Surrounded by a fantastic award-winning garden in the tranquil hills of Montclair, 5961 Thornhill/5944 Marden is the best of both worlds - a private sanctuary, yet moments from Montclair amenities, shops, cafes, parks, and weekly farmer’s market. This 3BD/2BA 1875 sq ft property was designed with enormous flexibility for use as a family compound with a 2BD/1BA single-family home and separate 1BD/1BA unit, or as a duplex* for potential residential income. Each unit boasts an open floor plan, updated kitchen and baths, gleaming wood floors, and is surrounded by windows overlooking the lush gardens. Large patio and deck areas on multiple levels create a welcoming for entertaining extended family and friends, or for quiet contemplation of the starlit skies. With its huge lot and detached two-level garage (potential ADU?), the property may offer development possibilities for a multi-generational family compound (Buyers to investigate and verify to their satisfaction)
5944 Marden Lane: Behind the unassuming gate on Marden Lane lies an enchanted garden terraced down to a charming 2BD/1BA 1069** sq ft bungalow. A multi-paned glass door opens onto the open living area anchored by a corner fireplace with tile hearth. Sunny windows surround the gracious living room, casting a warm glow on the beautiful hardwood floors. The adjacent dining area is open to the remodeled kitchen with its stone countertops, gas range, and abundant cabinets for storage.
Above the wide sink, a bay window is an ideal spot for growing herbs and offers a sweeping view of the lush garden. Just outside the kitchen is a covered laundry area with washer and dryer.
Beyond a pocket door separating the common area from the bedrooms, an alcove illuminated by a skylight houses a large closet and space for a desk or dressing area. The two light-filled bedrooms, each with its own charming features, overlook the amazing front garden. They share a split bath with a tile-topped vanity, two linen closets, tile wainscoting, and a shower over tub with a glass brick wall and glass doors.
At the front of the home is an expansive patio - a beautiful spot both for entertaining and for quiet reflection, surrounded by a profusion of +/-200 species of plants including drought-resistant succulents and native plants and grasses. Terraced above is a railed deck, lawn, enclosed vegetable garden, and prolific fig tree. The large deck and patio areas provide space for lounge furniture and umbrella-topped tables for entertaining. String some lights around this spacious garden, and throw the ultimate summer party.
5961 Thornhill Drive: Down a flight of stairs behind 5944 Marden is the lower 1BD/1BA 806 sq ft** unit facing Thornhill Drive (which can also be approached from the street below where it also has its own separate address). There, a glass-paneled door opens directly onto the open concept galley kitchen with solid surface counters, ample cabinets, and a vintage Wedgewood gas range sure to delight any home chef. Off the kitchen is a large laundry and storage area with washer, dryer, and shelves for storage.
Configured as a modern great room, the open dining/living area features a traditional brick fireplace and a glass door out to the wide wooden deck beneath a towering redwood tree. The generous bedroom features burnished wood floors, large closet, and three double-hung windows looking out over the wooded hillside. The adjacent bath has been updated with a solid surface vanity and corner step-in shower.
An expansive redwood deck runs the length of the bungalow with abundant space for entertaining or for watching the sunrise over the treetops and the wooded hills beyond. From the deck, steps on a gravel path lead down to a flagstone patio nestled among tall trees, blooming shrubs, and succulents, where hummingbirds make frequent visits.
The detached two-level garage is the potential site of use and development: with built-in storage spaces, vaulted ceiling, and large windows overlooking the gardens and hillside, could this become an artist’s studio, home office, private gym, or an ADU for an expanded family compound? Please check with the City of Oakland or a trusted expert knowledgeable about the possibilities or restrictions in developing this area.
Additional Highlights: 2-car parking pad Tankless water heater for radiant heat Window coverings Newer roof
- Property is a “duplex” per public records. Buyers to verify to their satisfaction.
- *1875 Total sq ft
