Features
Originally crafted in 1916, the owners were surely inspired by the beautiful bay views and lush trees present on the property now known as 47 Bellevue Avenue. The site was nothing short of spectacular and they clearly positioned the home to protect and enjoy the vast land below. What stands today maintains that original vision of the natural scenery with so many of the original trees still standing and providing shade to the beautiful natural glen. The current owners purchased the property in the 1950’s and undertook a major remodel to reflect the changing times. A new mid-century style home was born with a fresh, more open design to accommodate their growing family and active outdoor lifestyle. The current home reflects many subsequent renovations yet still maintains a strong desire to feel the outside from within.
Upon entering the front gates, guests are greeted by the canopy of a huge magnolia tree, shading the patio to the front door. The entry is magnificent and incredibly spacious with high ceilings and a view of the grand staircase. Take two steps down into the formal living room that is anchored by an impressive fireplace and features walls of windows overlooking the more formal section of the garden. There are two walls of built-in bookcases and cabinets serviced by a tasteful ladder on rails. Across the entry is the formal dining room, also large in scale with a window wall vista to the trees beyond. The kitchen and adjoining family room are warm and inviting in the classic mid-century style. There is a guest bedroom and bath on the main floor as well as a bar area, a laundry room, a silver closet and interior access to the three car garage.
Upstairs there are five family bedrooms sharing three full baths plus the amazing master suite. The master enjoys beautiful views of the grounds and the bay beyond and includes two separate bathrooms, two dressing rooms and a row of extra closet space. On the lower level there is a finished play room, the original laundry, large storage rooms and amazing potential for expanding living space if desired. The house has an elevator to all three floors as well as a dumb-waiter and laundry chute for easy living.
Four outbuildings are situated discreetly around the property. There is a small guest house with a sitting room, bedroom, bath and kitchen. A second garden structure has a set of windows looking over the lower section of the property and has been devoted to garden maintenance and repair. A fun playhouse used for scout meetings sits next to the old tennis court. And, under the driveway is a structure that houses the back-up generator and the mechanics for the on-site well. The property also includes a large second parcel situated on the far left of the property running from the street downhill.
In the same family for over sixty years, this home has been lovingly maintained and thoroughly enjoyed as the backdrop for generations of celebrations and family fun. It is a perfect place for a new family to call home!
Neighborhood
Piedmont, a two-square-mile city within the borders of Oakland, was incorporated in 1907 and was known then as “The City of Millionaires” because there were more millionaires per square mile residing there than in any other U.S. city. Today, their large, estate-like homes are still standing in the heart of Piedmont, reminding residents of its glitzy past. Homes in Piedmont range from those estate-like homes in central Piedmont with expansive grounds to more modest homes on the edges of town. Well-manicured landscapes prevail and the city’s stringent permitting guidelines ensure all of the homes maintain their original flavor.
The commercial area of town is small, featuring several banks and one gas station. Mulberry’s Market, a specialty food store with ready-made meals, caters to gourmet taste buds and is the frequent morning coffee stop for parents and after-school hot spot for kids. Piedmont’s proximity to Oakland’s many big-city amenities ensures Piedmonters will not miss out on the latest restaurants or first-run movies.
The sense of community is strong, as witnessed by the large turnout for the annual Fourth of July parade that happens each year down Highland Avenue. The Piedmont Recreation Center offers a central gathering place for residents. Available for rental, it is the frequent setting for community events and parties. The beautiful grounds provide a wonderful place to hang out and play, and the wooded trail connecting the Center to the high school is the best place to take your dog to play.
A casual carpool zone on Oakland Avenue, along with proximity to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District buses, offer workers convenient commute options.
Pride in community involvement and village living are just a few of the reasons people love to live in Piedmont.