A Northern California home with a world-famous palm garden is for sale. Take a look

The San Francisco Bay Area is not known for its tropical climate.

But a one-acre estate on a quiet country road in Walnut Creek, 25 miles east of San Francisco, is home to a thriving palm garden worth more than $1.5 million, according to real estate firm Compass. The Hardy Palm Garden is treasured by palm lovers around the world, the property listing says.

With a 4,000-square-foot main house, four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a guest house, the entire estate and palm garden at 35 Amberwood Lane is available off-market for $3.8 million.

“From the moment (the property) came into my hands, I knew it was special,” owner Michael Turcotte said in an email to the Sacramento Bee. “The Hardy Palm Garden was already stunning and I immediately imagined ways to make the house and garden even bigger. Over the last decade I have put my heart and soul into making this dream a reality and I couldn't be prouder of the transformation. There is something magical about falling asleep to the whispering sound of palm trees and waking up to the beauty of a lush botanical garden.”

The remarkable collection of rare and sought-after palm trees was created by Richard Douglas around 1975. The palm garden is thriving despite the cooler temperatures in Walnut Creek. It is significantly cooler in the San Francisco Bay Area than in much of California.

“Over the course of nearly 50 years, this property has been transformed into a lush tropical oasis, with many of the palm trees now between 30 and 50 years old,” Realtor Dana Green of Compass said in a statement. “These majestic trees, some valued at over $100,000 each, were carefully selected and planted by Richard Douglas, who was not only an airline pilot but also a landscape architect with a deep love of palm trees.”

Douglas even cultivated a unique species of palm, Jubautia splendens “Dick Douglas,” which still lives on the property, Green said.

“His tenure as president of the International Palm Society from 1982 to 1984 is a testament to his expertise and influence in the palm world,” she added.

The house, originally built in 1952, was completely remodeled and expanded in 2016. A modern family room and loggia were completed in 2024.

“The result? “An understated, modern oasis in California,” the property listing says.

The single-story residence features clean lines and modern amenities throughout. A beautiful landscape surrounds the house. The grounds feature winding slate and stone paths, a pool, a Zen garden, water features and a guest house.

“It is a rarity to find a property as rare and stunning as 35 Amberwood Lane,” said Green. “The craftsmanship of the house renovation and additions is second to none. The fact that this beautiful home is surrounded by a world-famous palm garden and resort-like landscaping takes the quality and value of the home to a new level.”

Turcotte said he will miss the property but it is time to move on.

“Now that my vision for this property has become a reality, I am ready to embark on new adventures,” he said. “I sincerely hope that the next owners fall in love with this property as much as I did. It's incredible to escape to a tropical paradise where peace and serenity reigns in the center of a busy and urban city like Walnut Creek. It really is a dream come true.”

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