Located in Alameda’s coveted Gold Coast, on a huge lot, 815 Grand is an extraordinary 4++ bedroom, 3211 sq ft Queen Anne Victorian where rich classic style blends with creativity and modern amenities. This architectural treasure features a grand entry and sitting porch, exquisite front parlor/living room, spacious formal dining room, modern eat-in kitchen and breakfast nook, brilliant sunroom with panes of leaded stained glass, 4 spacious bedrooms on one level, contemporary baths, and so much more. One surprising convenience is the elevator that services three levels, including the full basement. The unfinished basement and attic provide space for storage or possible expansion, and a charming detached garage with a dramatic English clock tower and weather vane might serve as a home office, studio, or future ADU. The enclosed back garden is a tranquil retreat with mature landscaping and patios. Ideally located near Franklin Park and School, the home is moments from Park and Webster Street amenities, beaches, cafes, and the SF ferry. With a walkability score of 88 and a biking score of 77, this home offers the best of Alameda living.
Built in 1892 by Charles Shaner, (the architect and builder of choice for wealthy Alamedans in the Victorian era), the home is picture perfect with a traditional covered porch, romantic turret and finial, bay windows, and elaborate gingerbread trims. Inside, the home’s exquisite period details include gleaming hardwood floors with decorative inset, soaring +/- 10 foot ceilings, antique chandeliers in nearly every room, exquisite Bradbury & Bradbury wallpapers, and colorful stained glass. Carved door and window frames, polished wainscoting, and ornate fretwork and trims glow in the afternoon sunlight. The home is such an iconic example of the Queen Anne Victorian that it has been featured many times on the Victorian House Walks hosted by the Alameda Museum.
Framed by recessed redwood walls and wainscoting, the large foyer opens to a huge living room that runs the width of the home. Two Victorian-style chandeliers set in elaborately carved and painted medallions cast a warm glow on the polished hardwood floors and brightly patterned wallpapers with colorful borders line the walls. A seating area is nestled in the turret’s bay window, and a second bay window floods the room with natural light.
Behind dual pocket doors typical of the period, an elaborate chandelier shines down on the expansive formal dining room with a tall bay window, gleaming wainscoting, and a tile fireplace. Adjacent to the dining room a gorgeous sunroom with an intricately patterned stained glass window is a perfect place to relax after a sumptuous meal.
Recently updated, the chef’s kitchen is a joy to cook in with a Miele five burner gas range, built-in oven, and stone-topped island combining sink, dishwasher, and breakfast bar. A trio of double-hung windows light the adjoining dining nook - a perfect spot for casual meals. A period built-in hutch offers space to store serving ware or favorite kitchen collectibles, and at the end of the kitchen are a convenient powder room and back door opening to the enchanting rear garden.
Following the beautifully carved banister up the staircase is a half landing with a period built-in window seat beneath a luminous stained glass window. On the second floor, the spacious primary bedroom features a tile fireplace and a seating alcove ensconced in the turreted bay window. The adjoining half bath includes a walk-in shower.
Tall windows fill a second bedroom with natural light, and multi-pane French doors open onto a traditional sun porch that might serve as a sitting room, play room, or guest bedroom. A third sunny bedroom features angled corner windows, and a fourth features windows on two sides. The shared bath enjoys gleaming wainscoting, a traditional linen closet, walk-in shower, and stone-topped vanity. Also on this level are a hallway linen closet and a conveniently placed laundry room with washer and dryer.
A second staircase leads to the walk-in, unfinished attic with abundant storage space or potential expansion with plenty of room for multiple seating areas, or for use as a game room, rumpus room, or home office.
Surrounded by mature trees, privacy bamboo and a blooming trumpet tree, the gated rear garden is a tranquil setting with brick pathways, stone benches, and patios for entertaining, relaxing or dining al fresco. Steps lead into the kitchen, convenient for ferrying drinks and hors d'oeuvres out to guests. The wood-framed detached garage features an incredible clock tower with weather vane, ready for your imagination.
Additional Highlights Newly painted exterior with Victorian color palette New kitchen floors and appliances Abundant gated off-street parking
