Surrounded by a picturesque picket fence on a corner in Alameda’s coveted Fernside neighborhood, 2615 Buena Vista is an elegant 5+BD/4BA Queen Anne Victorian with a formal dining room, extraordinary modern chef’s kitchen (with skylight!), 3 bedrooms on one level, a finished basement apartment with guest suite, huge finished attic, and lush back garden with multiple seating areas, an elaborate play structure, and 4-6 person hot tub. The best of both worlds, the home retains a nod to the Victorian era with its red oak floors with decorative inlay, picture rails, pocket doors, and intricate ceiling medallions, while the state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen and stylishly updated baths offer modern convenience and comfort. Moments from top-performing Edison Elementary and Alameda High, locally owned Dan’s Produce, Alameda Marketplace and other Park Street amenities, as well as the best of Alameda’s parks and beaches, the home is also convenient to the SF ferry, BART and AC Transit bus lines.
At the end of a flagstone path, wide steps lead to the pillared porch with a traditional stained glass transom window above the front door. Inside, a wide bay window fills the gracious living room with natural light and the adjacent formal dining room rests within a second bay window and features a decorative stone fireplace.
Across the hall, a pocket door with ripple glass inserts opens to reveal the heart of the home - a breathtaking and huge chef’s kitchen illuminated by a central skylight. Distinctive pendant lights illuminate an expanse of Neolith countertops with subway tile backsplash - ideally positioned for intensive meal prep - and a large pantry closet provides space to hold nearly everything a well-stocked kitchen could need. The discerning home chef will appreciate the Wolf cooktop with 6 burners and built-in grill, built-in Wolf dual ovens, SubZero fridge, and paneled Bosch dishwasher. A shallow bay window over the wide farm sink is an ideal space for an herb garden, and a separate wet bar with abundant cabinets and counter space makes a handy spot for creating cocktails or root beer floats. At one end of the kitchen, a sunny breakfast nook with built-in corner bench seating is ideal for casual meals, and a glass door opens onto the Ipe (?) deck.
Down the wainscoted hallway, three bedrooms share a large bath with walk-in shower, clawfoot tub, and stone-topped vanity for storage. The largest of the three bedrooms is a child’s paradise where barn doors open to a huge closet with a ladder leading up to a hideaway with porthole windows and an escape hatch to the attic closet - an ideal spot for a small person to while away a rainy day with the Harry Potter series.
Downstairs, the finished basement is a uniquely flexible space that might be used to create a multigenerational household or au pair/guest quarters. On this level are a spacious suite with a private bath and dressing room, a home office space, full kitchen, wet bar, laundry room, and guest bath. In addition, the expansive family room features glass French doors that open onto a shaded patio with a 4-6 person cedar hot tub.
The loft-like finished attic tickles the imagination. Running the length of the home, this is a flexible open space that might be used in any number of ways - as an expansive owner’s suite, a casual lounge for entertaining (stay-at-home karaoke?), bed/sitting room for visitors, a game/media room, or study area. The space also includes a large storage closet (or playroom?) and a full bath with shower over a charming clawfoot tub.
The enchanting back yard features two large patios - one with a hot tub - and a lush lawn with an elaborate play structure. Stairs lead to the deck off the kitchen, a comfortable spot to chat with friends over drinks or just to put your feet up and enjoy the evening breeze.
Additional Highlights Custom window treatments Ashby lumber doors and windows Updated electrical system (2016) Attached 1-car garage with Mahogany doors Cedar hot tub and storage Bike shed for up to 6 bikes Irrigation system Sewer lateral compliant Seismic retrofit and complete new foundation (2011) Comprehensive electrical upgrade (2011 & 2016)
