Los Altos, CA – July 1st, 2025 – The breathtaking Maryknoll Residence, a 40,500-square-foot architectural masterpiece set on 29.2 acres of rolling hills at 23000 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024, is now available for lease. Known as the “Jewel of Highway 280,” this historic property blends Mission, Asian, Baroque, and Romanesque styles, offering a unique opportunity for visionary lessees to reimagine its future.
A Landmark with Unmatched Character
Built in 1926 as a seminary for Maryknoll priests training for missionary service, the Maryknoll Residence has served as a serene retirement home for missioners since 1976. Its curving blue tile roofs, beige-pink stucco walls, and variegated terra cotta floors evoke the charm of Spain, Italy, and East Asia. The property’s lotus-adorned chapel tower and meticulously maintained gardens bursting with bougainvillea and roses create an unparalleled ambiance. Seismic retrofitting post-1989 ensures modern safety standards, while the property’s historical integrity remains beautifully preserved.
Versatile Spaces for Innovative Uses spanning four floors, including a light-filled basement with garden access, the Maryknoll Residence offers:
- Specialized Facilities: Commercial kitchen, main and guest dining rooms, a grand chapel with redwood ceilings and Chinese carvings, sacristy, assembly room, and multipurpose room.
- Workshops and Amenities: Administrative offices, conference rooms, laundry room, barber shop, woodworking shop, and maintenance shop.
- Residential Quarters: 57 bedrooms, 54 with ensuite bathrooms, ideal for communal or retreat-style living.
- Outdoor Splendor: 29.2 acres of manicured gardens, paths, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peninsula and Rancho San Antonio Open Preserve.
- The Facility offers an in-house maintenance staff including a facilities manager and landscaper that can be retained by the new operator.
A Location Like No Other
Nestled in unincorporated Santa Clara County with a Los Altos address, the property is zoned AG but pre-annexed into Cupertino, offering potential for creative uses (lessees to verify with the city). Its proximity to Foothill Expressway and Highway 280 ensures easy access, while the tranquil setting feels worlds away. The residence’s mini-village layout, connected by arcades and corridors, fosters a sense of community and possibility.
A Legacy of Meaningful Living
“This is a place where the spirit catches up,” saida former Maryknoll Residence administrator, reflecting on the property’s history as a home for retired missioners who served in places like China, Guatemala, and Japan.
An Invitation to Shape the Future
The Maryknoll Residence is ready for its next chapter—whether as a retreat center, educational facility, wellness campus, or another innovative venture. “This property is more than a building; it’s a legacy of care and community,”
Contact for Leasing Inquiries
To explore leasing opportunities or schedule a tour, contact:
Anthony Kamm, Ryan Pegnim, Frank Orrell
Sequoia Realty Services
Phone: (650) 888-3858 , 650-346-9820, 650-302-4775
Email: ak@seq-rs.com, rcp@seq-rs.com, fo@seq-rs.com
Website: 23000cristorey.com
Media Note: Tours are available by appointment only.
Lessees should investigate zoning and potential uses with the City of Cupertino.
