Luxury Lake Sherwood residence in area filled with history, variety of activities.

It has been said that for many, getting the most out of life is simply knowing where to live.

Nothing can be more true when living in the confines of the gate guarded Lake Sherwood community.

Behind the gates is an exquisite upscale traditional home situated on a manicured 0.99-acre premium view lot, overlooking the Sherwood Valley and the golf course of the Sherwood Country Club.

The luxurious Regent Park model boasts approximately 10,343 square feet of luxury living as per the builder, with six bedrooms, seven and one-half baths, and a bonus room that can be used as an optional extra bedroom or media room. The exterior is adorned in the traditional manner, with a formal exterior entry, brick front, custom woodwork, siding, and contrasting plantation shutters. Built with integrity, quality and attention to every detail.

Approaching the residence is its stately brick walk, mirroring that of the front facade. Upon entering, a fabulous formal entry with Travertine tile, and dramatic parlor with soaring ceilings unfolds before you. A custom hardwood staircase leads up to the appealing library loft. Highly skilled craftsmen mastered the entire custom crown molding, wainscot, judges paneling and all the other fine details that are highlighted throughout.

The formal living room has majestic 25-foot high ceilings, floor to ceiling mullion windows, beautiful hardwood flooring and a custom oak fireplace. There was no expense spared in the creation of or materials in the huge 19-foot by 25-foot gourmet kitchen, with all the amenities for even the most discerning cook. It features high-grade granite with double ogee (S-shaped) edges that top an ample sit-down island, and create massive counters. The abundance of custom cabinets has superb fit and finish. The essential appliances include a dual Sub-Zero fridge and freezer, six-burner Viking range with double ovens and a detailed carved hood over head, Viking double wall ovens, double dishwashers, double food warmers, and a roomy walk-in pantry.

The breakfast nook and huge family room flow from the kitchen, providing the perfect space for entertaining. It features built-ins, a surround sound system, a custom fireplace, and lovely hardwood flooring. In addition, there is an expansive row of mullion doors that leads out to the southern style entertainer's covered patio, with its views of the Sherwood.

The spacious master bedroom with sitting area has a custom granite fireplace with a carved wood mantel, dual baths with an adjoining rain glass and marble enclosure in the middle, custom cabinets and fixtures, huge dual closets with built in cabinets that can handle even the largest wardrobe. Additionally there is a row of mullion doors leading out to the large deck, taking advantage of more spectacular views overlooking Sherwood.

Each of the large bedrooms, one of them downstairs, has access to a full bath. Three of them have a viewing deck. The custom office features dark wood built-ins, judges paneling, molding, shelving and access to the rear yard. The backyard features a covered patio, a large grassy area with an Infinity pool, a covered spa, and two viewing gazebos — perfect for entertaining. The maid's quarters are adjacent to the laundry area that features a drip rack dual washer and dryer hook ups and plenty of storage. All this, plus a five-car garage.

The Lake Sherwood community is a 1,900-acre master-planned residential community surrounded by the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains. Sherwood's natural beauty features unique rock formations, ancient oak trees and Lake Sherwood, the oldest man-made lake in California. Originally Potrero Lake, it was built in 1904 and is approximately 165 acres. It was changed to Lake Sherwood when the surrounding areas, used for the filming of "Robin Hood" starring Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. in 1921, became known as "Sherwood Forest" and "Maid Marian Park."

Inside the gates of Sherwood is the Robin Hood Cabin, a home built for the movie and is rumored that Fairbanks lived there while filming it. The cabin is a registered Ventura County Historical Landmark.

Sherwood offers families an incomparable quality of life enhanced by the peaceful surroundings and outstanding amenities. The array of residential opportunities appeal to a variety of individual needs and tastes while featuring Sherwood's trademark high level of excellence for craftsmanship, architecture, appointments and finishing detail.

Its resort-style environment offers an abundance of activities for residents to indulge in. There is sailing, fishing and kayaking on Lake Sherwood and picnicking at nearby Maid Marian Park, as well as the opportunity to apply for membership in Sherwood's world-class country club. Equestrian, hiking trails and other recreational opportunities are close to Sherwood.

This home is within a short walk to the country club and all of its amenities. And also to the prestigious Sherwood Golf Course, formally opened on Oct. 30, 1989, it is today established not only as one of the top courses in California, but as one of the country's most elite layouts. Designed by famed architect and golf pro Jack Nicklaus, Sherwood is considered one of the most spectacular, tournament-friendly sites for both players and spectators. Each year in December Sherwood Country Club hosts the Target World Challenge. Tiger Woods and Davis Love III are just two of golf's top professionals who compete in the invitation-only event.

With mild year-round temperatures, Sherwood is an ideal place to live. The average daytime temperature is 77 degrees with clear skies and fresh air, and evenings average 45 degrees with nighttime stars too numerous to count. It is 700 feet above sea level and benefits from fresh breezes from the Pacific Ocean, an easy 20 minute drive away.

The area offers the feeling of a faraway place, yet only is 35 miles from Los Angeles' Westside. Located on the eastern end of Ventura County, Sherwood is just minutes away from freeway access and big city conveniences including boutiques, fine dining, business centers, a performing arts center, and recreational activities.

Knowing where to live does get you more out of life. That place is Lake Sherwood.

For more information about this estate home, callt Marc Smith of Prudential California Fine Homes division at 630-8608. On the Web, visit www.estatesbehindthegates.com.

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This Lake Sherwood home overlooks the Sherwood Valley and the golf course of the Sherwood Country Club has approximately 10,343 square feet with 25-foot ceilings, huge gourment kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows and hardwood flooring.