9508 Sugar Babe: Privacy without Isolation...

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What first drew us to this property

We were ready to leave the San Jose Evergreen area, which had become increasingly crowded. At the time, I was involved with a business in Morgan Hill, and this location offered an easy, fast commute while still feeling worlds away from the congestion.

Did we look at other parcels?

Yes—we looked all over the area. Ultimately, we chose this property because of something many buyers overlook but later regret: public roads maintained by the county. Our five-acre parcel benefits from full county-maintained access, which has been a significant and lasting advantage.

What did this land offer that others didn’t?

This was considered a premium lot when we purchased it. The property is bordered by countymaintained roads on three sides, with only one distant neighboring property. It is exceptionally quiet, free of traffic noise, and perched atop a hill with panoramic views in every direction. The barn also holds tremendous potential and could likely be converted into an ADU, offering beautiful views of its own. Overall, the setting is peaceful, private, and truly special.

Was there a moment we knew this was “the one”?

Almost immediately. We could instantly envision it as the perfect place to create a horse property, raise a family, and build the lifestyle we wanted. 

How important was proximity to town while still feeling removed? 

That balance mattered enormously. We are just 5-7 minutes from Costco, Walmart, and the Gilroy Outlets, making daily errands effortless. One of our favorite conveniences was the school bus that picked up and dropped off our children right at the bottom of our driveway—something that made everyday life feel both easy and special. Once home; though, the crowds disappeared. We truly had the best of both worlds.

   Why the Home Sits Where It Does:

We chose the home’s location for its ideal balance of privacy, sunlight, and sweeping views. From the house, you can see the valley, surrounding hills, and neighborhood—yet the home remains tucked well away from the road. Traffic is minimal, so it’s quiet without ever feeling isolated.

Practical considerations such as wind patterns, sun orientation, drainage, and access helped define the building envelope. Outdoor living was equally important—we wanted space for kids, animals, and entertaining. Over the years, we’ve comfortably hosted gatherings with more than 35 cars without issue.

If we were building today, we would make the same decisions: a single-story layout, a large garage with extensive storage, a barn, covered and side decks, a long driveway set back from the street, solar panels with NEM2 energy credits, and the benefit of a county-maintained road.  

The Home— Designed for Real Life 

Flow, gathering spaces, and privacy guided every design decision. The guest room was thoughtfully designed with en suite privacy, while the family room—with its dramatic 16-foot wall of windows and gas fireplace—naturally became the heart of the home. 

As our children grew, the layout supported both connection and independence. Bedrooms were separate yet close to shared bathrooms, with the laundry room conveniently nearby. Over time, the home  evolved with our family. We upgraded all bathrooms, the kitchen, and the family room, added real 

hardwood floors, installed a new concrete driveway, and consistently invested in updates and careful maintenance. 

What did we imagine life here would be like?

When we decided to build, our children were very young. We wanted them to grow up connected to the outdoors, animals, responsibility, and the openness that comes with living on land.

The single-story design, combined with solar panels, a heat pump, and a Tesla battery backup, has made the home exceptionally comfortable and energy-efficient. Rooms once used as children’s bedrooms now serve as offices and flexible living spaces. 

The garage remains one of our favorite features—spacious, cool in the summer, and highly functional. It includes extensive cabinetry for tools, workshop space, gardening supplies, and household storage, including pantry items and Costco essentials. An EV charging plug is also installed.

A deer fence surrounding the home has protected the landscaping and garden, while the automatic electric gate provides privacy and security and can be conveniently operated from a smartphone. 

An expansive covered deck, accessible from the entry, kitchen, and family room, offers a beautiful setting for entertaining, dining, or simply relaxing while taking in the view. A side deck provides an alternate perspective and once served as the perfect spot to watch the children play on the swings. The side patio also leads to the gardens, where tomatoes and fresh vegetables are grown.

The home is served by the New Avenue Mutual Water system (metered),a septic system, propane, and solar panels with battery backup. The grounds are fully landscaped and feature roses, walking paths, and multiple sitting areas designed for quiet enjoyment. 

  Land, Barn, and Future Possibilities 

The land has primarily served as horse pasture, but it has also supported biking, gardening, and hobbies.The barn was essential for horse care and doubled as a workspace, including a small office in the tack room where I ran my business for 10 years. 

Looking ahead, the property still offers exciting possibilities: an ADU with stunning views, a pool or tennis court, or even a potential split (CAN THIS BE DONE?). It’s ideal for buyers seeking privacy, open space, a single-story home, and room for animals. 

Self-Sufficiency and Peace of Mind 

From the beginning, independence mattered. Solar panels, three Tesla batteries, and the NEM2 system  provide energy resilience, predictable costs, and peace of mind—even during power outages. Charging an electric vehicle at home has never been a concern. Knowing how self-sufficient the property is 

makes leaving it especially bittersweet. 

Looking Back Memories and Legacy 

After 40 years, the hardest part is saying goodbye. This home is woven into our family’s story—filled with children, animals, improvements, and moments both big and small. From quiet patio mornings to hikes from the house and hosting friends and family, this property has been a place of joy, freedom, and fulfillment. 

In one sentence:
Life here has been awesome for 40 years—full of happiness, adventure, and cherished memories.