Tucked deep within the wooded heart of Montclair, there stands a house so charming, it might have leapt from the pages of a storybook. To find it, you must cross a darling wooden bridge and the world begins to soften, and the hum of everyday life gives way to birdsong and the rustling of leaves.
Here, the quiet beauty of nature meets timeless character. Built in 1935 by John Frederick (“J.F.”) Altermatt, this enchanting home is a perfect blend of rustic warmth and modern grace offering a truly unique living experience in the heart of Montclair. This uniquely special home feels as if you’re living in your own private park. The wooded grounds, framed by mature oak and redwood trees, create a peaceful oasis where wildlife thrives. A California Quail family may parade through the underbrush while a woodpecker's actions and the chatter of a scrub jay echo through the trees in the dappled sunlight.
A thick, mature vine of wisteria greets you on your way to the solid front door. Step inside, and you’ll find a great hall—a light-filled living room with soaring vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, a grand stone hearth, and a large multi-paned window that gazes out into the trees, framing the forest as though it were a living portrait.
The home offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, each with its own delightful charm. The primary en-suite is flooded with sunlight filtered through the tree tops. Closet space in each of the bedrooms is abundant as is built in storage throughout the house, for tucking away all your treasures.
The kitchen WOWS as it opens up into a bright and airy family room with a second fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Skylights and unique windows keep it all bright and welcoming. A Dutch door in the family room leads out to the first of many outdoor seating areas, most of which have arbors waiting for additional vines. This home was made to celebrate the landscape around it and to be a part of it whether dining or reading or swinging in a hammock. Stone steps wind through the expansive grounds, guiding you along hidden pathways perfect for twilight strolls accompanied by the sound of crickets and if you're lucky, the quiet visit of a mule deer. The two-car garage and generous driveway offer space for guests, though they may never want to leave once they’ve crossed the bridge and glimpsed the wonder of what lies beyond; a perfect blend of history, charm, and nature, that feels far away from the real world and yet is only minutes to town: coffee, beer with friends, great farmer’s market and Thornhill Elementary!
MONTCLAIR NEIGHBORHOOD
Tucked away in the wooded hills and winding streets above Oakland, Montclair is a small community with an appealing central shopping district. Sizable custom homes, along with a mix of Mediterranean, Craftsman, and contemporary-style homes are situated on forested lots, offering an elegant retreat from the city. The Montclair Business District is a throwback to a simpler time before strip malls, megamalls, and big-box stores. Residents can find everything they need, from dry cleaning and groceries to restaurants and great (CruFit) fitness options. Local restaurant favorites include the Taps and Takeout, Montclair Egg Shop, Daughter Thai Kitchen, Perle Wine Bar and Crogan’s Montclair Restaurant. Gourmet specialty items are available at Le Bonbon, and Farmstead Wine and Cheese. A farmers market on Sundays provides fresh local produce and baked goods. Montclair is home to fine-arts festivals throughout the year and a jazz festival in the late summer that enlivens the street scene.
Crufit - https://crufit.net/
Daughter Thai Kitchen - http://www.daughterthai.com/
Perla Wine Bar - https://www.perlewinebar.com/
Sunday Farmer’s Market - https://www.yelp.com/biz/montclair-village-farmers-market-oakland
East Bay Regional Parks - https://www.ebparks.org/
