About The Hartz Estate
Rooted in danville's early history
Welcome to The Hartz Estate, a truly one-of-a-kind residence steeped in Danville’s early history.
Once home to John Hartz, one of the town’s pioneering founders, this stately Colonial-style
estate is a rare blend of heritage, elegance, and potential—set on an ultra-private, flat 1.58-acre
lot just steps from downtown Danville.
Framed by a gated circular driveway and lush mature landscaping, the estate exudes timeless
character. Inside, the main residence offers formal living, dining, and family rooms showcasing
exquisite millwork and traditional craftsmanship. The spacious kitchen at the rear of the home
offers serene views of the tranquil grounds and incredible expansion potential for a luxury
kitchen remodel or great room concept.
Upstairs, two different staircases lead to five bedrooms, including a versatile room currently used
as a home office. Beyond the main home, the estate features an impressive suite of auxiliary
structures: a one-bedroom ADU above the garage, a large pool house with a second kitchen,
ideal for entertaining, and a 5,000+ bottle wine cellar, perfect for collectors and connoisseurs.
The large, flat lot presents a rare opportunity for subdivision or a complete re-imagination into a
contemporary family compound. An easement on West Prospect Ave provides rare secondary
access, opening the door to future development.
Just 1.5 blocks from Danville’s acclaimed shopping, dining, and farmers market, The Hartz
Estate offers both a connection to the past and an extraordinary canvas for the future— truly a
landmark property in one of the East Bay Area’s most beloved communities.
the history of John hartz
John Hartz (1847-1920) was born in Holstein, Germany, January 6, 1847. He came to California in 1865, working as a farmhand in Alameda County. In 1888, he purchased 220 acres on Danville's westside, the present site of Danville Estates. He reserved 200 acres for his own private estate, which included a two-story home, barns, orchards, corn fields, and more. The Hartz Estate was home to John, his wife Catherine, and their three children, Henry, Hannah, and Matilda "Tillie." Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville was so named in his honor.
The history of the Hartz Estate
The Hartz family home was built about 1890, around current day Prospect Avenue. It later became the home and ranch of Fred and Ernestine Houston, for whom Houston Court was named. Still later, owners were Richard and Peggy Quinn, who restored the house and for whom Quinterra Lane was named. The next owners were Jack and Kay Parsons, and Parsons Lane was developed while they lived there, though the original structure was destroyed in a fire in 1957.