18 Osborne Court, Oakland
Sold for $1,910,000 

4 Bedrooms, 4 baTHrooms

We went on an adventure to find this house, nestled in the Piedmont Pines neighborhood of Oakland.  Both parents worked tremendous hours, both kiddos so very polite and sweet.  On the weekends, they loved nothing better than spending time together, often hiking or bike riding through the many park trails Oakland has to offer.  Say no more:  This gorgeous home cried out for them, to appreciate the custom workmanship within, the knock-out views of San Francisco Bay and (hold on to your hats!) their own private entrance to Joaquin Miller Park.  Hard work and kindness pay off!

(Taken from the listing agent's site, with appreciation)  When prominent landowner Alroy Tuttle (Oakland 1889) was ready to build a home for his beloved daughter Oraville in 1941, he found the perfect spot on a cul-de-sac in Piedmont Pines. He wanted a comfortable level entry, a large frontage with private entrance on the magnificent Joaquin Miller Park and expansive views of the San Francisco Bay. He got all that and more! Designed and built by the famed architectural firm of Miller-Warnecke in the newly-emerging contextual style - which blends architectural structures seamlessly within their settings and landscapes - the effect is stunning at every turn. Oraville created the incredible landscaping, and lived in the home into her 90s.

A lush and lovingly designed garden leads to a brick entrance. Once inside, the spectacular bay view, beautifully set off by open space and forest, is framed in a giant picture window. A fantastic viewing deck has sophisticated detailing of copper and redwood railings. The living room gracefully connects to the dining room, kitchen, an extra space for relaxing and a full bathroom. The kitchen has custom glass tiles, skylights and a big, 6-burner gas stove. Views and light infuse the space with calm.

Off the entry are two lovely bedrooms and a full bath, one bedroom with a bay window with built-in cabinets, the other with a lovely view of the city beyond. On the lower level is a family room with level-out access to the yard, a deluxe guest bedroom with en suite bath and lots of storage space.

 When updating in 2011, the owners sought the celebrated architect William McHenry to bring yet more beauty and luxury with the addition of a master wing. Sited to maximize the views while retaining privacy, it is a serene space with high ceilings, warm 100-year-old reclaimed wood floors and a cantilevered deck. Oversized windows seem to bring the outdoors inside. The giant walk-in closet and lovely bathroom built-ins were also from reclaimed wood, custom-milled from a Black Acacia tree fallen in the Berkeley Hills. It features its own tankless water heater, high-efficiency heater and Hansgrohe fixtures. This is a space of quiet luxury, and tasteful indulgence.

The fantastic garden is yet another delight: wisteria, ferns, bamboo, iris, azaleas, magnolias, and a magnificent camellia grove surround the house. A shaded deck faces the lawn, and slate steps lead to a picnic area, in front of a bonus room underneath the master suite, an ideal space for a music room, home theater, a game room or art studio. A detached home office/workshop sits nearby. Uniquely, this yard has its own access gate to 500 acres of parkland. The trails of Joaquin Miller Park are just steps from the house, affording amazing opportunities for hiking and biking.

The entire house is bathed in light from its southern sun exposure and affords both privacy and the ability for great indoor/outdoor entertaining. High-end finishes, abundant views, mid-century design and Craftsman-like detailing can be added to the long list of fabulous features this exceptional home offers. Easily intimate, yet equally perfect for the largest of gatherings, and has something for everyone to enjoy - a rare find, indeed.