Former Facebook COO Owen Van Natta recently listed his 100 year-old Palo Alto mansion for $39.98 million. The Bay Area’s housing prices are relatively steep, but Natta’s home might set a sales record.
The Old Palo Alto-area English Tudor is set on a full acre. The exterior of the house features a classic division of brick lower and wood upper floor. It was originally constructed in 1917, and saw a comprehensive renovation in 2017.
As a result of the updates, the manse stands out with a blend of classic elements and high-end contemporary accents. Stylish spaces in the five-bedroom, nine-bath home include the formal living and dining rooms, and the vaulted billiards room; all show designer Ken Fulk’s dedicated touch.
The frequent riffing on dollar-sign euphemisms via gold plate, crystal, and flashy fixtures neatly avoids overcompensation and accumulates into a beautiful execution. Period style details give the interiors dimension: ornate ceilings, stained glass, panoramic wall covering, chevron flooring. Textures and patterns are abundant.
Outside, the spacious property packs in the essentials, and a few unusual features too: a tennis court, a badminton court, a swimming pool are all part and parcel of the estate, along with a romantic garden with custom ambient lighting.