Allow me to introduce you to Montalvo. If you've been reading my blog, you probably know I adore Filoli, I have posted about it a few times (March 2012, August 2010, late winter 2010) and am thinking I'll go visit again soon. However, just about half an hour drive south of there in Saratoga, CA is another impressive estate that is also open to the public (visiting this place is FREE!) Montalvo Arts Center. I visited Montalvo a few times in 2012 and attended an evening concert in 2013 and wanted to share a few images with you (yes, I AM due another visit! keep reading). Montalvo, being state owned, could always use a few more visitors. It has an incredible history and offers concerts, constantly changing artistic installations, and all sorts of festivals and events.The grounds change constantly as you'll see in the photos I'll post here and when I've visited next (familiarity with Montalvo comes thanks to my last employer, PGAdesign in Oakland):As you come up the drive, the Villa reveals itself - and in front of it is the Great Lawn (recently modified and renovated).Turning around on the great lawn you see the drive there on the left, and the entrance to the Italianate Garden.Inside the Italianate Garden (a stunner!) there are sculptures, an incredible folly, and all sorts of discoveries.Walking around the Great Lawn and up to the Villa, artistic installations are constantly changing.....and once up at the Villa, the courtyard and the former pool are flat-out lovely places to see. Do you see the pool? look again at that flat, oval lawn....those steps are more recent, but imagine the wall they're on around water...Montalvo has been undergoing renovations in the last couple of years, and I expect to return for another visit as soon as I can. Maybe this weekend? I hope so!