Carolands Hillsborough Homes and Neighborhood Guide
Hillsborough neighborhood guide
The Carolands neighborhood occupies upper Hillsborough land carved from the former 554 acre estate of Harriett Pullman Carolan, daughter of railway industrialist George Pullman. At its center is Carolands Chateau, a Beaux Arts house begun in 1914 and finished in 1916. Ernest Sanson of Paris designed it, Willis Polk served as structural designer and construction manager, and Achille Duchene designed the gardens.
Carolan closed the house soon after it was finished, and subdivision of the estate began after Tomlinson Moseley bought it in 1945. The chateau, about 46,000 square feet with 98 rooms, is California Historical Landmark No. 886 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Carolands Foundation has owned it since 2012, and public access is limited to guided tours.
Carolands is shaded. Borders are approximate, see the Hillsborough map for the full picture.
At a glance
- Carved from the former 554 acre Carolan estate
- Carolands Chateau, finished in 1916, California Historical Landmark No. 886
- Designed by Ernest Sanson, with gardens by Achille Duchene
- Chateau owned by the Carolands Foundation since 2012
Homes and Streets
Most homes in the Carolands area were built after the estate was broken up, beginning in the years after 1945, so the streets hold a mix of postwar, contemporary and newer custom homes. Lots are large and hilly, with trees and views across the hills. The chateau itself remains on its own parcel of a little under six acres.
See current homes for sale in Carolands →
Parks and Open Space
Public Schools Nearby
School assignments follow district attendance boundaries, which can split a neighborhood and change over time. Always confirm the school for a specific address with the district, for example the Hillsborough City School District.
Getting Around
Interstate 280 is close via the Black Mountain Road and Hayne Road exit. San Mateo and Burlingame Caltrain stations are each a short drive downhill.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Carolands FAQ
Where is Carolands in Hillsborough?
The Carolands neighborhood occupies upper Hillsborough land carved from the former 554 acre estate of Harriett Pullman Carolan, daughter of railway industrialist George Pullman. At its center is Carolands Chateau, a Beaux Arts house begun in 1914 and finished in 1916.
What are homes like in Carolands?
Most homes in the Carolands area were built after the estate was broken up, beginning in the years after 1945, so the streets hold a mix of postwar, contemporary and newer custom homes. Lots are large and hilly, with trees and views across the hills.
What public schools are near Carolands?
Public schools near Carolands include West Hillsborough School (grades K-5), William H. Crocker Middle School (grades 6-8) and San Mateo High School (grades 9-12). School assignments follow district attendance boundaries and can change, so confirm the school for a specific address with the Hillsborough City School District.
What parks are near Carolands?
Parks and open space near Carolands include Crossroads Park, Vista Park and Crystal Springs Regional Trail, Sawyer Camp segment.
How do I get around from Carolands?
Interstate 280 is close via the Black Mountain Road and Hayne Road exit. San Mateo and Burlingame Caltrain stations are each a short drive downhill.
How can I find homes for sale in Carolands?
Browse current listings in Carolands on Joseph Suarez's site, or join his off-market list to hear about homes before they are listed publicly. Thinking of selling? Request a free home valuation for a local estimate based on recent nearby sales.
Thinking about Carolands?
Whether you are buying or selling, Joseph Suarez can walk you through recent sales, street by street pricing and what is coming up before it hits the market.
See homes for saleWhat is my home worth?Get off-market listingsContact Joseph← Back to the Hillsborough neighborhood guide or browse all Peninsula neighborhoods
Updated October 2026 by Joseph Suarez, Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Burlingame, DRE 02085594.
Sources: Wikipedia, Ed-Data. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.