401 Wildwood Avenue, Piedmont

A Joseph Esherick Mid-Century Masterwork; Reimagined for the 21st Century:

Designed by Joseph Esherick of Northern California architectural firm EHDD—known for creating structures that harmonize form, climate, and topography—401 Wildwood was built in 1964 in a style far ahead of its time for single-family residences in the East Bay. With its high ceilings, great rooms, and unassuming natural fit within the surrounding garden, the home is a beautiful attainment of the EHDD philosophy and aesthetic.
 
In the late 1990’s, new owners set out to reenvision Esherick’s achievement. With a massive and painstaking rebuilding and relandscaping effort—thoughtfully respectful of the Esherick ideology—401 Wildwood was reimagined for the 21st century.
 
Seated on a quiet corner lot along one of Piedmont’s most majestic streets, the home’s surrounding courtyards and gardens offer only hints of the grandeur that lies within. With the exception of its visible street-facing entry, the exterior stucco walls remain mostly veiled by clever integration of geography and landscaping. 
 
A private half-circle drive leads to the main entrance, where a skylight vestibule presents planted urns and stylish fixtures that precede the magnificent wooden double front doors. Within, the visitor is greeted by the grand hall.  A classic chandelier and hidden skylight illuminate the immediate foyer. Refinished red oak hardwood floors convey the visitor's eye along the full length of the gallery.  Eighteen-foot ceilings paired with floor-to-ceiling windows line the full gallery, flooding the space with light and incredible views of the central interior garden. Conveniently adjacent to the entry is a coat closet, powder room, and garage access.
 
The home’s main communal areas—a formal dining room, living room, and library—are equally elegant and impressive. Architecturally aligned down the length of the house, each room opens into the next through a ceiling-high ingress, creating a unique blending of vast space, sleek symmetry, warmth, and timeless grand style.
 
The dining area features a hanging candle chandelier, modern wall sconces, and floor-to-ceiling windows, which present a private outside atrium oasis. The living area features a central stone fireplace framed by tall windows whose shape replicate the main entrance doors. Recessed ceiling lighting throughout provides a rich, modern feel. The incredible library boasts ceiling-high built-in shelving accessible by a traditional reading ladder. A gas and wood fireplace and hanging chandelier perfect the sense of refinement and comfort created by the space, while a stylish expansive home office with built-in cabinetry and drawers offer a balance of work and contemplation.
 
The home’s kitchen has been completely remodeled to create a classic “cook’s kitchen.”  The large butcher block island creates the focus and features many storage compartments as well as a breakfast table extension. Beautiful blue and white tile backsplash complements the maple wood flooring. Modern stainless-steel appliances include a hooded Viking range and warming drawer, a Miele dishwasher, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The surrounding countertops are entirely stainless steel. Overhead skylights and views of the back garden make for a rich and satisfying atmosphere. The voluminous lacquered cabinetry occupies an entire wall that serves as both a pantry and storage for plates and glasses, all of this in addition to above and below countertop cabinetry. A corner desk area at the back of the kitchen creates a convenient adjunct work area, and the service entry is ideal, especially for catering needs.
 
Two suites comprise the home’s private living and sleeping areas. The first, accessed through a pair of deep-hued French doors, features corner views through floor-to-ceiling windows, red oak hardwood flooring, and an immense walk-in closet replete with a seating bench, skylight, shoe form closet, and extensive built-in cabinets and drawers. A full bath boasts a wrap-around countertop with dual sinks, glass-paned shower, bidet, and modern fixtures and cabinetry.
 
The hallway between the two suites provides impressive storage areas with one wall offering hidden large closets, cabinets, and a stacked Miele washer/dryer combination.
 
The second suite includes rear garden views, a built-in bookshelf, and another spacious and amply equipped walk-in closet. The full bath features a skylight-lit shower and whirlpool tub, stone counter, and dual sinks.
 
Multiple sliding doors in the grand gallery hall lead to the garden terrace. A wide staircase descends to the landscaped perimeter with pillars, and subtle lighting creating a sanctuary that is fit for occasions both grand and private. A grove of redwoods towers above while ferns, dogwoods, citrus, and azaleas accentuate the lush foliage. Stone walls and a large inset fountain envelope the visitor with a calm beauty. A stone path leads around the house to a wonderful European-style gravel garden, perfectly private and meticulously manicured.
 
The home’s lower level is a generous bonus area that features French doors opening out into the rear garden, a wine cellar, spacious storage room, and access to two below-house storage areas. Drawings by Peter Dodge, founding partner of EHDD, are available on how one might convert this space to a third master suite.
 
Additional features of the property include an attached two-car garage with extended driveway and extra parking. During renovations, the foundation was reinforced, and a new insulated roof added.