Single Family Home

251 Monte Vista Avenue, Oakland

Sale Price$1,550,000
List Price: $1,495,000
  • 2,226 Square Ft
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Bonus space(s)
  • Deck
  • Patio
  • Radiant heating
  • Updated bath(s)

A meticulously maintained, light-filled 5BD/2BA Craftsman dramatically sited on a corner lot in the thriving Piedmont Avenue neighborhood of Oakland, 251 Monte Vista is a splendid blend of extraordinary architectural details and harmonious modern upgrades. The original hardwood floors, crown molding, wainscoting, plate rails, and traditional built-ins retain the character of the era, while the updated baths and chef’s kitchen provide stylish modern convenience. The home features three bedrooms on one level, and another in the enchanting two-room attic living space, two expansive redwood decks, and a lushly planted front garden. Just seconds away is Piedmont Avenue, the vibrant hub of the neighborhood, where you will find the Julia Morgan redesigned Chapel of the Chimes, myriad independent shops and eateries, and Oakland’s longest-running cinema, the Piedmont Theatre, known for screening critically-acclaimed indie films as well as first-run movies.

The terraced front garden is a riot of color, filled with grasses, roses, irises, trailing nasturtium, rosemary, and mature trees. Above the garden, the architect-designed, traditional Craftsman porch leads to the gated redwood deck large enough for an intimate summer get-together with neighbors or friends.

Inside, the wide-open entryway leads to a spacious living room enhanced by the original hardwood floors, crown molding, and wide framed doorways of an earlier era. Dramatic walls of multi-paned windows on three sides flood the room with light and create a sunny nook ideal for a window seat overlooking the gardens tranquil street. A marble fireplace flanked by traditional built-in shelves graces one wall.

Through the living room is a bright bedroom/office with coffered ceiling, wainscoting, crown molding, and a dramatic picture window. A lovely architectural feature is four columns adorning the walls - each with unique hand-carved flowers native to California. Windows on two sides provide abundant natural light, and a large closet provides storage.

On the other side of the entryway is a formal dining room with period plate rails above planked wainscoting. Wood-framed sash windows on two sides fill the room with light.

Off the dining room is the updated chef’s kitchen with cheerful tile floor, stone counters, bright tile backsplash, and abundant beadboard cabinets. Wood-framed windows on one wall catch the sun, and a greenhouse window over the double sink is perfect for growing herbs. The home chef will also enjoy cooking on the Bosch 5-burner gas range, and a large pantry cabinet provides ample space for a well-stocked kitchen.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a large laundry room with washer and dryer, built-in storage, and a door to a shaded side patio with planter boxes and mature trees. Also on the main is a cleverly designed split bath with tile floor, tub, new vanity, and abundant custom built-in shelves and drawers.

Upstairs on the second level are three bedrooms, each with its own charming features. At one end of the hallway is the spacious owner’s bedroom with windows on three sides providing gorgeous natural light. A multi-paned glass door opens onto an expansive railed redwood deck with beautiful neighborhood views - perfect for afternoon drinks or quiet contemplation of a wide-open night sky. At the other end of the hallway an equally spacious bedroom boasts large windows on two sides and a generous closet. Between the larger rooms, a third bedroom is well suited for use as an office, study, or nursery.

The beautifully remodeled shared bath is lit by multiple windows and features glowing Douglas fir floors, a walk-in tile shower with glass doors, and a deep clawfoot tub. The newly refurbished corner vanity provides ample space for all the foams, bubbles, and salts you will need for sumptuous bathing.

On the top level, the two-room attic has been ingeniously renovated to create an enchanting loft-like living space - an open sitting room with built-in shelves and a barn door closet adjoins a bedroom with hardwood floors and vaulted ceiling.

All of this is situated on a quiet street in the coveted Piedmont Avenue neighborhood where urban convenience meets small-town friendliness.

Additional Highlights: Bosch appliances Refinished floors Upgraded wiring and electrical systems Dual-zone heat: radiant and forced air New Toto toilets Motion detecting security lights Newer foundation and seismic retrofit Automatic irrigation system with timer