Yesterday after I held open 5740 Ayala Street in lower Rockridge, (a pristine craftsman home with impeccable natural wood trim, wainscoting and built-ins. and vintage details.) I headed over to view 492 58th Street, (in Oakland). The buzz around town is that this born in 1900 home in lower Rockridge (a bungalow turned mod pod) was the house to see. This home is a design buffs dream! The bathroom in the main house has hand applied stucco walls that are silky smooth and designed to withstand water and the steamy conditions of a hot shower. Every nook and cranny is engineered to efficiently store the items in your life. The washer and dryer are hidden in a wall of white cabinets and the there is big chunks of natural wood built-in benches and bookcases. Of course the yummy home furnishings and lush yet simple gardens enhanced my viewing experience. 492 58th Street in Oakland has a two bedroom, one bathroom main house and a one bedroom, one bathroom guest house. (Listed with Ron Kriss of Lawton and Associates for $750,000.) This pad is available now, but offers are due this Thursday. Click here to view this Oakland home on Dwell.com. (If you love high style and mid-century modern homes this is a must see.)
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.
Oakland Oozing With Possibilities
When I was 16 years old I worked at Emporium-Capwell's in Downtown Oakland. This department store was on Broadway in what is now Sears. As I was growing up I remember Oakland and its thriving retail business. We had I. Magnin's, Joseph Magnin's, Liberty House, Little Daisy and more.
These businesses are gone, but the beautiful buildings remain. I yearn for healthy downtown. I would love Oakland to model after Pasadena, California. Their shops, department stores and restaurants are on a main street, not in a mall.
Look at the buildings, you can't deny Oakland's beauty.
Glenview Bungalow That Caught My Fancy
4039 Linwood Avenue in the Glenview district of Oakland caught my fancy last week on Broker's Tour. (This home is currently listed with Leslie Easterday of Pacific Union. Listed at $695,000) When you are purchasing a home you either want one of two things: You want the purchase price to include finish work that suits your style and sensibility or you want the purchase price to reflect that it is in need a cosmetic face lift to suit your needs.
This house on Linwood was pristine, great light, warm hardwoods and original details such as the original hearth tile and built-in shelving. The lot is a small, but the raised garden beds really appealed the gardener in me. Additionally the Glenview district is a very walkable neighborhood with great restaurants. A Cote, (The very popular Rockridge eatery) is in the process of opening a sister restaurant in the Glenview on Park Blvd. This restaurant will feature Pan American food highlighting food from Argentina, Cuba and Mexico.
Dreamy 1941 Laurel Heights (Oakland) Traditional
4145 Eastlake Avenue is my favorite house from Monday's Broker's Tour. (Broker's Tour is a scheduled tour of homes open to Realtors.) Eastlake Avenue located on the border of Laurel Heights and Redwood Heights is one of my favorite streets. This street features views, a cul de sac and is a tucked away street off of the beaten path. This house has random plank hardwood floors in the living room, views, rounded corners, (a feature seen in the 1930's and 1940's) an eat-in kitchen and a large downstairs which includes a living area, an extra bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom upstairs has a small balcony, a great place to catch a few rays of sun and glimpse Downtown Oakland and the Bay. This property shows pride of ownership, is super clean, appears to be well maintained and is move-in ready. Homes are rarely for sale on this street making this a property to see. This house is currently listed with Vicky Faulk of Coldwell Banker for $725,000, Thanks Vicky!
Crocker Highlands House in Oakland In Need of New Owner
570 Santa Ray in the Crocker Highlands District of Oakland is new to the market and oozing with potential. This property is listed by my colleague, Julia Temple at Red Oak Realty and is a bank owned traditional listed at $599,900. This home has fantastic light, huge rooms, original details, loads of charm and handsome woodwork. This house looks in need of work, but there is no doubt this could be a masterpiece, with a superb location. Last Saturday I took some clients out to preview this home and I was asked what this property would be worth in today's market once all the work necessary was done. I just did a little research and looked at properties that have sold in Crocker Highlands with at least 1800 square feet since September 2008 until now. (Keep in mind there were a few properties that were fixers, as well as stunning gems.) The average listing price was $948,349 and the average selling price was $927,705. I can't wait to see what this home ultimately sells for and what the new buyers decide to do to this property!
The best of everything! Mid-Century Home on the Piedmont Side Of Montclair, Oakland
Yesterday as I compiled the homes to view that were open on broker's tour, I was urged by a colleague to put 45 Lane Court on my list. (This home is currently listed with Nancy Rothman of Pacific Union.) My colleague had heard that this property was a piece of art, and boy the rumors were right! Set back from the street, this house immediately grabbed my heart, as I spotted the copper garage door perfectly patina-ed. This home has the vault ceiling and floor to ceiling windows that mid-century modern homes boast, but it has artistic and modern enhancements that are breath-taking. The master bathroom has a stainless steel soaking tub and steam room, the downstairs family-rumpus room has a custom kitchen for seamless entertaining and every aspect of this home looks as if it has been enhanced or over-hauled to pristine perfection. (really!) For enthusiast like myself I notice the details, the silky smooth walls, the clean hinges and door hardware, the custom scones to showcase the stunning artwork, the solid Douglas fir doors, and I could go on and on. This was my favorite Oakland property of today's broker's tour. (By the way, this property is blocks to Montclair Village, making it a great walking neighborhood in Oakland.)
Here are a few photos to drool over.
1950's Style Lives On In Oakland
With World War II over, America was optimistic about a new beginning. When you view 1950's houses, (that have not been renovated) you will often see cheery colors such as pink bathrooms and yellow accents.
If you are looking to paint your rooms to mirror the 50's authentically, here is your inspiration. This aqua blue mid-century home in the Redwood Heights district of Oakland is now pending, (listed by Judith Cain of Grubb Co. there were two offers.) I like how the owner embraced this home's mid-century roots and painted the exterior in a tasteful color shade of turquoise, a nod to classic mid-century Americana.
The sunny yellow kitchen below is a Montclair, (Oakland, CA.) mid-century home. (Currently listed with Glass-Sabine with Grubb Co.) Compare this current photo of a mid-century kitchen with the vintage photo at the bottom, and you can see all of the in-tact 50's details. Classic chrome cabinet pulls, Formica with aluminum edging countertops, vibrant colors and linoleum floors.
1950s-colors
Stylish and Immaculate Bungalow in Temescal, Oakland
672 57th Street is located on the Temescal/North Oakland border. Close to Berkeley, the Ashby Bart, Children's Hospital and the cool shops of the Temescal District of Oakland.
I love how the landscape architect owner renovated his turn of the century bungalow. This home has two cool claw foot bathtubs, rustic douglas fir floors and bold columns from the era in which it was built; yet it has modern additions such as skylights and tube lighting, newer energy saving windows and silky smooth walls with no cracks ! (I have a huge appreciation for the details in a home.) The built-in cabinetry in the dining room have been clean, sanded and painted so the drawers work like they did in 1907 when this beauty was built.
This home is listed by Red Oak Realty and I will be holding it open for my colleagues Leif and Charity this Sunday, February 22nd from 2-4.
Good Properties For Sale in Oakland, CA
This photo was taken off of the balcony of 2281 Chelsea in Montclair.
Today was such a beautiful and clear day in Oakland. Last night the wind raged all night providing us a cloudless day with San Francisco and Downtown Oakland views to be seen all around town. Today, I am showcasing two new listings that I viewed on Broker's Tour. The first one is freshly renovated by the sellers daughter who is a designer in Santa Rosa. 2881 Chelsea, listed by Dian Hymer of Coldwell Banker boasts raised wood beamed ceilings, two decks with spectacular views of Downtown Oakland and San Francisco, two tasteful bathrooms and a handsome kitchen. The sellers are in there 80's and it is time for them to move on. Lucky you! Offered at $678,000.
The second house 5529 Balboa, listed by Terry Anthony of Coldwell Banker is a 1956 mid century home with stunning views of San Francisco. Unfortunately I am not satisfied with the photos that I took today. This home is a cosmetic fixer complete with vintage wall paper and organic shaped slate tile entry. Listed at $709,000.
Romantic Mediterranean in Crocker Highlands
Last Monday I feel in love with this romantic, Mediterranean-Art Deco home in the Crocker Highlands District of Oakland on Broker's Tour. This house is currently listed with Dolores Thom and Pacific Union. Offered at $969,000. If you have any questions please email me. DeidreJoyner@gmail.com.
Notice the built in pieces of sculpture.
Throughout this home you will find art embedded into the walls.
Charismatic Cottages on the Oakland-Emeryville Border
Yesterday I held open two enchanting cottages on Fremont Street off of Powell Street in Oakland, on the Emeryville Border. When walking into the front owners cottage with hardwood floors, tansu chests, and bountiful windows, I felt immediately smoothed from my busy morning. The previous owner incorporated modern amenities such as stainless steel gas range with overhead microwave and updated bathroom with river rock shower to create the ultimate fusion of east meets west, and storybook meets city. Off of this cottage is a beautiful deck with plants and space for lounging.
The back cottage is currently rented and the tenant is paying market rent. The detached garage has been converted with permits to a legal office/workshop studio with bathroom. Every week I view many properties and this legal duplex is my favorite property from last week.
This listing is currently listed with Red Oak Realty.
Historic Oakland Craftsman Home in the Grand Lake District of Oakland
The other week, I visited 990 Vermont Street in the Grand Lake District of Oakland. As I walked up the front steps and was greeted by the over sized front porch, I felt an immediate sense of comfort. The inviting diamond latticed window panes, the rustic hardwood floors and substantial rooms make this property feel like the perfect place to live, relax and entertain. I learned that Ms. Dorothy Buckley owned this property for nearly 60 years, and it is evident that this house was well preserved. 990 Vermont is perfect for someone looking for original craftsman woodwork and a great walking neighborhood. (This property needs foundation help. Many people fear foundation replacement, but you can live in a house while replacing the foundation. Contact me with your foundation questions. I purchased a home that needed major foundation work, and I have helped many homebuyers purchase homes with foundation problems. I have great resources and a list of reputable foundation professionals for the Oakland-Berkeley area and I am happy to share.) This home is currently listed with Valva Realty and I would be happy to schedule a showing.
Spanish Deco Home in Oakmore Highlands, Oakland, CA
Mediterranean inspired homes often have strong influences from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, Spain, Portugal, North Africa and Italy. Mediterranean homes built in North America in the first half of the 20th century often have ideas from native Americans and European settlers and this style of architecture is also known as Spanish Eclectic. Some of the characteristics of this style includes, low-pitched roofs, red roof tiles, little or no overhanging eaves, (an eave is the edge of the roof. Eaves usually project out the side of the house.) and stucco siding.
1925 Oak Crest Drive is my favorite home from Monday's Brokers Tour. This Spanish Eclectic home has the earthy texture of its Mediterranean influence combined with the modern edge of art deco design. This stately home gives off a calm and relaxing vibe when you enter the door. I can imagine this home through the various seasons. Enjoying the warm breeze on a hot summers night with the numerous windows opened, or sitting in front of the angular plastered fireplace warming up to a crackling fire on a chilly winters night. Features that I adore are the iron scroll work detail along the rear exterior of the house, the clean lines of the stairway banister, the vintage light fixtures throughout the house and the etched vintage shower door in the bathroom.
This home will speak to a person who is yearning for a larger home with with tranquil views of San Francisco and the Oakland Hills. Someone who wants modern convenience of a solid surface kitchen counter tops and high efficiency appliances accompanied with every 1938 detail still in tack. This home is located in the Oakmore Highland neighborhood of Oakland a community of well manicured homes built between the 1930's and 1950's. Oakmore Highland's is located just below highway 13 between Lincoln and Park Blvd.
This house is currently listed with Coldwell Banker for $1,099,000 and the photos are courtesy of Bonnie Ross.
Mystical 1924 Home in Upper Rockridge, Oakland
Currently I am in search of the perfect home for my buyer clients who are relocating to Oakland. Although this home is not a good match for my clients needs; I was and am intrigued by this mystical home. This 1924 traditional home has an old world quality,that makes you wish you could see this home at its birth. The walls, casings,and vintage door knobs are in pristine condition. The grand staircase and turned wood railing lead to a large landing perfect for a library. The views of Downtown Oakland and San Francisco are fantastic and the since this home escaped the 1991 Oakland Hill Fire, the terraced backyard is studded with mature landscaping.
This four bedroom,2 bathroom home is available for the first time in 51 years,and it appears that the owner loved his home for many years.Listed for $999,000. This home is captivating, email me if you want a tour.
Cheers!
This home is listed with Tim Gullinksen, and the photos are courtesy of Tim.
1928 Traditional Home in the Berkeley Hills
Yesterday I was on Broker's Tour looking at the newest listings to hit the Oakland and Berkeley real estate market. (Hunting for new properties for my buyer clients). As I approached 689 Alvarado Road, I was calmed by the tree lined street and I was excited to see this home that escaped the 1991 Oakland-Berkeley Hill Fire.
689 Alvarado is a grand property that is on amazing grounds. Set back from the street, the walk way to the entry is a lush garden full of mature trees. I am posting this home, as it has un-touched 1920's character and charm. This home embraces the outdoors, the views and all that we hold dear about living in Berkeley and Oakland. If this were my personal residence, I could imagine planning an intimate wedding for my daughter on the dreamy grounds (when she grows up).
This house is currently listed with Grubb Co. and the photos are coutesy of Dana Cohen. (Thanks Dana!)
1959 Montclair (Oakland, CA) Home...For a Lifetime
I was touched by the story of this home. A couple built this home in 1959, raised their 7 children here and lived here until their death. A house for a lifetime nearly 50 years! (By the way, when we talk about needing space... they raised 7 children in a three bedroom house, those were the days!) The backyard is extra large as these owners and their neighbor, (some years back) purchased the rear vacant lot and sub-divided it, so each family could have a wonderful garden.
With floor to ceiling windows, some San Francisco views and all level living, this home could be yours for a lifetime. This home is listed with Red Oak Realty and photos are courtesy of Arthur White. Home offered at $799,000.
Mid Century Modern Remix
2 Marsh Place located on the Piedmont Side of Montclair, (Montclair west of highway 13) is a stunning 1962 show stopper. With floor to ceiling windows, views of San Francisco and level play areas, this is truly a special property. The home has been extensively updated with modern finishes, but the mid-century character still shines through. A home that boasts pride and perfection, there are no tacky shortcuts. As I toured this house, I said to myself, "I would live here!" What is the cost of this Montclair Mid-Century Modern? This home is listed at $1,595,000. Photos are courtesy of Hugh Robertson of Maison Nouveau, (Thanks Hugh!)
Mid-Century in North Berkeley
This 1952 ranch house in North Berkeley was my favorite home from last Thursday's Broker's Tour. (Broker's Tour for the East Bay is every Monday and Thursday; the tour is for Brokers and Realtors view new listings for their clients.) This home is sunny with spacious rooms and great outdoors spaces. The kitchen is clean and cheery, I can almost imagine a homemaker preparing banana and vanilla wafer pudding on the counter while a school girl completes her homework in the breakfast nook during the 1950's.
This mid-century home is located in one Berkeley's best neighborhoods on Virginia Street. A few blocks about Shattuck on a tree lined street, walking or biking distance to Chez Pannise, Peet's Coffee, Andronico's Grocery and Elephant Pharmacy and more. This 1600+ square foot 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is listed by Pacific Union for $775,000. Photos are courtesy of Jack McPhail.
I am happy to schedule an appointment for a private showing of this property.
