Custom Dual-Swing Privacy Gate Installation in Los Altos Hills, CA
We removed an outdated driveway gate and its old motor, then designed and installed a new custom entrance for this Los Altos Hills home: an arched wrought iron dual swing gate with decorative scrollwork, solid wood-look privacy panels, two LiftMaster LA500 operators with MyQ smartphone control, a CellGate intercom, and a vehicle exit loop.
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The project: from an aging gate to a private, app-controlled entrance
To begin with, Automatic Gate Masters replaced an outdated driveway gate and gate motor at this Los Altos Hills property with a new custom automatic dual swing gate. Altogether, the finished entrance combines an arched wrought iron frame with decorative scrollwork, solid wood-look composite privacy panels, two LiftMaster LA500 operators with MyQ smartphone control, a CellGate Watchman W450 intercom, and a vehicle exit loop.
Specifically, the client came to us with three requests: more security, real privacy from the road, and the ability to open the gate from a phone. They also had a specific design idea in mind, so instead of picking from a catalog we developed the new gate design around their concept. Before anything was fabricated, we assessed the site: the terrain, slope, and driveway width were measured so both leaves would have proper swing clearance and the entrance would operate smoothly on this hillside lot.
Privacy without losing the ironwork
Generally, driveway gates are either open pickets, which show everything, or a plain solid panel, which reads as a wall. This design does both jobs at once: solid wood-look composite panels fill the lower body of each leaf for privacy, while the wrought iron scrollwork stays open above the panel line, so the entrance keeps its decorative character.
The gate was custom-built in our shop to match the architectural style of the property, then hung between the existing stone columns. In addition, solid steel posts anchored in reinforced concrete carry the weight and motion of the two leaves.
A timeless design, built around the client's idea
In short: arched scrollwork, solid privacy panels, and decorative forged hardware.
Basically, the gate is a two leaf swing gate with an arched top. Above the panel line, each leaf carries open wrought iron scrollwork that rises toward the center of the entrance, so the closed gate reads as one balanced composition between the stone columns.
Below the scrollwork, each leaf is filled with vertical wood-look composite boards in a dark finish. Because the composite gives the warmth of wood with far less upkeep, the solid infill delivers the privacy the client asked for without adding maintenance. Finally, decorative strap hinges with forged-style studs dress the outer edges of the leaves, giving the gate an estate character that suits the property.
Arched scrollwork top
Notably, the scrollwork stays open above the panel line, rising toward the center.
Solid composite infill
Meanwhile, vertical wood-look boards close off the view through the gate.
Decorative strap hinges
Additionally, forged-style straps and studs dress each leaf.
Steel posts in concrete
Equally important, steel posts anchored in reinforced concrete carry both leaves.
In fact, gates like this are built through our custom gate design service as part of our driveway gates work.
Automation and access equipment
In detail: two LA500 operators, app control, a cellular intercom, and an exit loop.
First of all, the gate is automated with two LiftMaster LA500 swing gate operators, one per leaf, sized for heavy residential dual swing gates. On top of that, the LA500 platform brings smooth, quiet operation, battery backup, obstruction sensing, and smartphone control through the LiftMaster MyQ app, which was one of the client's core requests: the gate opens from a phone, from anywhere.
Visitor entry and hands-free exit
Meanwhile, our technicians ran dedicated low-voltage wiring to connect the operators, the vehicle exit loop, and the CellGate Watchman W450 intercom. Visitors call the house from the gate and can be admitted remotely; residents leave without touching anything, because the exit loop detects the car and opens the gate automatically.
MyQ smartphone control
Whenever needed, open, close, and check the gate from the LiftMaster app.
CellGate Watchman W450
Once a visitor calls from the gate, answer and release remotely.
Vehicle exit loop
As soon as a car rolls out, the loop opens the gate automatically.
Battery backup
Even during a power outage, the operators keep working.
Likewise, see the full lineup on our automatic gate openers page, read about the LiftMaster gate opener range, or explore intercoms and app entry in our access control range, including CellGate intercoms.
The project in photos
The finished entrance, centered view
Arched iron frame and wood-look privacy panels between the stone columns
Scrollwork and strap hinges up close
Notably, the ironwork stays open above the solid panel line, with forged-style hardware
Both operators from above
Specifically, one LiftMaster LA500 per leaf, kept low and tight to the gate
Looking out from the driveway
Meanwhile, the operator arms sit discreetly at the bottom of each leaf
The finished result
In other words: fabricated, hung, wired, and tested as one system.
Firstly, installation covered removing the old gate and motor, setting the steel posts in reinforced concrete, hanging both leaves, mounting and wiring the two operators, and connecting the exit loop and the intercom. After that, we tested the complete system: smooth and even opening and closing, proper synchronization of both leaves, remote and keypad access, and the safety sensors. Finally, the project closed with a full walkthrough, where we trained the client on the system and covered safety and maintenance best practices.
Project features
Watch the final result: the custom driveway gate with LiftMaster gate openers in Los Altos Hills, CA.
Custom driveway gates in Los Altos Hills
Notably, Los Altos Hills is a town of large hillside lots, long driveways, and homes set well back from the road, which is exactly where a private, automated entrance earns its keep. Sloped approaches and wide entrances are the norm here, so the site work matters: on this project the terrain, slope, and driveway width all shaped the design before fabrication began.
Besides one-off projects, we design and build custom driveway gates, install gate openers, and handle swing gate installation across the Peninsula. See our automatic gate installation in Los Altos Hills, our Los Altos Hills gate repair service, and coverage across Santa Clara County. For example, if this project is close to what you have in mind, look at the driveway gate we built in Palo Alto, the Atherton driveway gate project, or our project gallery.
Planning a gate in Los Altos Hills?
We measure the terrain, design around your driveway, then handle fabrication, automation, and access control as one project. Of course, the on-site estimate is free.
Explore Gate Installation in Los Altos Hills →Related services
Altogether, one coordinated project managed by our licensed gate team.
Swing Gate Installation
Single and dual swing driveway gates, especially wide and sloped hillside entrances.
Learn more → AutomationAutomatic Gate Openers
Swing and slide operators sized to the gate, then installed, programmed, and serviced.
Learn more → EntryAccess Control & Intercoms
Keypads, video intercoms, exit loops, and app entry so you can see and admit visitors.
Learn more → DesignCustom Gate Design
Likewise, steel, iron, and wood gates designed and fabricated for your entrance.
Learn more →Los Altos Hills gate project FAQ
Can you replace an existing driveway gate with a new automatic gate?
How do privacy panels work on a driveway gate?
Can I open my driveway gate from my phone?
What is a vehicle exit loop?
How do visitors call the house from the gate?
Do you install custom driveway gates in Los Altos Hills?
Planning a custom driveway gate in Los Altos Hills?
We design and install custom driveway gates across Los Altos Hills, the Peninsula, and Santa Clara County: iron and wood fabrication, privacy infill designs, gate operators, intercoms and app entry, exit loops, and entrances planned around hillside driveways. First, you get a free on-site estimate and a written quote before any work begins.
No spam. No obligation. Just a straightforward quote.