A gorgeous Victorian in Central Alameda near Franklin School, 1406 Santa Clara is a 3+BD/2BA, 2112 square foot historic treasure reimagined and remodeled as an entertainer’s dream where period Victorian details meet stylish modern upgrades, an expansive back garden with its own “speakeasy” for parties, and an urban garden planted with herbs and vegetables. Built in 1887 by well-known local builder E. W. Lewis, the home features period details including burnished hardwood floors and crown molding, decorative millwork, an elegant curved staircase, ornate light fixtures with ceiling medallions, and bay windows that fill the rooms with light. The stylishly updated baths and spacious eat-in chef’s kitchen add modern convenience without disturbing the character and architectural integrity of the Victorian Eastlake house. The expansive backyard features a trellised deck for relaxing in the sun with plenty of room for entertaining, and raised planting boxes in the side yard offer an opportunity for an urban garden. A separate carriage house has been converted into a series of rooms, one with a playful “speakeasy” with a full bar. The home is located near Franklin Park, Pool and School, Park and Webster Street amenities, beaches, cafes, parks, the SF ferry, and other public transportation.
Through the gated front yard of 1406 Santa Clara, wide steps lead to a traditional pillared porch. Inside, the spacious foyer features the high ceiling typical of the era and is lit by an ornate period chandelier.
The expansive living room boasts gleaming hardwood floors, soaring ceiling, and elaborate gold chandelier with an intricately carved ceiling medallion. At the front of the house, an arched nook frames a rectangular bay window that fills the room with light, an ideal place for a window seat overlooking the quiet neighborhood. A marble fireplace is flanked by windows, and an ornate gilt-framed mirror reposes above the mantle.
Adjacent to the living room, through a set of pocket doors with glass inserts, the beautifully proportioned dining room features elegant crown molding and a sunny bay window. Large enough for celebration dinners with extended family and friends, this is a room gracious enough for more intimate candle-lit dinners as well. Across the hall, the generous family room is lit by double windows facing the side yard.
Beneath the distinctive embossed metal ceiling typical of the 19th century, the spacious eat-in chef’s kitchen has been beautifully remodeled with period-style wainscoting, stone countertops and backsplash, abundant cabinets, and a large dual-fuel range with 5-burner gas cooktop and electric dual oven. Set into a windowed alcove, a built-in stone-topped sideboard provides additional workspace with cabinets and drawers below and glass-fronted built-in shelves above. On the other side of the kitchen, a sunny breakfast nook with tall double windows features a built-in hutch with glass-doored shelves.
Off the kitchen, a full bath has been completely remodeled to include a large marble-tiled walk-in shower with glass doors, bench seating, and rain showerhead. A tall casement window brightens the room, and a stone-topped vanity and tall linen cabinet provide abundant storage.
Conveniently placed at the back of the home, a laundry room/mudroom includes metal shelving, utility sink, stacked washer/dryer, and a door onto the enchanting backyard.
A dramatic curving staircase with gleaming balustrade leads to the second floor. At the front of the home, light streams into the spacious owner’s bedroom through a large bay window of original glass, casting a glow on the hardwood floors. The soaring ceilings are adorned with intricately patterned richly colored wallpaper typical of the era, and a pair of vintage-style chandeliers descend from ceiling medallions ornamented by carved roses and birds. A polished wood fireplace with gas insert graces one wall and a large closet and built-in shelves and cabinets provide ample storage.
The remaining two beautifully proportioned bedrooms boast hardwood floors, crown molding, and large closets. Each is filled with natural light - one with a bay window, the other with glass French doors opening onto a spacious deck overlooking the backyard.
The three bedrooms share an updated full bath with charming wainscoting, elegant clawfoot tub for relaxing soaks, and a stone-topped vanity lit by distinctive sconces.
The enchanting backyard is a perfect place for an afternoon barbecue or a sophisticated evening under the stars. Tendrils of star jasmine climb the trellis enclosing a spacious deck, and lush landscaping includes Japanese maple and citrus trees, lavender, ferns, succulents, and flowering shrubs.
Possibilities abound for the former carriage house which has been rebuilt and divided into three rooms of weathered wood with exposed beams, unique chandeliers, and skylights. One of the rooms has been creatively configured as a “speakeasy” with a bar, fridge, and sink, while the others could be anything you can imagine: game room, family room, yoga studio, or storage for bicycles and gardening equipment.
The side yard is an urban garden planted with tomatoes, squash, cucumber, basil, and thyme in raised beds with a drip irrigation system. And just for fun, a whimsical fenced chicken coop is surrounded by colorful bougainvillea.
All of this is ideally situated in Central Alameda, where the small-town vibe is evident in its twice-weekly farmer’s market, picnic areas and summer concerts at Crab Cove, Crown Beach with its annual sandcastle competition, the longest 4th of July parade in the country, and twice-yearly art and wine fairs.
Additional highlights: Huge attic Plumbing, electrical, and seismic upgrades Off-street parking
