An elegant, historic Queen Anne 5+BD/3.25BA (3566 sq ft) in the heart of the Gold Coast of Alameda, 1120 Morton is on the list of Alameda Historic Resources, and has been lovingly maintained, seamlessly marrying the character of a sumptuous Queen Anne Victorian with luxurious and tasteful modern upgrades. Soaring ceilings and period details such as Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper, crystal chandeliers, stained glass, ornate light fixtures, and bay windows add charm, while the beautifully updated kitchen and baths add comfort and modern convenience.
The exterior of the home is beautifully illustrative of the Victorian era with its prominent front-facing gable, polygonal tower, painted columns, fish-scale siding, and multi-paned windows. A lower pediment and framed window panes on the upper facade feature a radial sunburst design in bas-relief.
Wide stairs lead to the railed porch and the elaborately carved front door. The spacious entryway beckons with its corner windows, brightly patterned Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper, gleaming hardwood floors and picture rails, soaring ceiling, and crystal chandelier. An intricately carved decorative fireplace with tile hearth graces one wall, and a large coat closet provides storage.
Through the wide doorway, pocket doors open onto the expansive living room. The delicately patterned wallpaper, bordered top and bottom in the Victorian style, glows in the sunshine streaming through tall bay windows. In the evenings, an elaborate crystal chandelier casts sparkling light over the room.
The original back-to-back corner fireplaces join the living room to the adjacent formal dining room. Similar in style, both are framed by carved wood, but each has a unique decorative tile inset and hearth. The generous formal dining room is an elegant setting for entertaining or holiday dinners, with a beautiful bay window and a dazzling chandelier in the center of the room.
The updated kitchen will delight the discerning home chef with its Thermador 4-burner gas range with grill built into a stone-topped central island with ample storage. Stone-topped mahogany cabinets line the walls, and the over-counter cabinets feature leaded glass doors with stained glass accents. A large window with a delicate stained glass panel adds light and color to the room.
On the other side of the kitchen, a wall of windows in the breakfast room creates the peaceful aesthetic of a solarium. Glass French doors lead out to the expansive multi-level deck and tranquil backyard. Across from the breakfast room is a conveniently placed full bath with stone-topped vanity, large walk-in shower with glass doors, and a built-in cabinet with shelves.
Along the wainscoted hallway are two bedrooms connected by an updated bath with tile shower over tub, pedestal sink, built-in dresser, and floor-to-ceiling cabinets with built-in shelves. The expansive Owner’s bedroom enjoys high ceilings and a lovely bay window, and both provide abundant storage with large closets. A third bedroom, toward the rear of the home, overlooks the backyard and features built-in shelves, perhaps making it suitable for a library, study, or office.
Upstairs, the attic has been converted to a second open living space that could be used as a rec room or an au pair/in-law suite. Hardwood floors, exposed beams, and ceilings that follow the roofline maintain the character of the home, and multiple windows fill the space with light.
This level also contains two bedrooms, each with its own charming features. The bedrooms share a modern, light-filled full bath boasting radiant heat, a skylight, and a beautifully tiled walk-in shower. Wood and glass accents add warmth, and frosted glass sconces shine over a stone-topped vanity with vessel sink.
At the center of the expansive backyard, a magnolia tree shades a paved pathway and large redwood deck. Stairs lead up to an arbor and a second deck where a convenient gas line can power a barbeque for al fresco cooking and dining. Lush plantings include roses, camellias, ferns, and fruit and citrus trees--a true garden of tranquility.
Ideally situated in the coveted Gold Coast neighborhood, the home is near Franklin Park and Pool, Park Street shops and restaurants, and the SF ferry.
Additional Highlights: Thermostat controlled house fan Dual-zone heat Finished attic and basement Laundry area Tandem 3-car garage Separate cottage for office or playhouse
