Serene Cottage-style Midcentury Montclair Retreat

Peace and tranquility surround you from the moment you enter the delightful, sunny front courtyard, and it emanates throughout with verdant views of trees, bubbling creek sounds below, and birds chirping all around. From the level-in, cobbled driveway, filtered views of the San Francisco skyline and sparkling bay remind you that the bustling city life can wait as you make your daily getaway to your own private wooded retreat. 

The subtle street presence of this home fits with the lifestyle it provides. Warm wood fencing, native landscaping, and a low profile facade create a hidden, tucked away feeling. The front courtyard, flooded with western exposure sunlight, welcomes you with open arms. A shady maple tree is the centerpiece, with curved brick planting beds that provide room for your home garden, supported by the eco-friendly, ingenious water catchment system created by the homeowners.

The sunny yellow front door invites you in to a peaceful open-concept living room, dining room and kitchen. Cottage-pane windows bring sunlight in from the courtyard, and sliding glass doors flow out to a large deck surrounded by nature. It’s here that you feel truly taken away; the quiet is mesmerizing and enchanting. With almost a quarter acre of land and trees, the privacy quiets any racing thoughts and forces you to be right here, right now. 

The Floor Plan

Practically, the floor plan of this home is simple, straightforward, and uncomplicated, leaving the natural surroundings to take over. On the main floor there are 3 gracious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including a serene and cheerful master suite that opens out to the main deck with large sliding doors. The master bathroom is a spa retreat itself with a tranquil color scheme of light blues, greens and sand. 

Downstairs offers even more intriguing features. A large family room with separate entrance opens onto another deck set among the trees with a built-in hot tub tempting you to relax in its bubbles. A warm sauna is the perfect pairing, not to mention the naturally temperature-controlled wine storage room. 2 more large bedrooms and a full bath provide ample space for guests, in-laws, or a home office. 

Storage & Upgrades

Storage is in no short supply in this 1957 home. From the front coat closet, to multiple hall closets, large closets in each bedroom, and pantry space in the kitchen, to the large storage cellar accessed from the family room which also houses the utilities. Two furnaces, one for each floor, give control and flexibility. Seismic upgrades, newer roof and upper deck, new fencing, and new paint and carpet throughout are just some of the improvements made by the homeowners, who have loved every inch of this home for the past 28 years. 

The Neighborhood

When you do want to venture out, Montclair village is just a short stroll away with shopping, cafes, and Saturday Farmer’s Market. At the end of the street is Joaquin Miller Elementary and Montera Middle Schools. The homeowner taught at Montclair Elementary, and enjoyed her daily walk to and from. Access to the greater outdoors is at your fingertips: Sunset trail is steps away, plus Shepherd Canyon Park, Montclair Railroad Trail, Huckleberry and Sibley Park are all nearby and ready for exploration.