I sold a home to wonderful clients about 4 years ago and subsequently we became friends. They have extreme Oakland love and I love to see their adventures on Facebook! Today, they had a family outing at Knowland Park, love this photo of their son, Daniel!
Snapshot of Montclair Village, Oakland
Montclair Village is one of my favorite communities in Oakland. Here's the scoop:
- The vibe is small-town
- It's located in the beautiful tree-covered Oakland Hills
- I can get to it easily, because it's close to major freeways and bus lines
- Families love the public elementary and middle schools
- There are many stair paths from the streets above that lead to the village
- There are great walking paths
- Drive along Scout Road and you might see a family of wild turkeys crossing the road
What to do in Montclair Village...
- Visit the Sunday Farmers' Market. It's year round. (And have a picnic at the park.)
- Go to my FAVORITE sushi restaurant and eat some cutting edge sushi rolls at Kakui
- Take a walk on the trail at the top of LaSalle, or take the short drive up Colton or Snake Road and you are at Huckleberry Preserve and Skyline Gate for gorgeous hiking trails
- Play tennis in the public court.
Hiking Trails
Montclair Library
Montclair Village Park Tennis Court
Come Visit Aunt Judy's House
Coming Soon to Redwood Heights, Oakland
As you walk along the path to the front door of 3390 Guido you will enjoy the cool breeze and shelter of the pine tree above. Once you cross the threshold of the front door the the large rooms, easy floor-plan and cheery kitchen will capture your heart. This house was rescued 8 years ago. Once a victim of a fire and re-built with plain white cabinetry and ordinary vinyl flooring, Ellyn gave this house new life and made it a home. In the last eight years this house has had updated bathrooms, updated kitchen, new furnace, new hot water heater, seismic strengthening, new drainage, new landscaping, new interior and exterior paint and lots of love! Open Sunday July 18th, 2010 from 2-4 - 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, offered at $615,000
Montclair Redo to View
Montclair is an area of Oakland above Highway 13 between Broadway Terrace and Park Boulevard, with properties built from the 1920's to new construction. The appeal is the woodsy setting and in many parts of Montclair you will get the feeling that you are away from it all, yet so close to the city vibe. 5687 Florence Terrace is a 3 bathroom, 2+ bedroom home, currently on the market for $698,000. The cool thing is you are only two blocks up from Mountain Boulevard which is a straight shot to Montclair Village, (a retail and restaurant district of this area), yet you feel like you are in a very private, lush nook. Set back from the street, with drought resistant perennials flowers and paver-stone hardscape this house is very striking and handsome. Once inside the three sets of french doors to the grand balcony will capture your heart. The simple and tasteful white decor is minimalist, meets Shabby Chic, meets East Coast beach house. The owners of this house have done tons of upgrades from structural improvements to fantastic cabinetry and this house is truly a move-in and hang your artwork house. This property has been renovated tastefully, yet it retains all of the essence of 1923 the year it was built, making it a must see.
Redwood Heights, Worth a Second Look!
Wow, this week my son Miles is graduating from Redwood Heights Elementary School! Ten years ago, when my husband and I purchased our home in this neighborhood, I was so excited that my children would be attending my former school. I have been a Redwood Heights parent for the last nine years, kindergarten - 5th grade for both my daughter, Nia and son, Miles. I love my neighborhood, very down to earth, yet full of life. Recently Redwood Heights home prices took a slight dip in price, making this a great time to consider a move to this neighborhood.
This charming neighborhood, with a neighborhood association established in 1944, is the perfect place to purchase a home. From storybook Tudors to mid-century ranch homes and prices currently ranging between $550,000 - $750,000, this neighborhood is full of value. Redwood Heights residences like myself appreciate this satisfying community with Redwood Heights Elementary School and Recreation Center at the heart. I really enjoy the social nature of the neighborhood - it is common that folks wave to me as I am driving or walking during my daily chores.
Above you will see the newest addition to Redwood Heights Elementary, our retaining walls are now studded with a handcrafted mosaic mural the vision of neighbors and artists, Claudia Goodman - Hough and Pam Consear.
This summer enjoy the outdoors as the recreation center with “Movies in the Park” at dusk on select Fridays. Grab a sweater and a lawn chair and head over to 3883 Aliso Ave.
June 25 - The Wizard of Oz
July 9 - The Princess Bride
July 24 - Bolt
Residents participate in an annual Oaktown Scavenger Hunt put on by parents of Redwood Heights Elementary, just one of many community events hosted by Redwood Heights Elementary School parents.
can you wipe the drool...
Yesterday on Oakland's Broker Tour, I fell in love with 5785 Country Club Drive, (listed by Karen Starr of Grubb Co.) Claremont Pines, (a neighborhood in Upper Rockridge located between Broadway and Broadway Terrace) is a one of my favorite neighborhoods. Some of the properties in this area have City and Bay views, the neighborhood is very walkable, there is a neighborhood grocery store, Village Market and in about 20 minutes you can walk to your favorite shops and restaurants on College Avenue in Rockridge. 5785 Country Club, (offered at $1,525,000) was built in 1941 home and has been completely transformed into a sleek, yet relaxed abode that gives homage to mid-century modern design. The light is fantastic and the views of the City and Bay add to the charm.
New Listing in Montclair
Can I plug my newest listing? www.1895Manzanita.com This house is perfect for the buyer who wants SPACE, 3409 square feet of space. There is also Golden Gate, Bay Bridge and South Bay views from almost every room. The rooms do say, "I was built in the 1970's" but the lay-out is supreme. Some TLC is needed, but this house is totally move-in ready! Oh, did I tell you the price? $699,000!
Thanks for reading! - Deidre
1895 Manzanita
Mid-Century Modern Details
My clients Jill and Cory just closed escrow on a 1953 mid-century ranch house in the Oakland Hills. When I first saw this house on the multiple listing service, I knew this house had potential. Homes built in the mid-century typically have steel reinforced foundations and gauging from the information provided, it looked to be a mainly cosmetic fixer. Additionally, many of the cool mid-century details were still intact. I could see past the orange paint and green carpets and I knew this middle-aged rancher was a diamond in the rough. Check out the Nutone doorbell chimes and the vintage mid-century fish tiles in the bathroom. Jill and Cory have agreed to let me share their renovation journey and I will bring you a progress report - photo journal soon.
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Coming Soon to Redwood Heights! Mid-Century Home in the Oakland Hills
In 9 days my newest listing 3253 Jordan Road will hit the Oakland real estate market! To preview this home before it hits the market go to, www.3253Jordan.com. Below is the custom property brochure that was just created for especially for this property. (This brochure will be scored and folded into a small booklet.)
*The attached brochure was created for Deidre Joyner, all rights reserved, by Jenn Kelly
Upper Rockridge Modern Compound
Last Sunday I held 6251 Contra Costa Road open for my colleague Pat Leaper. This home has over 6000 square feet of living space and is truly a unique property. Designed by award winning architect Martin Borenstein as his personal residence, this dwelling gives a nod to mid-century modern. This flat roof house with floor to ceiling windows and radiant heated floors has stunning views and an observation deck that is a show stopper. The Borenstein home can easily shelter two large families as it is two houses rolled into one, two kitchens, two fireplaces, two entries, multiple decks and did I say views? This is a great piece of land and has endless possibilities! This home is now available for $1,995,000.
Mid Century Modern Home In The Oakland Hills!
Imagine a mid-century home from a classic American movie. You know the house with high style, walls of glass, views and Doris Day inside. Roger Lee was an architect who designed high style for the middle class. Creating over 100 exquisite homes, Roger Lee is one of the forgotten mid century modernist. Five Krohn (in Montclair) created from the dreams of Roger Lee just went pending. One lucky Oakland home buyer will scoop up a great place to call home and a piece of art. (5 Krohn is listed with Christie Seeley of Pacific Realty)
View My New Property Brochure! Mid Century Modern Home in Oakland!
Let me create a comprehensive marketing plan for you! For those of you who know me, I am a very visual person. I just created this custom brochure for my clients and I can do the same for you. Spread the word!
Born To Be Cool - Mid Century Modern Home In Oakland
1949 - Joe Louis retired from boxing, Miles Davis released the Birth Of The Cool album, The Lone Ranger premiered on television and 4138 Coolidge Avenue was built in the Lincoln Heights district of Oakland. The California Zephyr launched its inaugural run and Oaklanders ate dinner at the Grotto in Jack London Square. The World War II was over and America was optimistic! Join me to celebrate this cool mid century modern home. Buy a piece of classic Americana. More photos atwww.4138CoolidgeAve.com.
Eichler Anyone? Iconic Mid-Century Home In The Oakland Hills
Real estate developer Joseph Eichler was instrumental in bringing Mid-Century Modern architecture to subdivisions in California. The Sequoyah Hills district of Oakland, is a quiet neighborhood in the East Oakland Hills that boasts 40-50 Eichler homes. 8050 Phaeton is a 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom Eichler currently listed for $798,000 by Hiedi Slocomb of APR. This home includes an atrium with a succulent garden, Eichler's signature radiant heating and a remodeled kitchen . If you like Eichler's, San Mateo is having an Eichler tour this month, click here for more details.
Exploring Oakland, California
The other day as I drove through Oakland on Broker's Tour, (A tour of the latest listings for Realtors) I decided to drive from Montclair to the Elmwood District of Oakland via Grizzly Peak. I drove up Shepherd Canyon to Skyline Blvd. and turned left. (Skyline turns into Grizzly Peak.) Here I actually stopped my car to soak in the beautiful views you can only find from the Oakland-Berkeley area. I love the turquoise blue water and the outline of Lake Merritt. Grizzly Peak will then take you to Claremont Avenue, and on Claremont you will drive through lush foliage and trees to get to Domingo Street and the Claremont Hotel. Get lost in Oakland
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The lush trees on Claremont Avenue in Oakland, photo by Deidre
Mid Century Modern Home in Montclair Hills, Oakland - Yum!
39 Kimberley Court in the Piedmont Pines area of Montclair was my favorite house from last Thursday's Broker's Tour. I loved the living room with the stacked flagstone fireplace, walls of glass with the unobstructed views! This home is listed with Helen Nicholas of APR. Thanks Helen! List price is $949,000
Hidden Trails to Montclair Village, (Oakland, CA)
The Montclair district of Oakland is a distinct area comprised of an eclectic array of architectural within mountainous landscaping full of eucalyptus, oak, pine and redwood trees. I love the hidden passages that lead to Montclair Village, the retail area of this community.
Mid-Century Modern in the Oakland Hills
My good friend Leka purchased a tiny mid-century home about a decade ago and completely renovated it to fit her family. She has promised me a photo shoot so I can feature her home on my blog, but in the meanwhile here is a quick outdoor shot from this evening.
Notice the great floor to ceiling windows and comfortable patio for easy indoor-outdoor living. Inside you see the glow from the original George Nelson lights.
