Behind large ranch-style gates that apparently never close, there lies an unpretentious neighborhood of mostly single story homes on sprawling half acre lots. 

Once a horse ranch, the area just off Kennedy Road harkens to a more rustic time. 

Welcome to Surrey Farms.

This is not a neighborhood that screams "new money", though it is so highly desireable that most homes cost in the range of $2,000,000 or more - if one happens to be available when you're house-hunting.

What is the mystique of this much sought-after area?

Part of it may be that there is just one entrance to the neighborhood., So there is no "through traffic". The streets are fairly quiet and it's an easy place to let kids ride bikes and walk dogs, or to push strollers and talk with neighbors while walking.

Another element is the modest nature of it. Whereas many neighborhoods in California seem to cram large homes on small lots, this area is more full of trees and yard than structure.

It seems to be a less hurried pace.

Additionally, Surrey Farms is "close to town", has the prized Los Gatos Schools, but feels more countrified.  It feels away without being away.

Besides the price, is there anything a potential buyer should worry about when purchasing a home in Surrey Farms?  In some parts of the neighborhood, there may be a little Kennedy Road noise. Overall, though, it's not bad.  In others, there can be sounds floating over from Hillbrook School (a private school located at the end of Marchmont Drive).  Hillbrook has lots of acreage for students and horses, though, so this is not much of an issue.

The one issue I would advise folks to pay attention to, though, is water.

Because this delightful spot is located next to hills, water rushing down off of them can be an issue, just as it can in Almaden Valley, Saratoga, Los Altos, etc.  Water plus our clay soil makes for a pretty bad combination.  It's very important to keep the water away from the house. It is especially important for it to remain dry under the house. (Water near the foundation can lead to the soil expanding and cracking the concrete in the foundation. That, in turn, can cause the house to move out of level. And persistant moisture under the house could lead to mold or mildew issues, to name just a few reasons why you don't want water in your crawl space.)

Grading is often a culprit with water issues, and so is the way water is handled when it comes through the downspout. Those are both usually easy fixes. Often they are inexpensive too.

To complicate things, though, there are places in Surrey Farms where there are some naturally occuring underground springs.

But it can be dealt with, so don't despair. Springs can be capped and water diverted. But you need to know about it, and you need to act on it if your inspector recommends that you talk to a soils, foundation, or drainage expert.

So when buying a home in Surrey Farms, or anywhere near the hills, be aware that water issues can exist. Some sellers will have been proactive and done improved grading, added drains around the outside, or perhaps even have added sump pumps or fans. They are to be commended!! 

Attend your home inspection so that you can learn how to make your home be both healthy and lasting. Ask lots of questions. And make sure, if the inspector tells you to improve the grading, extend the downspouts or do whatever about the water, that you heed the advice.  In the long run, you'll be very glad you did.

Mary Pope-Handy, Realtor, CRS, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, ASP, RECS, CNHS
Helping Nice Folks to Buy & Sell Homes Since 1993
Co-Author: "Get The Best Deal When Selling Your Home In Silicon Valley"
Intero Real Estate Services, Los Gatos, CA (Silicon Valley)
408 357-5760 (Direct); 408 204-7673 (Cell); 408 715-0201 (eFax)
www.PopeHandy.com  www.ValleyOfHeartsDelight.com  
emailto: Mary@PopeHandy.com
Blog: www.LiveInLosGatos.com (http://LiveInLosGatos.RealTownBlogs.com)