A few weeks back I was invited to the Spring Serrahna fashion show that was being held at Tanjia's restaurant in the Temescal District of Oakland. I have to admit I had never heard of this Moroccan eatery, but I was down for something new. From the humble exterior one would never know how grand the interior is. As I entered into the shadowy candle-lit dining room, I was amazed by the tented room draped with rich fabrics. It was as if I walked into a scene of a novel. I was taken to a dining table about the height of my living room coffee table and was seated on a leather pillow. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed and I was entertained by fantastic Moroccan music and models who were showcasing the clothes of Andrea Serrahn. I had an scrumptious order of lamb brochette with spices that permeated through the meat. Just when I thought my entertainment was over, I was charmed by belly dancing. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and the best part, was the 10 minute drive from Tanjia to my bed. Serrahna is a Rockridge clothing boutique that features contemporary clothing made from India textiles and are made for REAL women. (I love how Andrea had her clients showcase her designs!) serrahna.com and tanjias.com
Circa 1900 Home Goes Mod in Oakland
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.)
There Are Artists Among Us
Scott Courtnay- Smith is an Oakland based artist who I have featured on The Oakland Berkeley Journal. Being that Pro Arts East Bay Open Studio 2009 starts June 6th, I asked Scott to give me his list of must see artists. For information on ProArt, click here. Thanks Scott!
1.Idan Levin Jingletown (JABC) 2889 Ford Street, #41 Oakland, CA 94601 (415)505-8154 vantage@idanlevin.comwww.idanlevin.com Address for Exhibit Only June 6-7, June 13-14 Photography
Levin's photographs capture a secret urban environment that is around us everyday but goes mostly unnoticed. This is in part because he works at night when most of us are inside, and also because of the vantage points from which he shoots he shoots . His dreamily mysterious images contain an aspect of the clandestine nature of graffiti art-- without the defacement issue. A former soldier trained in reconnaissance, Levin reminds me of a hunter turned nature photographer that I once met while camping-- "This is how I shoot my trophies now", he explained, holding aloft his telephoto rig.
2.James Lovekin Swarm Studios 560 2nd Street, Studio 2 Oakland, CA 94607 (510)847-0530 jameslovekin@gmail.comwww.jameslovekin.com June 6-7, June 13-14 Mixed Media
James expresses his unique world view with paintings and collage that are at the same time visually stunning, thought provoking, and sometimes humorous. He works in collage and paint-- often combining the two. His sense of color is very distinct . Recently he made the switch from acrylic to oil, and the results are exciting, to say the least.
3. Lorrie Fink 3298 Lakeshore Avenue Oakland, CA 94610 (510)326-1990 lorrie@lorriefink.comwww.lorriefink.com Saturday June 6, Sunday June 7 Painting
Gorgeous, visceral and semi- abstract, Lorrie's recent work is loosely based on her observations of tide pools. A beautiful sense of color and form permeates her rich paintings in oil, alkyd and wax.
4. Janine Miller Janine Miller-Fritz "Nimby" 8410 Amelia Street Oakland, CA 94621 j.millerfritz@yahoo.comwww.appliedkineticarts.com Mechanical/Electrical
Industrial. Please see NimbySpace.org for details on event highlights on the evening of June 6th. Saturday June 6, Sunday June 7 Mixed Media Sculpture
I am including this pick because, if you haven't been to NIMBY, now is your chance to have your idea of art stretched out a little-- or a lot, depending on what you've already experienced. You won't be bored, I guarantee. And it's possible that you might have a religious experience.
In parting, I want to say that jpegs are no substitute for viewing live art, and so encourage everyone to get out and see as much as they can. - Scott Courtnay-Smith
Field Trip Time! San Francisco Decorator Showcase House 2009
Two days left to visit The San Francisco Decorator Showcase House. 2830 Pacific Avenue open this Sunday and Memorial Day: 11:00 am - 4:00 p.m . I love seeing the carefully selected grand home decorated and cleaned to perfection. No legos, books, video games or dirty clothes on the floors; just luxe fabrics, custom made furniture, art, and THE best side tables! (I have attended the Showcase House every year for the past decade and my friend Diana always teases me as I admire the side tables.) I love to surround myself with beautiful things, color, fragrance, sculpture, blown glass and solid handsome furnishings, so for me this is a must see. The following pictures were sent to me by a friend of The Oakland Berkeley Journal. Cheers! (Read the Chronicle article/review of the Showcase House, click here.)
Yesterday's Buzz in Berkeley
Yesterday I held open 2218 Blake Street in Berkeley, a 1890 Victorian house near UC Berkeley campus. When I arrived at the house people were lined up early for look at this multiple unit property in the heart of Berkeley listed for $395,000. I immediately opened the house and started talking to the crowd of people that formed on the old wooden front porch. People wanted to know more about this house, this current real estate market and the state of appraisals. At 5:30 p.m., an hour and a half after the open was scheduled to close, I finally was able to lock the doors. Here is the scoop. This property is 3 units per public record, but possibly just two units, but looks as if it was built as a single family home. (This property is listed with my colleague Barbara Hendrickson and neither she, I, or Red Oak guarantee this information, please go to the City of Berkeley to check on the legal status.) This is a trust sale with independent administration, has tons of original details and is a fixer. I believe this home will not qualify for FHA financing and after one Broker's tour and one Sunday Open House it has interested parties. All in all about 100 people came to this Sunday Open house as buyers are BACK and location is key.
Secret Mediterranean Casa in the Heart of Berkeley
20 Crystal Way in Berkeley is a tranquil home tucked away from Euclid Street on a small cul de sac. In fact in all of my 38 years in Oakland and Berkeley I have never been on this street. This sunny Mediterranean home has a scrumptious gardens, sensible upgrades and a great vibe. Listed by Dee Knowland of Pacific Union for $1079,000, I thought I would share this with you! 
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 Cartoons
For those of you who read this blog you probably know that I have a soft spot for all things mid-century modern, the furniture, the architecture and yes the cartoons. Recently, MidCenturyModernist.com did a profile of the Incredibles and their mid-century lifestyle. I loved their selection of photos from the movie and it actually made me pull my copy of the DVD off the bookshelf and view it again. Mid century cartoons are lighthearted and carefree. The artwork has wonderful lines and angles and the colors are full of pastels, the colors of the times. Look at the artwork below, these would be fantastic framed and displayed in your mid-century pad.
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)
Where is this in Oakland?
Do you know where this is in Oakland? This is the site of the Grand Lake Theatre in the early 1900's. (Before construction!)
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.
Answers To Your Questions Regarding Trusts
The following information was provided by Old Republic Title Co. Thanks! 
Pride of Ownership - For Sale
This secluded country house in Montclair was my favorite home from last week's Broker's Tour. I am featuring this home as I felt it had a reasonable price, great upgrades and real charm. This home is offered at $629,000 by John and Judith of GrubbCo. The improvements include structural upgrades, gourmet kitchen with professional grade appliances and a master bedroom suite. Built in 1937, I really enjoyed the tasteful overhaul that enhanced this home and its era. (I also love the matchstick hardwood flooring in the hallway. Matchstick hardwood floors are narrow strips of hardwood - about half the width of conventional hardwood floors.) The best thing about this home, the improvements were carefully planned for the owners enjoyment.
Do You Qualify For The $8000 Tax Credit For Home Buyers?
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.
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
Grand Opening of New Oakland Winery!
Stage Left Cellars Opening and Wine Tasting
This Saturday, April 4th, from 11:00- 5:00 pm Owners Melinda and Rich Doty of Left Stage Cellars will be having their grand opening in their new space at 2102 Dennison St., in Oakland. (Click here for a map) Come see this new Oakland business and see 13 original works of art by Oakland artist, Scott Courtenay-Smith. (Click here for Scott's website) It's at the 23rd Avenue exit from 880 South, in a cool little industrial park. Support Oaklanders who are making Oakland a great place to work, live and thrive!
