Main House: 3 Bedroom | 2 Bath | 1868± Sq. Ft.
 The Little House: 1 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 290± Sq. Ft.
The Garden House: 220± Sq. Ft.
 .50± Acre Lot | 2-Car Garage

Charming. Whimsical. Wonderfully convenient. Welcome to Thistle Dew, a storybook Lafayette retreat set on .50± acre, where thoughtful details, literary inspiration, and a landscape full of hidden corners create a world all its own. Beyond the 1,868± square-foot main house, an additional 865± square feet of flexible space unfolds across the Little House, the Garden House, and the studio above the garage. Named with a nod to the beloved film Babe, this is a place that invites you to slow down and look a little closer. Start with the brickwork. Crafted by Doug Allinger, stepson of celebrated builder Carr Jones, it carries the hand-built, fairy-tale spirit of Jones’s beloved Bay Area homes all the way down to the custom mailbox. Best of all, it feels tucked away while remaining close to everything Lafayette has to offer.

The magic begins at the front door, where a speakeasy window never fails to delight. Inside, the main house is warm, inviting, and full of personality, brightened by seven skylights and largely Andersen and Marvin windows and doors. Mornings begin with coffee in the breakfast nook, while evenings are made for gathering around the fireplace in the open living and dining room with a favorite book, a good film, or even better company. A separate family room offers another place to unwind, and a bay window waits to become a favorite reading nook. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms offer comfortable spaces to retreat and recharge. The primary bath is a true indulgence and unusually generous for a home of this size, with heated herringbone marble floors, a curbless walk-in shower, custom cabinetry, a spacious vanity with a built-in desk, and a skylight of its own.

But the story doesn’t end at the back door. Upper and lower rear lawns offer room to gather and play, while flower beds, a variety of trees, and a prolific Meyer lemon frame inviting vignettes at every turn. Tucked behind its own gate, an enclosed garden with four planting beds is ready for whatever the season inspires. Beyond the main house, three flexible spaces await. The aptly named Little House, recently updated with a walk-in shower, is ready to serve as a home office, creative studio, guest suite, or quiet retreat.

Close at hand, the Garden House is a two-level playhouse made for make-believe, tea parties, and imaginative afternoons, built as a labor of love by local master builder Mike Carroll. A turret and Dutch door mark the entrance, a bay window brightens the main level, and a sleeping loft above has the feel of a tree house.

Above the garage, a skylit studio with a window bench is ready for crafting, painting, or any creative pursuit. The Garden House and garage are both insulated, drywalled, and wired for electricity, and both showcase original murals by local artist Norman Remer, from whimsical scenes to fantasy-inspired worlds. Together, these spaces make Thistle Dew feel less like a traditional home and more like the setting of a favorite story.

For all its enchantment, Thistle Dew stays closely connected to everyday life. Burton Valley Elementary, Stanley Middle, and Acalanes High, all close at hand, complete the award-winning school path, while The Meher Schools offers a private, arts-infused option for preschool through fifth grade. A Burton Valley Elementary School bus stop sits directly across the street. A sidewalk connector to the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail begins just past the neighboring home, ready for morning walks, bike rides, and weekend adventures. Downtown Lafayette’s restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques are minutes from home, while Walnut Creek, Highway 24, Interstate 680, and the greater East Bay are all within easy reach.

Made for readers, dreamers, and tinkerers, Thistle Dew is a home with a story worth continuing. The next chapter is yours to write.