Where: 138 Ramoso Road in Portola Valley (listing | google map)
When: Sunday, May 6th, from  1:30-4:30 pm

The Bay Area can be a fast-paced place - from the bustling city of San Francisco to the start-up culture of Silicon Valley. For many, this is the appeal of living here. Even if you enjoy living a cultured, vibrant life surrounded by the leaders of innovation, many prefer to have their home be a place of relaxation.

This week's open home allows for exactly that - blending the convenience of being located merely 10 minutes from Stanford, but set on a quiet 2.5+/- acres in the Westridge neighborhood of Portola Valley.

Held open by Ellen Ashley of the Alain Pinel Realtors Woodside office, this 4bd/3.5ba home is unique in both location and styling. The exterior, with custom cedar shake shingles, a standing seam metal roof, and a sprawling lawn, compliments the surrounding grounds.

The inside blends contemporary and luxury styling, having been extensively remodeled over the past 5 years with open spaces, soaring ceilings, and tall windows. A brilliant use of levels in this architecturally stunning home create an airy ambiance throughout the common areas - featuring a beautiful entry way (with an impressive mahogany door), a living room perfect for entertaining (stainless steel bar and opaque glass cabinets), a family room (with gas stainless steel fireplace), and an elegant, and functional gourmet kitchen (featuring blue-eye granite countertops).

If the open spaces of the interior are not enough for your entertaining purposes - the home also features two decks - one of which has a 2-way glass fireplace.

Ready to have relaxing break from your face-paced life? Visit 138 Ramoso Road this Sunday - but you might not want to leave this peaceful retreat.

Where: 158 Spencer Avenue in Sausalito (listing | google map)
When: Sunday, April 29th, from  2:00-4:00 pm

Do you love the city but still want it to be quiet when you come home at night?
Are you a wine enthusiast that has never quite had the right place to store your treasures?
Are you an outdoor enthusiast?
Appreciate good views from a hot tub?

Then this week's open home in Suasalito might just be for you! Held open by Jenn Pfeiffer of the Alain Pinel Realtors Corte Madera - Central Marin office, this 3bd/3ba California Contemporary home has it all.

The living area itself has all the luxuries - a beauitful kitchen with custom built-in panty, an open living room an and dining room that open to a large deck with views of the San Francisco Bay, and a stunning master suite with a rainwater shower and Japanese soaking tub. The house has custom-built maple fixtures throughout the house, including the kitchen, living room, mast er closet - including a separate built-in shoe closet, and wall panel and storage areas. The home also includes a fabulous 700-bottle wine cellar.

If the house is not enough, Sausalito has it all. From the hidden stairways and houseboats and marinas to the fabulous restaurants and art galleries, Sausalito residents love the small town charm of their city. With easy access - by bus, car or ferry -  to San Francisco (just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge) as well as the scenic north coast with its beaches and redwood trees, you’re also just about an hour away from the world renowned wine country, and a mere 3 ½ hour drive to Tahoe. For outdoor enthusiasts who love to mountain bike, run, kayak, hike and sail, Sausalito is truly the gateway to some of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in the world.

Treat yourself - see this treasure this weekend.

Where: 3340 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
Open: Sunday, April 15th, 2:00-4:00 PM

It is no secret that Twin Peaks has some of the best views of the entire city; it's a common destination for tourists wanting to take in a panoramic view of the SF Bay. Can you imagine seeing and living these views each day? Now is your chance. Held open this weekend by Lynnette Giusti of Alain Pinel Realtos San Francisco - Noe Valley office, this property takes full advantage of the beautiful scenery and features many rooms with floor to ceiling windows.

Originally built in 1937, this 3bd/3.5ba has been completely remodeled. Some of the extravegant features include a Miele kitchen, a formal dining room, a master suite complete with a spa-like bath and adjacent private office,  and a custom media room with surround sound. Whether you are an entertainer (wet bar and wine cellar), environmentally conscious (solar powered radiant heat and hot water), or just want a little privacy (remote-controlled electric blinds) - this home has a luxury feature for everyone.

Fully embracing the views and California's weather,  there are three outdoor areas - a private landscaped year with a deck, a small deck off one of the bedrooms, and a large roof deck with panoramic views of San Francisco (note: it is also plumbed for an outdoor kitchen). This home also features two separate entrances (one on Market and one in the back off a private shared driveway off Corbett) and 2 car parking.

If you are not sold already - I bet you will be after seeing one sunset from this perfect Twin Peak treat.

This weekend's featured open house is 15449 Banyan Lane in Monte Sereno. Hosted by Don Knight & Sally Anderson of Alain Pinel Realtors Saratoga office, this is your chance to see a one of a kind elegant, gated estate. Built by Paul Mehus, the property sits high on a hill allowing for gorgeous views of the Silicon Valley. The grounds are wonderful, featuring a pool, spa, water falls, and a meditation area. The inside too reflects the high quality materials and exceptional detail, with a gourmet kitchen, formal dining room (sits 12!), and two family rooms. The estate also features garage space for 5 cars and a separate guest house. Open Sunday April 1, 2012 from 1:00-4:00 PM.

See more open homes at open.apr.com!

This week's open house is 11801 Francemont Avenue in Los Altos Hills. Hosted by Alan Dunckel & Derk Brill of Alain Pinel Realtors Palo Alto office, this resort-inspired property presents the ultimate in indoor and outdoor living. Like being on year-round holiday in the European countryside, the spacious two-level design integrates a flowing main level comprised of everything needed for the convenience of one-level living – stunning formal rooms, a family room outfitted as a home theatre, paneled library, and a luxurious master suite adjacent to a bedroom perfect for a nursery. Upstairs, three additional bedroom suites provide luxurious accommodations for family members, guests, or staff. Every amenity for entertaining is incorporated into the property, both inside and out. A fully concealed butler’s pantry and tremendous kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances cater to large or small gatherings while a whole-home audio system enhances the ambiance at every turn. But it is the outdoor living venue that makes this property truly special with a vast terrace, Grecian-inspired pool, separate spa terrace, and fireplace. A fully equipped kitchen and bar, wood-fired pizza oven, and marble steam room are added amenities that create this quintessential resort lifestyle. Topping it all off are professionally landscaped grounds with level lawn, fragrant and colorful gardens, and a backdrop of western hills for the utmost in privacy. Open Sunday, March 25th from 1:30-4:30 PM.

For more open homes around the Bay Area, visit open.apr.com.

This weekend's featured open house is 11 Fairview Avenue in Corte Madera. Hosted by John Adlam of Alain Pinel Realtors Mill Valley office, this 4bd/2.5ba sits on the appropriately named Fairview Avenue above Chapman Park. The lower level features the master bedroom as well as the additional bedrooms, one of which features a seperate entrace (perfect for use as an office or exercise room). With an open layout that maintains privacy and filled with panoramic views, this home truly is visually stunning. The owners have dilligently improved and preserved the integrety of the home leaving buyers with little to do but move in. Open Sunday, March 18th from 2:00-4:00pm.

For the most comprehensive open homes search in the Bay Area, visit open.apr.com.

This weekend's featured open house is 925 Penninsula Way in Menlo Park. Hosted by Sherry Bucolo of Alain Pinel Realtors Palo Alto office, this home was custome built in 2002. Featuring high end amenities and 14 foot ceilings! This unique and spacious one-level floor plan is set on half an acre in the Menlo Oaks neighborhood. A must see! Open Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 1:30-4:30 pm.

For more open home all over the SF Bay Area, check out open.apr.com. Choose which open houses you want to see and plan your weekend!

Ever wanted a vineyard? Well you're in luck! This weekend's featured open house is 144 Rudgear Drive in Walnut Creek. Hosted by Sharon Barr Day of Alain Pinel Realtors Danville / Blackhawk office, this home boasts a premium lot with a Zinfandel vineyard. Even though it was built in 2000, this home feels brand new with its open floor plan and high ceilings. Almost every window in this 5bd/2ba home has a view. With a gourmet eat-in kitchen fit for a chef, hardwood flooring throughout the main living area, and other upgrades, this distinctive home really feels like a luxurious treat. Open Sunday 1:30-4:30 pm.

Interested in seeing other homes this weekend? open.apr.com is the Bay Area's comprehensive tool to find open houses anywhere in the Bay. Happy hunting :)

This weekend's open home is 15401 Bohlman Road in Saratoga. Hosted by Richard Crouch & Kandis Rodda of Alain Pinel Realtors Saratoga office, this house features truly breathetaking views. Designed by a high tech CEO with an eye for design and technology, this home features incredible interiors, solar power, and many features can be controlled from your iPhone. You can entertain on the rooftop deck, relax in the outdoor spa that overlooks the valley, or admire the views from inside through a bold, circular window. With so many unique features, this home truly is one of a kind. Open Saturday and Sunday from 1:30-4:30 pm.

For more open houses, you can search all over the Bay Area at open.apr.com.

This weekend's featured open home is 7 Reed Ranch Road in Tiburon. Hosted by Valerie Castellana of the Alain Pinel Realtors Tiburon / Belvedere office, this home features some of the best views of the Bay Area. Set in the Reedlands neighborhood, this home sits on 1/3 acre (room for expansion) and has views of both the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. The 3 bedrooms are all on the same level. The living and dining rooms feature beautiful decks and patios with outseife entertaining areas. A pool and a rose garden are an added bonus! Open Sunday 2:00-4:00 pm.

Not interested in Marin County? Go to open.apr.com to see more open homes in the entire San Francisco Bay Area.

This weekend's featured open house is 511 Warren Road in San Mateo. Hosted by Joanne Norris of the Alain Pinel Realtors Burlingame office, this remodeled Tudor home features 5 gorgeous bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. With a stunning living room (with a fireplace and bay windows!) and a gracious dining room, this home has plenty of space. The updated kitchen adjoins with a sunny breakfast room. The mastersuite also has a balcony! Open Sunday from 2:00-4:00 pm.

For more open houses, check out open.apr.com.

This weekend's featured open house is 2587 Comistas Drive in Walnut Creek. Hosted by Lori Legler of Alain Pinel Realtors Orinda office, this gracious home is located on one of Northgate’s most beautiful streets. Featuring spacious rooms with lots of natural light, an open kitchen and living room, this home is perfect for families. The seamless in and outdoor areas make it perfect for entertaining.  With a gorgeous pool, spa, patio and lawn area, the yard is almost as amazing as the home! Open Sun 1:00-4:00 pm.

For more open homes all around the Bay Area - check out open.apr.com.

This weekend's featured open home is 16359 in Belmont Court in Monte Sereno. Hosted by Dana Rogers Burns and Cyndi Stewart of the Alain Pinel Realtors Saratoga office, this stunning 5bd/3.5ba home is set in a private and serene location, while still being close to downtown and Bachman Park. This custom remodel has only the finest quality materials and craftsmanship. From its hand distressed hickory floors, custom cabinetry, to large open and light room with high ceilings, this home is truly divine. Open this Saturday, December 31st, from 1:00-4:00 pm.

For more open homes, check out open.apr.com.

Have a wonderful New Year's weekend! See you in 2012.

With the holidays quickly appraoching, this weekend is likely to be full of last minutes trips to the mall and grocery stores. Sometimes you deserve a break! Take the time to come check out this weekend's featured open house, 4184 Creekwood Court in Pleasanton. Hosted by Douglas Buenz of Alain Pinel Realtors Pleasanton office, this charming one story is set in lovely cul-de-sac. With hardwood floors, a granite kitchen, and a wonderfully remodeled master bath, this home is quite the holiday treat. The French doors and skylights allow light to freely flow throughout the house. The living room features a beautiful fireplace in case anyone happens to come down the chimney. Open Sunday 1:00-4:00 pm.

Not your perfect home for the holidays? Check out plenty more open homes at open.apr.com.

This weekend's open house is 8 Emlin Place in Kentfield. Hosted by Carol Olrich of Alain Pinel Corte Madera - Central Marin, this Marin home is located on a private lane off of Laurel Grove. With upgrades to the kitchen, bathrooms, and a new living room fireplace, this home shows very well. This 4b/4ba (1 bedroom is currently being used as an office) also features 3 decks! Open Sunday from 2:00-4:00 pm.

For more open homes in Marin and the rest of the Bay Area, go to open.apr.com!