Exceptional Upper Rockridge Estate

This exceptional Upper Rockridge traditional circa 1925, is on a true estate sized double parcel. Sited on a gently sloped promontory, the 19,139 sq ft double lot feels private and is surrounded by landscaped grounds, oak trees and a majestic Redwood tree while is also open to views of Mt. Tamalpais, downtown SF, SF bay and the East Bay hills.  Tall ceilings, mahogany floors a central open staircase welcome you to handsomely proportioned rooms. Life starts in the kitchen and this one is designed by a professional chef, with 6-burner Thermador range, double Dacor ovens, a secondary under counter refrigerator (great for drinks and large trays), large recessed butcher block work surface adjoins an island seating area with a 2^nd copper prep sink. The larger copper farm sink overlooks the seating patio, and adjacent BBQ outdoor area. The kitchen has numerous specialty cabinets, marble counters, abundant storage, and desk area which connects seamlessly to the formal dining room with vintage corner built-in shelving. Retire to the generous living room with an elegant wood burning fireplace, vistas of the Bay and garden or to the sweet informal sunroom off the living room for more garden views. Completing the entry level is a den or media room, also great as guest bedroom, a powder room, and a separate laundry area with built in sink and cabinets. There is a natural flow from the main level to the bedrooms upstairs, access to several outdoor patios, and the utility + storage in the basement.

A grand stairwell takes you the second level, starting with the primary bedroom in the north west corner where you'll enjoy access to a large 2^nd level view deck, a fireplace and a full hall bath that was customarily used as its own en-suite. Another large corner bedroom with views, plus two more bedrooms which share a Jack and Jill bath, add up to 4 bedrooms on the upper level, all light-filled and private. A peaceful spot to relax awaits you at the reading nook, framed by an arched doorway to the stunning view balcony over the entry. A lovely spot for sunsets or morning coffee, and a place to enjoy the iconic oak bannister and balustrades, and a vintage glass chandelier.

The detached studio cottage features a beautiful natural stone tiled full bath and vessel sink on farm style vanity, and mini-kitchen with refrigerator, counters and sink. Gleaming bamboo flooring, built-in storage, and a private arbor patio frame this entrance.

An attractive detached office with French doors and window facing the rear patio has room for several desks, or an office/home gym combo or art studio.

There are several places to gather outside providing personal chill or hobby time and entertaining any number of guests: an upper lush lawn adjacent to raised garden beds, the upper patio, the mid-patio and BBQ area with large gas grill and Komodo smoker, and the tucked in patio between the sunroom and large Redwood tree, the entry patio which greets visitors at the front, and also a spacious lower level lawn, large wooden play structure, and built-in seating area. Most of the patios are the work of a master stone mason for both walking surfaces and retaining walls. Several garden walls are made of native rock when a nearby home excavated their site.

Parking is via the detached 2-car garage on Golden Gate Ave or more conveniently, the newly paved private driveway from Buena Vista with room for several cars that lands you on the level upper grounds.

This home feels like a world away yet, minutes to thriving College Avenue, College Prep High School, Chabot Elementary, Rockridge BART, Lake Temescal park, shops and services on Broadway and Piedmont Ave and easy freeway access to all the bay area has to offer.

Outstanding Features:

• Tall ceilings, vintage elements seamlessly blended with tasteful upgrades in the kitchen, baths, lighting, systems
• Refinished Mahogany floors, reclaimed barnwood floors in the kitchen and oak floors on the stairs and upper level
• Separation of space, most bedrooms on one level
• Exceptionally large grounds and privacy with neighbors only to the rear and to the east.
• Professionally designed, generous kitchen, with everything you can imagine; Thermador cooktop, Dacor double oven, large center island with custom prep surface and seating area, specialty cabinets, 2 copper sinks, 2 refrigerators.
• Updated bathrooms throughout
• Grand spaces but also intimate places to gather
• A place to play, to enjoy nature, terraced gardens with level seating areas
• A second parcel, currently with new driveway, has potential for further development
• Utilities to the house are under ground
• Circa 1925, 2820 sq ft (measured), 219 sq ft detached office, detached 2-car garage, 301 sq ft utility/storage basement
• House lot is 12,495 sq ft, and adjoining lot parcel (with driveway) is 6,644 sq ft for a total of 19,139 sq ft – unusually large combined lot size

Layout:

• Main level: Foyer with open staircase, living room, dining room, generous kitchen, half bath, separate laundry, den or office with built-in bookcases, large sunroom.
• Second level: primary bedroom with access to large view deck, large corner bedroom, 2 additional bedrooms for a total of 4 bedrooms on this level. One Jack and Jill bath and 2^nd full bath used for primary bedroom. Seating and view nook with arched window and balcony.
• Detached cottage: set back from the house, with its own patio seating/BBQ, kitchenette, full bath, studio cottage with built-in storage.
• Detached office: Elongated newer building with room for multiple desks, exercise area, projects and more.
• Lower level: basement with shelving, utilities
• Detached 2-car garage with electric garage door opener, storage shelves, sited on Golden Gate Avenue
• Driveway on Buena Vista Avenue, located on adjoining lot.

Notable Improvements:

• Kitchen, laundry and guest bath expansion with Jason Kaldis, architect
• All new kitchen with high quality appliances and specialty cabinets and truly functional work surfaces, 2 copper sinks, double ovens, 2 refrigerators (one is undercounter refrigerator good for trays and drinks), marble counters
• Updated baths throughout for a total of 3.5 baths
• Complete remodel of the in-law/cottage
• Separate laundry with storage and laundry sink
• Some seismic retrofitting done; foundation work which included additional retrofitting during the kitchen addition
• New roofs on house and garage 2021
• All new painting inside and out, 2021
• Newly paved private driveway, leads to level site entry, 2021
• Refinished floors throughout 2021
• Terraced gardens both upper and lower; leveling and addition of the front play yard, the front patio, and the rear garden lawn, all completed with the new retaining walls from native rock; built by master stone mason
• Tree trimming for views
• Large play structure on lower terrace
• New water line
• Recessed lighting, and new light fixtures, including exterior lighting
• Refreshed upper deck surfaces and balustrades 2021
• New lawns in upper and lower terrace
• French drains around house and eastern property edge; sump pump
• Replaced galvanized plumbing to copper to most bathrooms and kitchen. 
• Tankless hot water heater in main house
• Remodel/conversion of the shed to new detached studio, adding a window, French doors, sheetrock and insulation.