A gorgeous, historic Victorian in the heart of the Gold Coast of Alameda, 1018 Paru is a 4+BD/2.5BA treasure illustrative of the architectural heritage of this island city. Built in 1890 by A. R.Denke--builder of the Tilden Museum--and on the list of historic homes in Alameda, the home now blends the character of a sumptuous Queen Anne Victorian with stylish modern upgrades. Delightful 12 foot soaring ceilings and period details such as decorative scrollwork, stained glass, ornate light fixtures, and bay windows add charm, while upgraded kitchen and baths add comfort and convenience. In the backyard, a lovely deck, expansive patio, hot tub, and mature landscaping provide a setting for relaxing at the end of the day or for summer entertaining. Across the street from Franklin Park Pool and School, close to the twice-weekly farmer’s market, Crown Memorial State Beach, and moments from excellent Park and Webster Street amenities.
Wide steps lead to a deep covered porch overlooking the tree-lined street. Put your feet up, relax in the sun, and wave to your neighbors as they pass by.
Carved double doors with colorful accents typical of the period welcome you into a spacious entryway with high ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors. From there, vintage pocket doors lead to the living room, lit by huge bay windows.
The adjoining family room is bright with light from a bay window with stained glass accents, and features the original gaslamp chandeliers, now converted to electricity. The original, wrought-iron decorative fireplace embellished by rich, period tile graces one wall.
Across the hall is a formal dining room with windows on two sides, and a second decorative fireplace flanked by original cabinetry, which matches the chandelier. Quirky period details--a small pass-through door into the kitchen and a corded dinner bell--are reminiscent of a time of cooks and butlers.
Adjacent to the dining room, the spacious chef’s kitchen has been updated with 5-burner gas cooktop, dual wall ovens, stone countertops, and mosaic glass tile backsplash. A large window over the dual sink overlooks the deck and lush backyard, ideally placed for watching birds or little ones during meal prep. Behind a door with stained glass window is a surprising walk-in pantry, a full room with its own wood-framed window.
An adjoining sunny breakfast room is graced by a wall of original glass windows. This room extends to a sitting room with carved french doors and a large window with stained glass panels. French doors open onto the wood deck and down the stairs to the patio and backyard.
On the other side of the kitchen is a huge laundry room with vaulted wood ceiling, built-in shelves and cabinets, big windows to the side yard, a stained glass accent window, and a washer/dryer. Nearby is another door off the kitchen for access to the deck so you can easily take your drinks and hors d-oeuvres out for a little alfresco dining. Also at this end of the kitchen is a convenient powder room with marble-topped corner vanity and a high window to catch the light.
A beautiful wood staircase with decorative carved newel post curves up to the next level. On your way up, take note of another period touch--a stained glass window from Alameda’s Historic Carnegie Library.
Upstairs, the owner’s suite is a beautiful, light-filled retreat with windows on two sides. Running the full width of the front of the home, this room is large enough to be furnished as a combination bed and sitting area. The updated bath boasts travertine floor with radiant heat, step-in shower, and stone-topped vanity, and a remote-controlled skylight. Stained glass accents are a nod to the Victorian era.
The three other charming bedrooms on this floor have beautiful windows with original glass, ample closets, and period light fixtures with decorative medallion bases. The bedrooms share an updated split bath featuring honeycomb tile floor and beadboard, an enclosed clawfoot tub with stone surround, and a step-in shower with glass doors. Two windows framed by carved wood provide an abundance of light.
Anchored by a large stone patio and mature landscaping, the enclosed backyard is perfect for neighborhood gatherings and summer parties. To the side of the lawn is a hot tub for relaxing under the stars. Also on the patio level is another modern update--an independent family room and office suite on the basement level abutting generous storage areas. The finished areas enjoy corner windows, a stained glass window facing the street, recessed lighting, and large closets.
Highlights at a glance:
- 4+BD/2.5 BA
- 2743 Square Feet
- Updated kitchen and baths
- Walk-in pantry
- High ceilings
- Victorian details
- Bay windows and stained glass
- Deck
- Patio
- Hot tub
- Lush, mature landscaping
- Finished basement bonus space
- Abundant storage
- Huge attic with development potential
- Off-street Parking
