Set along the Rose Garden’s most coveted and rarely available streets, 1344 University Avenue stands as a singular expression of architectural intention, craftsmanship, and modern luxury. This is not simply a home. It is a fully realized design statement, where Art Deco Moderne architecture has been thoughtfully reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, resulting in a residence that feels both timeless and quietly avant-garde.
Completely rebuilt from the studs between 2016 and 2017, the residence represents a rare opportunity to own a home where heritage-inspired architecture meets modern construction integrity. Spanning approximately 4,345 square feet across five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms, the home unfolds with remarkable scale and balance, thoughtfully sited on an expansive 11,500-square-foot lot. This was not a renovation, but a comprehensive reimagining. Where structure, systems, and finishes were conceived with the precision of new construction and the restraint of timeless design. Every element, both visible and unseen, has been meticulously curated, engineered, and executed with an unwavering commitment to quality, proportion, and spatial harmony. From foundational infrastructure to the finest architectural details, the home reflects a level of design discipline and craftsmanship rarely encountered. The result is a residence that lives with effortless fluidity. Where light, materials, and volume interact seamlessly, creating spaces that feel both grand and intimately inviting.
From the moment of arrival, the experience is undeniably cinematic. A dramatic 20-foot entry reveals itself beneath a soaring two-story volume, where heated limestone floors and a striking 15-foot arched skylight create an immediate interplay of light, texture, and scale. A gracefully curved staircase ascends as both architectural feature and sculptural centerpiece, guiding the eye toward a refined upper landing. Throughout, custom-crafted arches, hand-finished moldings, and thoughtfully integrated art lighting establish a cohesive architectural language. One defined by rhythm, proportion, and quiet sophistication. The result is an introduction that is not merely grand, but deeply intentional, setting the tone for the design clarity and spatial elegance that unfold beyond.
The home’s principal living spaces achieve a rare balance of grandeur and intimacy, thoughtfully designed for both refined entertaining and effortless daily living. The living room is enveloped in soft ambient lighting, seamlessly integrated within the crown molding, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere anchored by a striking limestone-clad wood-burning fireplace, a feature that functions equally as sculptural focal point and architectural statement. The oversized formal dining room continues the home’s sense of scale and sophistication, enhanced by layered soffit lighting, curated art illumination, and a custom window seat that naturally encourages conversation to linger well beyond the meal. Connecting these spaces, the central hallway reveals a distinctive design moment: a custom quartzite center island accompanied by hand-crafted, gracefully curved cabinetry. Concealed storage is thoughtfully integrated within, preserving the home’s clean architectural lines while offering both beauty and function. A subtle yet powerful expression of the residence’s meticulous design ethos.
At the heart of the residence lies a chef’s kitchen of exceptional sophistication. A space where culinary performance and architectural elegance exist in seamless harmony. Custom cabinetry, illuminated from both above and below, introduces warmth and depth while framing striking quartzite countertops whose natural movement and texture serve as both functional surface and visual statement. Anchoring the space, an impressive 11-foot center island provides generous preparation, gathering, and storage capacity, thoughtfully designed to support both everyday living and grand-scale entertaining. Professional-grade appliances reflect an uncompromising commitment to quality and capability, including a commanding 48-inch, eight-burner BlueStar range, a custom Wolf vent hood, Sub-Zero refrigeration and wine storage, dual stainless steel dishwashers by Miele and Fisher & Paykel, and two Franke sinks. Each element carefully selected and integrated to support effortless functionality. Subtle yet meaningful design considerations, such as the built-in under-cabinet central vacuum dustpan system, further reinforce the kitchen’s refined balance of innovation and practicality. Adjacent to the kitchen, the thoughtfully appointed laundry and utility room extends the home’s ethos of beauty and performance. Here, an oversized pantry, extra-deep stainless steel sink, and custom cabinetry provide exceptional storage and organization, while a privately integrated elevator offers discreet and effortless access to the second floor. A rare and valuable amenity enhancing both comfort and long-term livability.
The adjacent family room unfolds as a masterful expression of indoor-outdoor living, where architecture and lifestyle converge with effortless fluidity. Gorgeously large glass Nano doors dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, opening gracefully to a covered, heated veranda that extends the living experience year-round. The transition feels natural and unforced, allowing light, air, and movement to flow freely throughout. Anchoring the space, a limestone-clad gas fireplace introduces warmth and architectural presence, complemented by custom wraparound bench seating thoughtfully designed with concealed storage; a seamless integration of comfort and function. Overhead, a striking 13-foot domed ceiling, accented by refined soffit lighting, creates both visual drama and an intimate sense of enclosure. Within this sculptural volume, a dedicated nook offers a beautifully composed retreat, ideal for reading, conversation, or quiet reflection. The result is a living environment of remarkable versatility, equally suited for relaxed mornings, lively gatherings, or elegant evening entertaining. Where scale, light, and materiality work in harmony to create a space that is both visually compelling and deeply inviting.
The home’s private spaces are composed with the same level of intention and refinement. Upstairs, the primary suite unfolds as a tranquil retreat overlooking the rear garden and pool, offering a gracious sitting area anchored by a gas-assisted wood-burning fireplace. A bespoke walk-in closet, thoughtfully designed with custom built-ins, provides both exceptional storage and a refined dressing experience. The spa-inspired primary bath is a study in comfort and craftsmanship, featuring marble finishes, an expansive rain and wall-spa shower, a two-person jetted soaking tub enhanced by chromatherapy lighting, heated floors, and a Toto heated washlet bidet toilet. Custom cabinetry, thoughtfully integrated with an under-cabinet central vacuum dust bin, reinforces the home’s seamless balance of beauty and function. A private sanctuary designed for restoration, relaxation, and everyday quiet luxury.
The upstairs secondary bedrooms and baths uphold the same exceptional standard of finish and comfort found throughout the residence. The junior suite, privately positioned with its own balcony and en-suite bath, is thoughtfully appointed with accent lighting, heated floors, a hand and rain shower system, and a Toto heated washlet bidet toilet. Three additional generously scaled guest bedrooms offer both flexibility and privacy, complemented by a beautifully designed full guest bathroom featuring a jetted soaking tub, hand and rain shower system, heated floors, and a Toto heated washlet bidet toilet. Ceating spaces that are as refined as they are inviting.
A dedicated spa bath transforms daily living into an experience of restoration and retreat, featuring a private sauna, steam shower, and soothing chromatherapy. An environment thoughtfully designed to promote relaxation, renewal, and well-being. Complementing these wellness-focused spaces, a bright and versatile studio offers exceptional flexibility, appointed with custom cabinetry, expansive butcher-block workspace, and Franke sink. Whether envisioned as a creative atelier, design studio, or refined home office, the space effortlessly adapts to the evolving rhythms of modern living.
Outdoors, the property transforms into a private resort. The covered veranda offers a beautifully composed transition between indoor elegance and outdoor living, spanning approximately an additional 350+/- square feet of inviting, year-round space. Designed as an extension of the home rather than a separate feature, it becomes a natural setting for morning coffee, evening gatherings, or quiet moments of retreat. Overhead heaters provide warmth and comfort in every season, while a sculptural 7.8-foot curved gas fire feature casts a soft, ambient glow; anchoring the space with both architectural presence and understated drama. An environment designed not merely to be seen, but to be lived in.
The grounds were completely reimagined in 2021, creating a backyard experience that feels both resort-inspired and intimately tailored. At its center, a gas-heated saltwater pool and spa shimmer beneath custom tilework, designed as a visual anchor for relaxation and gathering alike. Multiple fire features introduce warmth and atmosphere, including a secondary lounge area framed by a sculptural curved stone bench; spaces equally suited for lively evenings or quiet reflection. A custom outdoor kitchen, finished with granite countertops, a Twin Eagles piped gas grill, and integrated seating, transforms entertaining into a seamless extension of daily living. Thoughtfully layered moments unfold throughout the landscape: a dedicated reading retreat with a built-in curved bench, the gentle movement of dual fountains, and illuminated market umbrellas that define outdoor rooms with both function and ambiance. Even the practical elements are artfully considered. A discreet stucco storage structure, cleverly integrated into the garden design, provides effortless utility without disrupting the visual harmony of the space. Custom stepping stones, automated irrigation, and integrated pot sprinklers complete an environment where design, comfort, and ease of living coexist beautifully. An outdoor setting designed not simply as a yard, but as a destination.
Additional highlights include a deep 13x36 tandem garage and a semi-finished 250+/- square feet basement ideal for wine storage. Modern performance and efficiency are seamlessly integrated throughout the residence. The home is equipped with two-zone heating and air conditioning, complemented by smart Nest thermostats for precise, intuitive climate control. A comprehensive security system, including ADT monitoring, cameras, motion sensors, glass break detection, and a Ring doorbell with integrated camera lighting, provides both confidence and convenience. Wired smoke and carbon monoxide detection further enhances peace of mind. Owned solar panels support long-term energy efficiency, while a Pelican whole-house water filtration system ensures exceptional water quality. Automatic landscape lighting elegantly illuminates the front and rear grounds, reinforcing the home’s effortless blend of technology, comfort, and everyday livability.
Perfectly positioned within one of San Jose’s most cherished and architecturally distinguished neighborhoods, the residence enjoys an exceptional lifestyle setting. Just a short stroll away, the historic San Jose Municipal Rose Garden offers a world-renowned landscape of color, symmetry, and serenity. An iconic destination for morning walks, quiet reflection, and leisurely afternoons. Moments beyond, the vibrant energy of Santana Row, Valley Fair, and The Alameda presents an extraordinary collection of premier shopping, acclaimed dining, and curated entertainment experiences, while Downtown San Jose provides an ever-evolving cultural and culinary scene. The location effortlessly balances neighborhood tranquility with metropolitan convenience. Major transportation corridors, Caltrain, and San Jose International Airport are all easily accessible, offering seamless connectivity to Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and beyond. The home is further enhanced by proximity to respected educational institutions, including Bellarmine College Preparatory and St. Martin of Tours School, reinforcing the enduring desirability of this distinguished Rose Garden address.
Rarely does a residence of such caliber, scale, and architectural clarity reveal itself, particularly on a street so deeply woven into the legacy of the Rose Garden. 1344 University Avenue is more than a home: it is a statement of intention, a composition of light, proportion, and craftsmanship that transcends trend and resists imitation. Every curve, every material, every line speaks to a level of design discipline and vision that is increasingly scarce, offering a living experience defined not by excess, but by refinement, balance, and quiet authority. This is a home for those who understand that true luxury is not declared, but felt in the way spaces unfold, in the way light moves, in the way architecture shapes daily life. A residence of presence and permanence, where beauty and function exist in perfect equilibrium. A true Rose Garden masterpiece, and a rare opportunity to inhabit something genuinely exceptional.
