Snap, Crackle & Pop! The Piedmont Perspective, Vol 23
What’s New?
With one lone introduction this week in Piedmont – a 3bdrm/2bth starter home on Sylvan in need of TLC – I’m going to talk about a trio of Lake Merritt properties, each providing a unique opportunity. Listen up! These don’t come along every day -and they might just be perfect for the “down-sizer” or savvy investor!
I’ll start with our own Tricia Swift’s luxurious and sophisticated Penthouse at the Park Bellevue Tower, on Lake Merritt, offering refined city living! Truly, there’s nothing quite like this elegant residence in the East Bay. This stunning all-level Penthouse with dramatic sweeping views (I do mean dramatic – if you can’t see it, it isn’t worth seeing) features marble foyer, grand and spacious proportions, 3bdrms/4bths, chef’s kitchen, office, walls of glass, and large in-unit laundry room. In addition, the Park Bellvue Tower offers athletic club/exercise room, sheltered pool, secure parking and 24-hr. doorman. New York living as close as Oakland! Perfect for the downsizing Piedmonter, searching for security and amenities to spare. For pricing and more information, call Tricia Swift at The Grubb Co. (510) 339-0400/333, or at (510) 693-9006.
Next on the list is another elegant Penthouse Suite on Wayne that epitomizes style and glamour at every turn. This property overlooking Lake Merritt with awe-inspiring lake and cityscape views might be perfect for a corporate apartment or an artists loft (separate studio deeded in)! This stunning residence features a retractable roof, grand and spacious rooms, three fireplaces, floor to ceiling windows, and a full-length balcony with which to enjoy the city lights. Don’t need a corporate apartment? Perhaps you’ve been waiting for a truly remarkable one-of-a-kind residence? This may be it! Please call me for a private viewing.
Last, but certainly not least is a magnificent Arts & Crafts Gold Coast Manor, circa 1905, just off Lake Merritt and near downtown Oakland, offering a world of possibilities. With 7+ bedrooms, grand foyer, gracious stairway, mahogany paneled double parlor, exposed wood beam ceiling, wrap around porch, original built-ins and remodeled kitchen and baths – all tastefully refurbished from top to bottom. This “Manor” might serve as an elegant Bed-and-Breakfast, an upscale Law Office, or a fabulous Day Spa, for those of you seeking a truly unique investment opportunity . . . Only your imagination limits its use!
What’s Coming?
PRAISE(Piedmonters for Resources, Advocacy and Information in Special Education) has invited Jane McClure to speak at next month’s meeting on October 2, in the Piedmont High School library from 7:15-9pm. Ms. McClure, an educational consultant, will address questions and anxieties surrounding the unique transition of the special needs student from high school to college. Everyone welcome to attend. For more information about PRAISE, log onto: www.piedmontpraise.org
What’s Pending?
Snap, crackle, and pop! Well-priced listings are getting snapped up in quick succession. With news that Blair, Arbor, Nace, Sea View, Craig, Wildwood, and Muir have all gone into contract! That’s quick work. Pointing out once again, that Piedmont continues to enjoy popular demand.
While caution is commendable, buyers who hesitate, may just find themselves on the sidelines. That’s a nice place to be if you’re at a soccer match, but it keeps you out of the game if your goal is a home purchase!
What’s Fun!
This week I’m featuring the Crocker Highlands Home & Garden Tour, Shades of Green, with all proceeds benefiting Crocker Highlands Elementary School. This fun event takes place on Sunday, October 7, from 10:00am – 5:00pm and features eight beautiful homes in Crocker Highlands.
Tickets are available at: Pelago, Urban Indigo, Maison D’Etre, Mignonne, Mrs. Dalloway’s, and Builder’s Booksource. Tickets are also available online at www.crockerschool.org/shadesofgreen
GRUBB’S Co’s own Anthony Riggins, an underwriter for this event, lives and specializes in Crocker Highlands, and has offered his own stunning home and newly landscaped garden, for this very special, annual fundraiser. If you’re looking for a socially acceptable voyeuristic outing, this makes for a very nice afternoon! It’s a great way to explore Crocker Highlands or collect ideas for future remodeling, while supporting a very worthy cause. You might also purchase the beautiful calendar Anthony has created for Shades of Green -The Doors to Crocker Highlands – with all proceeds benefitting the schools. Anthony can be reached at www.anthonyriggins.com
It Was Bound to Happen!
Last week I wrote about the Harvest Festival, which benefits Piedmont’s own elementary schools. I mistakenly promoted it as taking place last Sunday, September 23, when it actually is this Sunday, September 30. Please forgive my faux pas and join us for this wonderful and bountiful celebration in the center of town from 11-3 . . . my favorite event of the year!
The Piedmont Plug! (A shameless nod to Piedmont’s entrepreneurs)
Several of you wrote to say that you missed “The Piedmont Plug!” (Thanks for the feedback!) If you haven’t yet visited Polish, on Piedmont Avenue, you’re probably overdue for some real pampering in plush and soothing surroundings. Jinny Lee, the owner and proprietor of Polish, has created the perfect urban oasis and spa for all our maintenance needs (need I say more?). And on top of being an ace businesswoman, she’s also a huge supporter of Chase the Blues, benefiting Oakland’s Children Hospital, The Booster’s Club, benefitting sports in our schools, and many other events here in Piedmont. Please support her thriving and fabulous enterprise in kind. For reservations or to learn more, click on www.polishspa.com.
See you next week!
Feel free to visit my website at JulieGardner.com for more information as well.