Pine Brook, a historic Silicon Valley estate owned by descendants of Levi Strauss for more than a century, is being offered for sale at $59.5 million. The property, encompassing more than 12 acres in the heart of the sought-after community of Atherton, was used as a family summer country retreat and farm for the last 70 years.

The main house, comprising more than 11,000 square feet, nestles within a canopy of old-growth shade trees, takes its inspiration from the popular Tudor-style country houses of the time, and is built in an indoor-outdoor style that takes advantage of the local enjoyable climate.

The estate is also home to a 6,500-square-foot guest house designed by Gardner Dailey, a large swimming pool, pool house with bar and tennis court. Pine Brook's foremost asset, however, is the land itself, according to Zackary Wright, Senior Vice President of Christie's International Real Estate: "Pine Brook occupies one of the largest single tracts of land in the Town of Atherton, making it a rare offering indeed," he says. "The property is rare because it has been in private hands for over a century; the availability of such a vast, unspoiled holding in exclusive Atherton is truly the opportunity of a lifetime."

Pine Brook has played host over the years to family members and friends, as well as to visiting dignitaries including U.S. senators, congressional representatives and Presidential candidates. According to the current owners, "the family always intended to keep the property for about a dozen years after the death of our mother, and have decided that now is the time for the next owner to enjoy it."

Situated near the business and cultural hubs of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Atherton has long been an address of choice and the community prides itself on its efforts to preserve its status as a scenic, rural, thickly wooded residential area with abundant open space.