You may be familiar with "SodoSopa" - the magical housing complex developed in the recent season of South Park. Our new apartment complex in Mountain View has some striking similarities. So much so, that Ryan and I thought we'd take you along for a tour, so please bear with us as we guide you through the magic of Mountain View's very own "SodoSopa"...
South Park SodoSopa
Mountain View SodoSopa
Our apartment was built two years ago, in a space which was previously a lumbar-yard (thus the name "Madera" which is Spanish for wood). It's located right next to the Caltrain station, allowing for easy access to the rest of the Bay area. We also learned during our welcome tour that Google has blocked off a section of the property which it keeps reserved for Google employees. Lucky guys.
Let's begin our tour with the underground parking garage. We don't have a car yet, but there's still some interesting things to see here. For example, Zipcar is a popular car-sharing service in the area. There are Zipcars located throughout the Bay, and with the app you can locate a car, reserve it, drive it where you need to go, return it when you're finished, and pay-by-usage. Luckily there's two Zipcars located in our own parking garage which we can use whenever we need to.
Also an electric car charger for my dream Tesla...
For those with the Dutch cycling gene, there's a secure bike storage space as well. You could even fit a bakfiets in there!
Normally I wouldn't get excited about a mail room, but we have the most high-tech mail room I've ever seen in my life. (Not that I have a huge experience with mail-rooms.) First of all, there are large TV screens throughout the building which will list your apartment number on them if you have a package waiting for you. If you have a package, you receive an email with a locker number and key code, which you type into the screen in the mail room in order to unlock the locker with your package.
It's as easy as 1-2-3!
The last cool thing we have downstairs is the Pet Spa. Inside it there are facilities to wash and blow dry your pet (i assume it's dogs only, as i can't imagine trying to hose down a cat!)
I think a we have a puppy in our near future...
Now let's get out of the garage and check out some of the the ground floor common areas. There's a nice choice of areas to hang out here and enjoy a sunny day. For example, closest to us we have an inner courtyard with a boccee ball court:
A sign in the leasing office reads "Real Men Play Boccee" :)
There's also a nice lounging area behind the boccee court to relax.
Next to the lounge area is a garden of fresh herbs (properly labeled, of course!) I should probably ask the leasing office before I start chopping them up and using them in my cooking...
Now if we take a stroll to the next building, we find the saltwater swimming pool and jacuzzi. Believe it or not, it's mid November and still warm enough here during the hottest parts of the day that i've considered diving in. I should probably put on a bathing suit first though...
Is it warm enough?
For Ryan, there's not one, but three supersize outdoor barbecues on the ground level! There are two next to the pool, and one next to the bocce court. It's a little different from our experience in Avon, when we had to tailgate in the parking lot because grills weren't allowed on the property!
Who's hungry?
Outdoor dining area next to grill
Now let's move the tour indoors. After all those summertime barbecues, it's essential to have a good workout regime in order to stay in peak condition. Lucky for us, we don't need to step foot outside "SodoSopa" because there's a fitness center right here. With a free personal trainer who comes 1-2 days per week for residents!
Work it boy!
i want to ride my bicycle, i want to ride my bike... :)
Beefcake!
And of course, there's a Serenity Room to find your inner yogi. Free classes on Sunday mornings.
Perhaps the most "Silicon Valley" aspect of the building is the "Think Tank" room. This is a room which can fit about 8-10 people, which can be used by residents to hash out great app ideas, host brainstorming sessions, and pitch ideas to investors. I like the full wall whiteboard.
1+1 = 3?
Feeling too cramped in your apartment with your friends to watch Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2? No worries! There's a 15-seater movie theatre inside, complete with a fridge to store your drinks and a microwave for your popcorn! I think Ryan will turn this into his man-cave and watch all his American sports here...
In case you need to keep your kids occupied, there's also a games room with a 4-panel TV for those who like to watch 4 different shows at the same time. Imagine the possibilities! Teen Mom + Kardashians + Project Runway + Honey Boo Boo all at once!
Last, but not least, there's a common area kitchen and fireplace lounge on the ground floor which is used for parties, hosting cooking workshops, wine tastings, you name it. In fact, we have a "get to know your neighbors" Thanksgiving potluck on Tuesday here, where the property owners provide the turkey and ham, and the neighbors bring the sides.
i'm in love with this range!
Now for the grand finale: the rooftop terrace! Up here we have a fireplace and lounge chairs, and another barbecue area with fridge and dining bar and chairs. We were told it's the only place with a full 360 degree view of Mountain View, and beautiful location to watch the sunset. I'm looking forward to some great summer parties here!
So far the property has exceeded our expectations, and we are thrilled to be living here. Perfect location, amazing facilities, friendly people, and beautiful weather. I think we will be calling California "home" for many years to come. Even Coco's settling in well!
The kitty welcome-pack certainly helped :)
