Lost Valley Ct, Orinda

Perched up along the western ridge of Orinda is the Lost Valley neighborhood. The majority of what is considered part of this neighborhood feeds off Crestview Drive, though you might also include the western face surface streets that come off Moraga Way as part of Lost Valley. The neighborhood is amazingly affluent with large sprawling homes looking out over the valley and leafy tree tops of the Glorietta neighborhood just below it.

The neighborhood mostly dates back to the Fifties as is evident by the many Ranch homes that straddle Crestview. However, so many of the homes have been refurbished that the neighborhood does not really have that 1950’s look to it. Many newer homes have also been built here so there is a fair amount of variation in architectural styles—though not always in a manner that is aesthetically pleasing as a whole. For example, you might find a wonderful long Prairie style home complete with white picket fence and a pleasant tree swing hanging in the side yard—but then, next door is a one of those modern, sharp edged homes with clear minimalist design pattern ruining the faux rural feel of its neighbors.

Regardless, every house in itself is quite attractive, and I suspect 90% of people would be more than happy to live in such a large, luxurious home and enjoy the pools and tennis courts. I would certainly love such a home if I could afford it.

I will not go on and on about the drawbacks of hillside living other than to summarize them: erosion, fires, wildlife, no sidewalks. If you want to see my usual spiel you can find it on any number of other reviews about the hillside neighborhoods in Orinda.

Overall, a nice well-hidden little neighborhood.