2442 Booksin Ave, San Jose, CA

We welcome you to visit and view our home in Willow Glen. While the place is special for us, we can help you imagine how to fill this space with life and magic if you invest in it.

This is where we lived together as a multi-generational, multi-cultural family. Grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, uncle, kid, dogs, cat – the whole deal. We’ve had visitors from India, Japan, Spain, and the US. On any given day, our kitchen would be filled with aromas of Japanese and Indian food, not to mention the weekend pancake breakfasts, occasional pizza parties, and bake-outs. This was out of the little bubble to rest, relax, grow, and hide in, right in the middle of and yet somehow far away from the bustle and speed of Silicon Valley.

Backyard

The backyard is by far our favorite area of the house. The backyard hosted a wedding for Mom and Dad a month after moving in, with 80 people on the guest list. It’s
where we hosted soccer and football-watching parties under the awning, had a baby shower, watched an infant grow into a toddler, wrestled with the dogs, and hung out together at night to wind down after a long day. We have invested substantial time and effort into making this space beautiful and comfortable. Twenty years from now, if we were to sit down and recall our time in San Jose, I think this backyard would be a part of that conversation.

A Balance of Efficiency & Convenience

A slew of upgrades went into ensuring that our home allowed for efficient and convenient living. We made it EV and hybrid-friendly by installing an easily accessible 240V outlet. We streamlined our energy usage needs by establishing a 4.17kW solar energy generation system with room for expansion, converting the HVAC from forced-air central gas to ductless electric, insulating the garage, and installing door seals for better thermal efficiency. We upgraded the house’s light switches, doorknobs, and locks to make them convenient and aesthetic. The house lacked a coat closet, so we built and installed
one right by the main entrance as well.

Working Garage

After purchasing the house, we installed lots of storage, a workbench, a utility sink, and faucets. It is an ideal space for doing projects, organizing little-used home items, and having enough room for a big car. The driveway can hold up to 3 additional cars and allows for two vehicles via street parking.

Lots of Light

The first floor features many windows and two full-panel glass doors leading to the backyard, allowing plenty of light into the house. On a nice summer day, we often left the doors and windows open to allow cross-ventilation. The skylight above the stairs and windows on either side of the rooms provides plenty of light on the house’s second floor.

Family Room / Den

Our home features a separate family room located diagonally opposite the living room. With a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass panels looking out into the backyard, this room was a favorite spot for quiet time, reading, or board games. We were able to have a second TV in here since it was far enough away from the living room for the sounds not to interfere too much.

Main Bedroom

The main bedroom is spacious, with an attached bathroom and a walk-in closet. With recessed lighting and a wall unit for heating and AC, it is a great combination of aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and practical. The morning views of the Diablo mountains from the master bath shower are a favorite.

Plants & Trees

We have planted several trees in the yards, including Persimmon, Meyer Lemon, Cara Cara Orange, Apricot, Pomegranate, and Japanese Maple. Amongst the plants are Figs, Irises, Aster, Hydrangea, and Roses. Having moved to the Boston area, the
year-round flowers and colors are among the things we miss most about our home.

Kids & Dog Friendly

The part of Willow Glen we lived in is kid- and dog-friendly. There are numerous parks, fields, and playgrounds within walking distance. We had several options close by for our daily dog walks or morning runs. A neighborhood kid’s swimming pool also operates on a seasonal waitlist basis.

Willow Glen Downtown & Caltrain

Downtown Willow Glen hosts a long list of dining options, with several cuisines, and our home is a mere 5-minute drive or a 25-minute walk. The Tamien Caltrain / VTA station is a 15-minute bike ride away, whereas the Downtown San Jose Caltrain is 20 minutes by bike. Zanotto’s is a local grocery store within walking distance from the house. We took full advantage of the proximity by combining quick grocery runs with dog walks or evening strolls.

Christmas Time & Neighbors

The home is within walking distance of the popular Christmas-time lights near Willow Glen downtown. The streets around our home are pretty active and host some houses people drive around to marvel at. Historically Willow Glen has been an area that has boasted a strong community, and we had the chance to experience it first-hand from warm and friendly neighbors. Let’s say that Jasper, our outdoor cat, was spoiled for choices about which house he would go to for dinner every night!