Hillsborough

 

Hillsborough is an affluent town flanked to the west by Interstate 280 and bordered by Burlingame to the north, San Mateo to the east, and Highlands-Baywood Park to the south. Winding streets rise into the California oak woodlands of the San Mateo Mountains, and many properties have stunning views over the San Francisco Bay area. A minimum lot size of 0.5 acres and home size of 2,500 square feet is enforced within Hillsborough, and thus its real estate consists solely of large homes; there are no apartments or condominiums. The real estate mix is varied: landmark historic properties, such as George Randolph Hearst’s Western White House and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Sidney Bazett House, tree-shaded Tudor estates, palatial Mediterranean villas, and dramatic, cutting-edge contemporary masterpieces. No two homes in this wonderland of architectural expression are alike, though all properties boast exceptional design, lavish living space, and thoughtful landscaping.

Hillsborough is located 17 miles south of San Francisco, and many residents commute to the city or other Bay Area and Silicon Valley communities. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with a secluded yet community-oriented vibe. The blissfully calm residential streets are lined with breathtaking properties. The mountains to Hillsborough’s west insulate it from summer fog and winter rain, giving it an average of 307 days of sunshine per year. Residents include CEOs and other C-level executives of major corporations and investment firms, along with several stars from sport and screen.

Hillsborough is almost entirely residential, though the many shops and restaurants of Burlingame’s downtown and Broadway areas can be found immediately to Hillsborough’s northeast corner. Upscale dining areas are available to members of the Burlingame Country Club and the Crystal Springs Golf Course.

One of Hillsborough’s most  historic properties is the palatial Carolands Chateau. This 46,050-square-foot mansion, an example of American Renaissance and Beaux-Arts design, was built for railway heiress Harriett Pullman Carolan in the 1910s. Guided tours of the mansion’s 98 rooms and lavish gardens modeled after those at Versailles are available.

Although it’s named for the adjacent community of Burlingame, Burlingame Country Club is located in Hillsborough. This prestigious institution opened in the 1890s. Members have access to an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course and tennis courts. Crystal Springs Golf Course is just across the Junipero Serra Freeway from Hillsborough’s westernmost end. The course is laid out over natural valley contours and provides beautiful views of the 20-mile-long Crystal Springs Reservoir. The unspoiled natural space of the Santa Cruz Mountains extends in all directions surrounding the two man-made lakes that comprise Crystal Springs Reservoir. Hiking trails leading from Crystal Springs to Scarpet Peak take in gorgeous panoramic views of the Bay and Silicon Valley.

Popular seasonal events include the annual summer Concours D’Elegance, a vintage car show, and Family Fun Run to raise money for local schools. Vista Park is the perfect summer destination, with children’s playgrounds, green space, and picnic tables for the whole family to enjoy.

Public schools in Hillsborough are operated by the Hillsborough City Elementary School District and are ranked among the top ten school districts in California.