269 Mather St, Oakland, CA 94611

Maybeck's hidden gem, the Boke House "twin" in Oakland, for sale by second owner in over 100 years! When most people think of Bernard Maybeck, California's most famous Architect, they may be reminded of the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, the Christian Science Church of Berkeley or maybe even a large robust mansions made completely from California redwood, but very few may know about his hidden gem, the sister "twin" to the Boke House in Berkeley, The Oakland House. After the Boke house was built in 1906, Maybeck sent identical plans for homes to be built in Aberdeen, Washington and Oakland, California. The homes may have started off to resemble a Swiss Chalet log house; however Maybeck's modern yet traditional style and "startling" innovated mind couldn't help but pull influences from England and Asia with a touch of Gothic. The Oakland House exhibits many of Maybeck's original innovations in 1,770 square feet living space that modern day architects still use today. Maybeck's typical designs that this home exhibits are bold yet quiet details of linear and horizontal character of a post and beam framing throughout, wide contiguous staircases and a large inviting fireplace. The living room and dining room flow as an "ell-shaped" space that continues into the upgraded yet period-conscious kitchen. One of my favorite Maybeck signature designs which this home exhibits is relating the living portions of the house to the outdoor areas. The generous use of glass in doors and walls invite the peaceful setting of the mature landscaping while entertaining at the dining table, turning dishwashing into a "pleasant social pastime" (quote by Maybeck) or enjoying the sunset on the full-length window seat that cantilevers from the front of the house. The seemingly continuous staircase extends from entry way to the living room into the kitchen by just a half a flight of stairs. At the landing you'll find access to the sleeping porch and continuing on to either the second flight of stairs that lead to the 3 generously sized bedrooms and one elegant full bathroom or around and down into the kitchen and even down further to a English style quarter bath, mud room equipped with full sized washer and dryer and access to another small set of stairs headed down into the finished basement. The Oakland house is conveniently located off Broadway between Piedmont and Temescal, and both Rockridge and MacArthur BART stations. Oakland has some of the nations most talked about eateries close by; Uptown, Downtown, Jack London Square, Piedmont Avenue, Temescal and some of the best "hole in the walls" off Telegraph Avenue. Whether you're walking, biking, taking Bart or driving there is plenty to see and do.