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The Midpeninsula has no shortage of seriously unique homes. From family wineries and historic estates to modern mountain retreats, these one-of-a-kind properties – whether because of their price, unusual design or history – are notable even for Silicon Valley. Every month, we highlight some of these not-so-ordinary properties that are on the market right now, or recently sold. This week, we take a look inside the Atherton home custom-built for former 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice in 2001, which is now on the market for $35 million.
A smart home before its time
This French château-style estate in Atherton now on the market for $35 million offers a glimpse into the life of a football legend.
Built for Jerry Rice in the early 2000s, when smart-home technology was still a novelty, the home stood out for its high-tech features and elaborate amenities. The former 49ers wide receiver outfitted the estate with electronics that could remotely control security systems and appliances, a theater with a 10,000-watt audio-visual system wired so viewers could feel the sound in their seats, and enough televisions to watch several NFL games at once, HGTV reported in 2015.
More than two decades later, the estate’s elaborate amenities remain part of its appeal.
Rice, a Pro Football Hall of Famer widely regarded as one of the greatest receivers in NFL history, sold the home in 2013 for $9 million to its current owners, Peter and Susanna Pau, co-founders of Palo Alto-based real estate investment and development firm Sand Hill Property Company, according to the Real Deal.
Jerry Rice’s former Atherton home is listed for $35 million. Photo by Jeffrey Frisk, J. Frisk Film & Photo, courtesy Compass. 
Jerry Rice’s former Atherton home is listed for $35 million. Photo by Jeffrey Frisk, J. Frisk Film & Photo, courtesy Compass. 
Jerry Rice’s former Atherton home is listed for $35 million. Photo by Jeffrey Frisk, J. Frisk Film & Photo, courtesy Compass. 
Jerry Rice’s former Atherton home is listed for $35 million. Photo by Jeffrey Frisk, J. Frisk Film & Photo, courtesy Compass. 
Jerry Rice’s former Atherton home is listed for $35 million. Photo by Jeffrey Frisk, J. Frisk Film & Photo, courtesy Compass.
The home reportedly took a year of planning and two years to build. At the time, its electronic equipment was valued at $2 million, and its gym equipment was valued at $500,000. The home also included its own gift-wrapping room.
The property spans 1.24 acres and includes a 12,520-square-foot main house and a separate guesthouse with its own kitchen and bathroom.
Built by Lencioni Construction, the estate combines French-inspired design with California indoor-outdoor living. Its finishes include Versace limestone floors, Swarovski crystal accents, Venetian plaster walls and French doors opening onto landscaped gardens, including a Mediterranean garden with palm trees and succulents designed by Santana Row’s landscape architect.
The house has six bedroom suites and 11 bathrooms across three floors. Amenities include an Art Deco-style home theater with tiered reclining seats and a concessions stand, a wine library that holds more than 1,000 bottles, the hobby and crafting room, and a recovery room with a steam shower and sauna. The home also has a suite for pets.
Rice’s original workout equipment remains in the gym, according to the listing. Other features include a 25-yard lap pool, a putting green, an outdoor kitchen and a veranda with a stone fireplace.
The property also has an underground garage with space for seven cars and a Tesla charger.
“This is an incredible Atherton estate home that was built (with) no expense spared in the early 2000s,” said Compass agent Alex Buljan, one of three listing agents. “It was arguably one of the best and most state-of-the-art homes in Atherton at the time of its construction.”
