West Atherton, Atherton
Technically, there are no streets in Atherton -- only lanes, roads, courts, avenues. The lack of sidewalks preserves the feeling of walking on country lanes. In a concession to practicality, the original stone street markers are now augmented with conventional signage.
That rural feel isn't far from when Faxon Dean Atherton, a wealthy businessman from Massachusetts, first rode his horse through pre-Civil War West Atherton.
Native live oaks, white oaks, bays, redwoods, cedars and pines still hold sway thanks to the town ordinance that protects heritage trees.
In 1860, Faxon Dean Atherton purchased more than 600 acres -- essentially what is now West Atherton -- and became one of the first residents of the area. He built what is described as a relatively modest home in the center of his plot. The home was approximately where the Menlo Circus Club, a private country club, site of polo games and charity events, is now located. Today the names of his seven children appear on street signs: Isabella, Alejandro and Elena.
Over the years, the city government has sought to preserve Atherton's rural atmosphere. Nearly all the town is zoned for one-acre lots, creating dramatic settings for the impressive estates.
FACTS
CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOLS: St. Joseph's Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten, 150 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton
FIRE STATION: 32 Almendral Ave., Atherton
LOCATION: Alameda de las Pulgas and El Camino Real; Selby Lane and Valparaiso Avenue
PRIVATE SCHOOLS: St. Joseph's School, 50 Emilie Ave., Atherton; Menlo School, 50 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton; Sacred Heart Prep,150 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton; Menlo College, 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton
PUBLIC SCHOOLS: (Eligibility for school districts depends on resident's address) Menlo Park City Elementary School District -- Oak Knoll School, 1895 Oak Knoll Lane, Menlo Park; Encinal Elementary School, 195 Encinal Ave., Menlo Park; Hillview Middle School, 1100 Elder Ave., Menlo Park
Redwood City School District -- Selby Lane School, 170 Selby Lane, Atherton; Kennedy Middle School, 2521 Goodwin Ave., Redwood City; plus magnet schools
Sequoia Union High School District -- MenloAtherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton
SHOPPING: Downtown Menlo Park; Stanford Shopping Center
CLICK HERE to view current West Atherton Listings
*Courtesy of PaloAltoOnline.com
| Community Information | Be Social With Me | Contact Me |
|
|
|
Search Listings By City Or Area
