Road.