Soulful Modernism in Portola Valley, $4.5M
Author:Philip FerratoThe design/build duo Lisa and Armin Staprans of Staprans Design brought all their talent– and nearly three decades of professional experience– to this modern sanctuary in the foothills, dubbed “Ridgeview House” and indeed, there are glimpses of San Francisco in the distance.
Closer to home, it’s surrounded by native oaks and faces a protected open space; there are filtered views of the coastal mountains. Completed in early 2019, the 5-bed, 3-bath spec property is on the market for $4,495,000, represented by Cowperthwaite + Company.

Inside, a soaring great room incorporates an artisan-crafted kitchen with walnut and soapstone counters– all contained under a sweeping bridge joining the master suite and a trio of kids bedrooms. Very much a family-oriented home over multiple levels, the eminently flexible layout also includes an acoustically isolated media room, plus two other bedrooms and a possible au pair suite or office with a separate entrance.



What We Love: With a sweeping, organic composition of stucco and Western clear red cedar under a patinated standing-seam roof, the house both suits the site and reflects its surroundings.

More: Go to the listing for additional images and a deeply comprehensive overview of the property. For more about Lisa and Armin Staprans well-regarded design/build practice, visit their website.