In the heart of central Atherton, this extraordinary estate is a masterpiece of design & craftsmanship, offering a rare combination of grandeur, privacy, & resort-like amenities on 2.5 acres. Every space is designed to impress, with soaring ceilings, expansive windows, & a seamless flow that enhances both formal entertaining & everyday living. There are grand public rooms alongside more intimate spaces, ensuring both sophistication & comfort. Chef's kitchen is complemented by a large butler's pantry & a sommelier-worthy wine cellar. There are five sumptuous bedroom suites, each with spa-inspired baths & serene views, including a multi-room primary suite. There are also two offices plus a separate two-bedroom, 1-bath guest house with full kitchen for extended family or guests. Surrounded by a setting of absolute beauty, the grounds unfold with manicured gardens, sculptural fountains, & meandering walkways leading to a pool & spa, tennis court, & a secluded waterways garden hidden beyond centuries-old-style walls. A spacious cabana takes center stage for outdoor entertaining, offering the perfect venue for gatherings of any scale. Enveloped in privacy and embraced by natural beauty, this is a truly iconic estate in one of the most prestigious locations in the country.
Single-familyProperty Type
2002Year Built
2.53 acresLot Size
$3,143Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
5 car garageParking
Listed by Ronald Karp•DRE #00881890• Coldwell Banker Realty
Contact: 650-619-6461
Bought with RECIP RECIP•DRE #00000000• Out of Area Office
In the heart of central Atherton, this extraordinary estate is a masterpiece of design & craftsmanship, offering a rare combination of grandeur, privacy, & resort-like amenities on 2.5 acres. Every space is designed to impress, with soaring ceilings, expansive windows, & a seamless flow that enhances both formal entertaining & everyday living. There are grand public rooms alongside more intimate spaces, ensuring both sophistication & comfort. Chef's kitchen is complemented by a large butler's pantry & a sommelier-worthy wine cellar. There are five sumptuous bedroom suites, each with spa-inspired baths & serene views, including a multi-room primary suite. There are also two offices plus a separate two-bedroom, 1-bath guest house with full kitchen for extended family or guests. Surrounded by a setting of absolute beauty, the grounds unfold with manicured gardens, sculptural fountains, & meandering walkways leading to a pool & spa, tennis court, & a secluded waterways garden hidden beyond centuries-old-style walls. A spacious cabana takes center stage for outdoor entertaining, offering the perfect venue for gatherings of any scale. Enveloped in privacy and embraced by natural beauty, this is a truly iconic estate in one of the most prestigious locations in the country.
Public Records
Feb 21, 2014
Sold
$25,000,000
$2,655/sq ft
MLSListings #ML81319198
Feb 21, 2014
Pending
—
Feb 21, 2014
Sold
—
Dec 1, 2013
Relisted
—
Dec 1, 2013
Listing Removed
—
Jun 3, 2013
Listed
$27,400,000
$2,910/sq ft
Located in the heart of Atherton, "Bella Sera" sits behind her gates surrounded by a rare 2 1/2 acres. Custom built, grand entrance, built-in antique artifacts, glass smooth Venetian plaster, elaborate woodwork and dazzling light fixtures throughout. Private gardens, pool, cabana, tennis court, 2 BR guest house, fountains surround this beauty. Garage parking for 5. A once in a lifetime residence.
Public Records
May 4, 1992
Sold
$2,500,000
$266/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$336,907 (+1.2%)
$22,134,000 + $7,480,680
$29,614,680
2024
$332,911 (+1.6%)
$19,773,176 + $10,873,404
$30,646,580
2023
$327,766 (+2.8%)
$19,385,467 + $10,660,200
$30,045,667
2022
$318,717 (+1.6%)
$19,005,360 + $10,451,177
$29,456,537
2021
$313,720 (+2.3%)
$18,632,706 + $10,246,252
$28,878,958
2020
$306,734 (−3.2%)
$18,267,359 + $10,045,346
$28,312,705
2019
$316,802 (+5.1%)
$18,080,050 + $9,942,344
$28,022,394
2018
$301,411 (+3.2%)
$17,725,540 + $9,747,397
$27,472,937
2017
$292,080 (+0.6%)
$17,037,237 + $9,368,895
$26,406,132
2016
$290,225 (+1.9%)
$17,037,237 + $9,368,895
$26,406,132
2015
$284,922 (+208.5%)
$16,703,174 + $9,185,192
$25,888,366
2014
$92,371 (+5.5%)
$4,298,500 + $3,747,911
$8,046,411
2012
$87,555 (+1.9%)
$4,279,074 + $3,730,973
$8,010,047
2011
$85,927 (+1.3%)
$4,195,171 + $3,657,817
$7,852,988
2010
$84,807 (+0.5%)
$4,112,913 + $3,586,096
$7,699,009
2009
$84,383 (+2.3%)
$4,082,175 + $3,559,295
$7,641,470
2008
$82,502
$4,091,873 + $3,567,751
$7,659,624
Tax history for 250 Atherton Ave
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$336,907 (+1.2%)
$22,134,000 + $7,480,680
$29,614,680
2024
$332,911 (+1.6%)
$19,773,176 + $10,873,404
$30,646,580
2023
$327,766 (+2.8%)
$19,385,467 + $10,660,200
$30,045,667
2022
$318,717 (+1.6%)
$19,005,360 + $10,451,177
$29,456,537
2021
$313,720 (+2.3%)
$18,632,706 + $10,246,252
$28,878,958
2020
$306,734 (−3.2%)
$18,267,359 + $10,045,346
$28,312,705
2019
$316,802 (+5.1%)
$18,080,050 + $9,942,344
$28,022,394
2018
$301,411 (+3.2%)
$17,725,540 + $9,747,397
$27,472,937
2017
$292,080 (+0.6%)
$17,037,237 + $9,368,895
$26,406,132
2016
$290,225 (+1.9%)
$17,037,237 + $9,368,895
$26,406,132
2015
$284,922 (+208.5%)
$16,703,174 + $9,185,192
$25,888,366
2014
$92,371 (+5.5%)
$4,298,500 + $3,747,911
$8,046,411
2012
$87,555 (+1.9%)
$4,279,074 + $3,730,973
$8,010,047
2011
$85,927 (+1.3%)
$4,195,171 + $3,657,817
$7,852,988
2010
$84,807 (+0.5%)
$4,112,913 + $3,586,096
$7,699,009
2009
$84,383 (+2.3%)
$4,082,175 + $3,559,295
$7,641,470
2008
$82,502
$4,091,873 + $3,567,751
$7,659,624
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
6
Baths
6.5
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
2.53 Acres
Year renovated
2002
Sq. Ft.
10,070
Year built
2002
Style
Single Family Residential
County
San Mateo County
APN
070040500
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Sep 2, 2026.
R-1A
Residential District
This chapter identifies the allowed use and permit requirements and development standards for the residential district R-1A. The intent of this district is to implement the residential land use categories of the town’s general plan. It is designed to designate land for the development of residential uses consistent with the development regulations set forth in this title.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing
Housing-Single unit
Sep 14, 2027 • Active
Demo
Demolish a swimming pool.
Demolition
Pool and hot tub
Mar 4, 2027 • Active
Add alt res
Addition
Remodel
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
Garage (Minimum): 5
Garage (Maximum): 5
Parking Description: Attached Garage, Detached, Electric Gate, Parking Area