Talk of The Town
In Oakland’s thriving hub, discover this unicorn of a property—two tandem sibling homes on a premium corner lot on the shores of Lake Merritt, a sparkling jewel along the Necklace of Lights. Constructed in 1918, these rare homes ooze with meticulously preserved architectural details yet are also future focused with recent renovations galore: a new garage, modern kitchens, even an elevator. With unlimited possibility, this impressive parcel features a total of nearly 6,200 square feet of living space, distributed between 485 Ellita, which boasts four bedrooms and 2.5 updated baths and 481 Ellita, with its three bright bedrooms and trio of beautifully appointed baths. All this only augments the appeal of life in this vital neighborhood brimming with energy and charisma.
Community. Oakland stands for community. For diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. At the heart of the city, you’ll feel the pulse of progress while enjoying comforting privacy and solace. Watch the eternal parade of civilization around Lake Merritt or join in with the colorful array of fairs and celebrations. Train for your next race—the lap around the lake is almost a perfect 5K distance—or rent a boat on a sunny Sunday. Whatever way you choose to connect, you’ll find it here. The historic property around the corner, previously the chic Bellevue Club, has just been acquired by the creative minds behind SF’s Battery for the purposes of creating an East Bay outpost of this lively and modern social club which will doubtlessly anchor this neighborhood’s glamorous reinvention.
Craftsmanship. You’ll think you’re seeing double with the unrelenting quality and lush detailing of these two completely self-contained homes. Zoned as a legal duplex, this property is beautifully suited for use as one sprawling compound centered around the majestic backyard with its brick entertainer’s patio, sundecks, and refreshing pool. Or designate one as your primary residence and use the other to bring in substantial income from rent or AirBnB, provide deluxe accommodations for guests and/or staff, or use as a business-sized home office. This flexibility is any developer’s dream, let your imagination lead the way. No matter how you configure the property, the historic opulence is a winning protagonist, on display from the love-at-first-sight Corinthian columns and dental detailing to the burnished hardwoods and well-crafted built-ins that line the sophisticated interior.
Culture. Inspiration is everywhere, from the inspired landscaping to quiet bay-windowed nooks with unobstructed lake views. The residential level features a suite with office annex and full bath, additional huge bedroom with fireplace, another glamorously modernized bath, and a bonus attic room with dormer beds, all overlooking the sparkling water. The grand living room maximizes scenic impact with banks of full-height windows and accompanies a paneled dining room with old-world allure. 481 Ellita has a sprightly contemporary vibe, encouraging relaxation and rejuvenation with its wide doorways, bedroom balcony, and tall windows. However, in this ideal location with an 89 WalkScore, you’ll want to venture further; if you were to draw a grid of all of Oakland’s eateries, destinations, and attractions, the lines would intersect in front of your living room fireplace. Uptown, Downtown, the Arts District, playgrounds, Fairyland—all are mere minutes away, easily accessible on foot, by transit or bike. If you prefer to drive, you’ll reap the rewards of the long, gated driveway leading to the motor court with carport and new garage.
Cuisine. If all this leaves you hungry for more, you’re in luck. With 20 Michelin-lauded restaurants in the city, many in walking distance, there’s always a buzzy new place to try. The shops and eateries on Grand Avenue and Lakeshore Avenue offer every type of cuisine imaginable, as well as gourmet supplies for your own kitchen. At home, satisfy your own restaurant critics with top-tier kitchen amenities that include stone & marble counters, stainless steel appliances, gas ranges, a butler’s pantry/wet bar, then sample the fruits of your labor in the al fresco courtyard with firepit or the dignified dining rooms with their period fixtures and sconces. As they say, there is strength in numbers, so you’ll want to have room to invite everyone to the table. This is the Town—a place to grow, to prosper, to achieve. Welcome.
