An enchanting Storybook Tudor designed by prominent Bay Area architect Walter Dixon, 5800 Picardy Drive is a 4BD/2BA 2117 sq ft split level located on what has become Oakland’s coveted Christmas Lane. This light-filled home is the best of both worlds blending architecturally rich features of the period such as vaulted ceilings, crown molding, built-in cabinetry, and mullioned windows with stylish updates designed for modern comfort. The home features a formal dining room, remodeled eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar and dining nook, updated baths, laundry room, and basement workshop. Other amenities include an expansive backyard, paved driveway with room for 5 cars in tandem parking, and a detached garage ideal for conversion to an ADU (architectural and engineering drawings for conversion available). Near Mills College and moments from shops and amenities, the home enjoys excellent freeway access for commuters.
The Storybook-style arched doorway opens onto an entryway with gleaming oak floors. To one side of the entry is the sun-washed living room beneath a cathedral ceiling with decorative beams. The rounded brick inglenook fireplace features cozy bench seating, and vintage sconces and niched built-in shelves give the room a fairytale feel.
On the other side of the entry, multipaned French doors open onto the elegant formal dining room with two sets of mullioned windows that fill the room with natural light. Large enough for celebration dinners with extended family and friends, this is a room gracious enough for intimate candle-lit dinners as well with its burnished oak floors, crown molding, and period alcove with distinctive sconces.
Another set of multipane French doors open onto a dining nook adjacent to the remodeled kitchen with stone countertops and subway tile backsplash, a convenient breakfast bar, five-burner gas range, and farm sink. A huge pantry offers room for nearly everything a home chef could need.
Also on this level is a generous sunny bedroom with a huge walk-in closet.
Up a half flight of stairs is a sunny bedroom with corner windows and a walk-in closet with built-in organizer for abundant storage. A spacious bath features a mosaic tile floor, tub, separate step-in shower, and a large tile-topped vanity.
On the second level, two additional bedrooms share an updated bath with a period vaulted ceiling, tub with wood and tile surround, and a modern stone-topped vanity beneath distinctive period sconces.
Below the main level are two basement rooms with windows, one with a workbench, the other a laundry room with outdoor access. The generous back yard is fenced and nicely landscaped with a lawn surrounded by raised planting beds for an urban garden, and a brick patio perfect for summer barbecues or evening star gazing. A detached garage would make a charming ADU (architectural and engineering drawings for conversion available), and the long brick driveway has room for tandem parking of five cars.
Unlike neighboring subdivisions of Storybook homes, Picardy Drive remains architecturally intact with a picturesque charm. It's a neighborly place that has won fame for its annual Christmas light extravaganza.
