Every year the Mormon Temple has a stunning light show. On a clear day you can see a gorgeous Downtown Oakland and San Francisco Bay view as a back drop.
Where are they now?
I sold this mid-century modern home last year. (2009)
Last year I had the privilege of working with Julie and Alastair. After many happy years in their mid-century modern home in Lincoln Heights, they had out grown this swanky two bedroom, 2 bathroom pad. Their family had grown to five and life had created a new chapter in Alastair's homeland, New Zealand. I really loved working with Julie and Alastair and was happy to see a glimpse of their new life overseas. (Above is the exterior of their former California ranch, below is their new New Zealand retreat.)
Set on an acre of land that is both maintained garden, rural and natural. A stream defines one side of the boundary and there is a large fenced area that is toddler safe for their youngest son. The house is circa 1930's that has been carefully restored. It has 3 bedrooms with a sun-room that is easily used as a bedroom if they want. There are french doors all around the house leading onto various decks and out into the yard. On the property is an old 'bulking shed' where they used to hold large bundles of tobacco when the property was used by tobacco farmers. This shed is huge, almost like a small hanger. The 'blokes area' is a small, well built unit off the shed and also has a wood fireplace in it. There is another shed as well (which was originally used to dry hopps, and is called a hop kiln.) There are about 30 fruit trees, and the gardens are simple but lovely. How dreamy is this?
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Preserved Mid-Century Home in Lincoln Heights, Oakland
Every Monday I go on Broker's tour to see the new listings in Oakland, (excluding the Montclair district of Oakland, Montclair is on Broker's tour on Thursdays.) Realtor's who have listings that they want to promote within the real estate community have a special open house especially for Realtors, called Broker's Tour. These homes are advertised through a company named Ad Review and every Monday and Thursday, I review the long list of homes that are open and determine which homes I will tour. In addition to viewing homes that fit my active clients needs and budgets, I look for homes in neighborhoods that I specialize in so I can keep abreast of the neighborhoods. Since, I have a fondness for mid-century homes, I also seek out homes built between 1945 and 1965.
Besides mid-century homes, I REALLY like homes that have been preserved. Meaning homes that boast some of the original features of the era. Whether it is gum wood built-in cabinetry that is in pristine condition, vintage doorknobs or 1950's pull down light fixtures, I love seeing the details and finishes that the builder intended. Remodeled doesn't necessarily mean better.
Today I went goo-goo over this 1962 home in Lincoln Heights, behind the Mormon Temple in Oakland. Mid-century homes are known for being spacious and this home is no exception. There are rows and rows of custom cabinetry with smart details such as a built-in adjustable cookbook holder in the kitchen, and a cut-out in the kitchen cabinetry for the person in the kitchen to view the entertainment in the dining room and living room area. One of the bedrooms downstairs must have been designed for two children, as there are two built-in desks and dressers, with views of the outdoors from the desks, how smart! The backyard has a mixture of a low maintenance garden and patio with basketball hoop, and the deck has view of the City. This home could use some updating especially in the bathrooms, but from what I could see, (without view inspection reports) this home is livable. When buying a preserved mid-century home, you have the ability to buy vintage finishes and incorporate them into your renovation, as well as stay consistent with the period of the home.
Oh, I forgot to mention, this home is listed by Wells and Bennett and I was told this is the first time it has been on the market!
Almost Mid-Century with Views in Oakland
Yesterday, I took my client to this almost mid-century,(circa 1939 -not modern) home in the Lincoln Heights district of Oakland. I really enjoyed this home as it had an amazing park-like backyard with a well, spectacular bay and city views and a charming, sunny kitchen with impeccable original kitchen cabinets. According to the listing agent, this home had been in one family for 47 years! The main level has two bedrooms, one bathroom and a kitchen, living room/dining room area. Downstairs there are several plus rooms and a huge rumpus room with original knotty pine walls. I really appreciate homes that have been lovingly cared for over the decades, with the original details intact. I can almost picture how this home looked 50 years ago while this family raised their 2 children. This home is currently on the market with Coldwell Banker.
Mid-Century Home in Lincoln Heights, Oakland
Mid-Century modern
Here is an Oakland Mid-Century home in the Lincoln Heights Hills of Oakland. Notice the use of natural brick, wide plank floors, floor to ceiling windows and the warm wood ceiling.
Immediately off of the patio is a swimming pool with city views. This home is a great example of great outdoor-indoor space.
This property was my favorite from last week's broker's tour. Listing is courtesy of Coldwell Banker.
