In California's affluent East Bay enclave of Alamo, a century-old architectural treasure reemerges as the region’s definitive legacy estate. It's called the Ball Estate, named after the Ball family, longtime builders of California highways and infrastructure, who owned the property for decades.
Recently listed for $12.8 million by prominent East Bay real estate agent and Luxury Property Specialist Khrista Jarvis-Diebner, the storied estate preserves its classic architectural heritage while showcasing contemporary interiors curated by designer Casey Howard in partnership with Vesta Home.
The estate was originally commissioned in 1912 by railroad magnate Walter Arnstein, and stands as a masterwork by Arthur Brown Jr.—the legendary visionary behind iconic Bay Area landmarks like San Francisco City Hall and Coit Tower. The residence passed in 1946 to Gordon and Dorothy Ball.
Set behind a dramatic and private grove of towering redwoods, the residence opens past a portico into a grand foyer lined with hand-painted wall murals depicting lush flora. Interiors spanning over 8,842 square feet across two grand levels reveal an historic grandeur long since lost among today's modern spec homes and new builds. The main floor balances formal reception spaces with relaxed family areas. High ceilings, classic millwork, period light fixtures, and oversized French doors define the formal living and dining rooms, drawing in natural light and framing panoramic views of the park-like grounds.
The kitchen pairs dark custom cabinetry and marble countertops with bespoke floral wall coverings, anchored by an array of newly installed top-tier appliances. The main level also brings together three generously proportioned bedrooms, including two en-suite arrangements, alongside a sun parlor that connects to a private guest suite with independent access, which woud be ideal for an au pair or long-term visitors.
Upstairs, the primary suite features a gracious private sitting room, while additional en-suite bedrooms and flexible secondary rooms offer dedicated spaces for an executive home office, library, or children's playroom.
Down below, a basement recreation room serves as a media lounge or bonus playroom.
The outdoor entertaining complex continues with a separate 465-square-foot detached bar, a charm-filled shaded gazebo, and multiple covered loggias and stone terraces for dining al fresco.
Rolling, sunlit lawns stretch across the remainder of the estate, offering expansive grounds with ample room for custom equestrian facilities, a private vineyard, or an additional guest structure. The nearly four-acre flat parcel is designed as an all-encompassing private retreat, anchored by an oversized resort-style pool and a dedicated 1,579-square-foot pool house for extended stays. Over its century-long history, the estate has welcomed dignitaries and hosted countless charity galas, fashion shows, and political gatherings under the stars.
For Jarvis-Diebner, the home was meticulously "designed for both grand entertaining and everyday living," both inside and out—though its allure extends far beyond its physical footprint. “From the moment you enter beneath the redwoods, you experience a sense of peace, history, and timeless beauty that makes this estate truly unforgettable,” she told Robb Report.
Complementing its sanctuary-like setting, the estate sits just moments from the Iron Horse Trail, Round Hill Country Club, and the vibrant dining and shopping centers of downtown Alamo and Danville.
View the complete listing by Khrista Jarvis Diebner of Coldwell Banker Realty in Danville.
