Los Gatos Hills Detached ADU

A Hillside ADU Designed for Full-Time Living

This 1,200-square-foot detached ADU was built in the Los Gatos hills as a comfortable, fully independent living space that would feel like a home of its own rather than a secondary structure.

The homeowners wanted to take advantage of their property while creating a private residence that worked naturally with the wooded hillside setting. The goal was to combine an efficient three-bedroom floor plan with open living spaces, abundant natural light, and strong connections to the outdoors.

Making the Most of a Hillside Property

Building in the Los Gatos hills brings a different set of considerations than constructing an ADU on a typical flat residential lot. Site access, grading, foundation work, drainage, utilities, and the relationship between the structure and surrounding terrain all become important parts of the construction process.

Bridgford Construction managed the project with these site conditions in mind, coordinating the ground-up construction while maintaining the design intent of a home that feels integrated into the landscape.

The finished ADU uses a simple exterior palette of light grey siding and black-framed windows, allowing the architecture to complement rather than compete with the mature trees and natural surroundings. A covered front porch and expansive wraparound deck extend the usable living space and create multiple areas for enjoying the hillside setting.

Open, Functional Interior Design

Inside, the main living area is organized around an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living space. A vaulted ceiling increases the sense of volume and allows the relatively compact footprint to feel considerably larger.

The kitchen opens directly into the great room, while a custom built-in dining bench creates an efficient gathering area without interrupting circulation through the space. A combined laundry room and pantry provides additional storage and functionality while keeping utility areas consolidated.