Is there anything better than a combination of art and nature? Hardly anything. Villa Montalvo in Saratoga is one of those places where you can find both.
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this Italian Mediterranean style mansion was constructed in 1912-1914 by California statesman and businessman James D. Phelan. Three-time San Francisco mayor and a big arts fan, James D. Phelan had many quests at his house, including Jack London, Ethel Barrymore, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks. After Phelan's death, it was donated to the state as a park and then a cultural and arts center.
Today, Villa Montalvo is a private non-profit arts center called Montalvo Arts Center. It serves as a popular venue for many events but some can also call it home. The artists-in-residence program has been working since 1939, and allows creative professionals - from musician and painters to writers and actors - live and work on the property. Over the course of more than 70 years more than 600 artists from 20 countries participated in the program, producing works and giving performances at Villa Montalvo.
Being a well-visited arts attraction, VIlla Montalvo has much more to offer. The hiking trails might not be the longest, only 3.5 miles, but they take you uphill where you get a great view over the city of San Jose and the surrounding areas. Another must-stop for all nature lovers is the 137-acre arboretum and botanical garden. You can find a number of forest types here, including evergreen and redwood.
No matter what you are looking for - a cultural event, a picnic on the lawn, a casual stroll on the grounds taking in classical statues or an easy hike - Villa Montalvo has it for you.
Before you go, make sure to check out the website for current news and events to get the most out of your visit.
