455 51st St, Oakland, CA 94609

Calling all FOODIES! Now's your chance to live in the heart of North Oakland's thriving CULINARY ENCLAVE: TEMESCAL! (See link on left for Wall Street Journal article that dubbed it a new "Gourmet Ghetto.") More about Food to follow, but first: This stylish 2+ bedroom condo offers a stunningly inviting, architect-designed open kitchen-dining-living room combination--perfect for entertaining or just hanging out with friends and family. Full of thoughtful, efficient modern touches, like the Euro-style combo washer/dryer and tankless water heater, this flat also retains the best of its original 1920s charm: gorgeous built-ins with glass doors, gleaming hardwood floors, french doors, fabulous original moldings, and lovely west-facing windows for glorious, sun exposure throughout the day. (Note, there are dual-pane windows in the bedrooms for greater comfort). In addition to the spacious master and sweet 2nd bedroom (perfect for a kid's room, visitors, or a room-mate!), this property includes two versatile, bonus spaces (about 249 sq. ft. total) in the detached garage building. A smaller storage or office space in the back opens onto a sunny patio-- ideal for enjoying a cup of Blue Bottle or Peet's Coffee or just reading the paper. You have a designated parking space in the driveway, so why not use the previous garage area for a larger workshop or studio instead? With electricity, sheet-rocked walls, and double frosted glass doors which open to the driveway, this second space is ready for all kinds of projects, big and small! (If you need inspiration or materials, the East Bay Depot for Creative Re-Use is a treasure trove of supplies just around the corner.) But don't start that project on an empty stomach! First, roll out of bed to a fresh coffee from Cro Cafe in the hip, new Temescal Alley or a scone from BakeSale Betty. Or if you're a late riser, try Betty's Fried Chicken Sandwich for lunch. (She can do more than bake! She was a former line-cook at Chez Panisse! That's why the lines wind down the block. See photo above. The line forms daily by noon, so don't sleep too late!) And speaking of Chez Panisse, a few doors down from Betty, for dinner, there's Pizziola--if it reminds you of Chez Panisse cafe, it might be because the owner used to chef there too! Don't forget Dona Tomas, Asmara (East African), Sahn Maru (Korean BBQ), Burma SuperStar, Lanesplitter Pizza, oakland landmark Genova Deli, Barlata for Tapas. Gluten Free? Mariposa bakery and cafe gives Gluten Free a good name. The list goes on and on. And bordering neighborhoods provide myriad shops and restaurants on Piedmont Ave and Rockridge's College Ave! Suffice to say, your palette will be endlessly delighted. And, if you ever tire of eating out, get some local organics at the thriving Temescal Sunday Farmer's Market and break in that nearly new kitchen. (It was renovated in 2006, but appears only gently used for sure!) (And while you cook, harvest some fresh herbs from the two communal HOA beds in the patio area.) Aside from FOODIE BLISS that awaits you, this ideal location boasts other urban amenities as well. This address scores 91 out of 100-- the PARADISE rating-- from Walkscore.com (See link at left) for features like: Temescal Pool, Studio One Art Center, Flying Yoga, Temescal Produce Center--all within short blocks. Wander a little farther over to Frog Park, Little Frog, Rockridge Library, Landmark Piedmont (Avenue Movie) Theatre. Move right in and become a part of this rich and vibrant community which hosts such events as the Temescal Street Fair (see link at left; this summer will be the 10th annual), the Spring Skate and Stroll, and Temescal First Fridays. And if you have to travel for work (or play) it is so convenient from here-- nearby BART, major transit lines, Casual Carpool, or easy freeway access--all make SF just minutes away. This spectacular condo offers a lifestyle and amenities that just can't be beat!