Holbrook-Palmer Estate

The Holbrook-Palmer Estate is a historic property spanning 22 acres with gardens, tennis courts, and several buildings available for community use and events. The water tower and carriage house are among the structures listed for historic preservation.

Charles C. Holbrook, a San Francisco hardware merchant, created this property in 1883 as a private estate. When Olive Holbrook Palmer later left it to the town, the transformation to public use began in 1958.

The buildings here blend two architectural styles that reflect different eras of American wealth and taste. Walking through, you see how Second Empire elegance meets Colonial Revival simplicity in the structures around you.

The property sits on Watkins Avenue between Middlefield Road and El Camino Real with open grounds for visitors to explore. Groups larger than 12 people need day-use permits to visit.

The 1883 water tower with its ornamental French mansard roof and decorative balcony stands as a rare piece of 19th-century engineering work. Designed by architect Henry C. Macy, this distinctive structure remains the visual centerpiece of the property.

Location: Atherton

Architectural style: Second Empire style, Colonial Revival architecture

Address: 150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton, California

GPS coordinates: 37.46444,-122.19147

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:26