Old Soul
A Bernard Maybeck–Inspired Home in Atherton, California
Designed by Fergus Garber Architects, this Bernard Maybeck–inspired custom residence in Atherton, California, was conceived with a clear intention: to feel like the oldest home on the block. Set among mature oaks and redwoods in one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most established neighborhoods, the house was designed to feel settled and enduring, as though it had always belonged to its site.
Rooted in Northern California architectural traditions, the home draws from Maybeck’s philosophy of material honesty, craft, and deep connection to place. From the outset, architecture and landscape were developed together to reinforce that sense of permanence. Christian Douglas Design was engaged to shape a landscape that would honor the integrity of the architecture while supporting multigenerational family life.
“Our goal was to build upon the existing oak and redwood population and settle the home into the landscape,” says Christian Douglas. “It was an homage to Bernard Maybeck and the Northern California terrain, and a way to create an outdoor environment for gathering, play, and harvesting food throughout the seasons.”
The landscape was conceived as both structured and generous. Hardscape was reduced wherever possible and replaced with layered planting that softens the home’s strong architectural presence. With abundant sunlight across the Atherton property, the garden became a living canvas that blends kitchen gardens, edible hedgerows, and flowering species within a clear, formal framework.
Edible plantings are integrated throughout, from persimmons and mission figs to pomegranate, avocado, blueberries, and alpine strawberries. While edible landscapes are not traditionally associated with formal garden design, the planting is carefully organized through paths, terraces, and a strong central axis. This structure allows for seasonal variety and abundance without sacrificing clarity or order.
Designed to encourage daily use rather than passive viewing, the landscape invites exploration and participation. Grandchildren are given places to wander, forage, and learn where food comes from through play. Over time, the garden has become an integral part of family life, supporting swimming, gardening, and outdoor gatherings across generations.
For Fergus Garber Architects, whose residential work spans Atherton, Palo Alto, Los Altos Hills, and the greater Silicon Valley, the project reflects a broader commitment to place-based architecture that values longevity over trends. Architecture and landscape work together here to create a home that feels rooted, resilient, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Old Soul is a quiet example of Bay Area residential architecture shaped by care, collaboration, and respect for the land. Designed to feel timeless rather than new, the home gains its character through use, memory, and a lasting relationship with its setting.
Original article by Lindsay Shook