I am thinking of my dream home – could be my primary home or better yet a weekend retreat away from the pressures of life in the heart of Silicon Valley.  Somewhere close so we can be there within a reasonable amount of time.  Tahoe is too far and owning a home where is snows can be problematic and expensive.  I love the beach, but hate the fog, so the coast is out.  I really just want a quick getaway, a secret garden, a Shangri-la, a place of peace and solitude but I am not quite ready for Walden Pond. 

I just want it and I want it quick – I don’t want to have to drive too far and if I decided to stay over till Monday morning I could make it back to work with relative ease.  Plus, I can’t go much over a million.  Sounds impossible, not today and not in the South Bay, if you know where to look. 

There are two fabulous communities in Morgan Hill that fit the bill.  They are perched high above the valley floor, they are on city services for the most part, have spectacular city lights and lake views, privacy lots, but you will still know your neighbors, custom homes all within 7 minutes of the freeway, Starbucks and Trader Joes.  To call it San Carlos South is not far off the mark.  Only here you are in the Oak Forest on quarter acre lots or better.

Sounds too good to be true – think again, all you have to do is take a short drive south of San Jose to Morgan Hill and the beautiful hillside communities of Jackson Oaks and Holiday Lake Estates. 

Today I was holding open my listing in Jackson Oaks and I saw a deer walk across the driveway.  Since this is a view home with unbelievable panoramic views of the lake we are a bit high up.  I was eye ball to eye ball with a red tail hawk carrying a field mouse off to its nest.  I have seen foxes and wild turkey in the development.  I was sitting there taking in the view and the feel of the place, so tranquil and peaceful.  I’m glad on one hand that many people don’t know about these communities, but on the other hand getting a bit of Los Altos Hills, Woodside and San Carlos rolled into one for under a million dollars is a deal too good to hide. 

Within 45 minutes of Palo Alto these communities that will take you away from the work week and bring you back on Monday ready to create the next best thing that will revolutionize the world.  You can leave work on Friday, drive less than an hour, and as you travel to your private get away above it all your stresses will simple melt away being replaced by peace and tranquility.   Your biggest decision will be enjoying your home or exploring this lovely community.  Depending on when you pack up and head on out, you might still be able to catch the Street Dance Downtown held every Friday night during the summer. 

On Saturday, within a few minutes you can be strolling the Farmer’s Market picking up fresh fish, herbs, veggies, fruit and the sweetest strawberries imaginable to create the dinner to die for.  Don’t forget to pick up a few fresh flowers for the table. 

A bottle of local wine greets you as you enjoy the view from your outdoor patio.  New made acquaintances and old friends gather to celebrate the time together.  Sunday morning brings many choices to worship or a most civilized delivery of your paper of choice, a great cup of coffee and a breakfast to linger over.  Boating, horseback riding, wine tasting, hiking, sitting in an outdoor café watching the world go by are all awaiting you on a Sunday afternoon. 

The option of replaying Saturday with good friends, good food and good wine is always available.

Monday morning comes all too soon, but a short commute of less than one hour prepares you for the realities of your job.  But have no fear Friday is but 4 days away.

Sounds like what you work so hard to achieve.  It is well within your grasp, you just have to make it happen.  Drive the short distance some weekend and take a peak and let me know if this isn’t the most affordable and practical getaway for the busy Silicon Valley Entrepreneur.