Captivating Piedmont Craftsman

Imagine a glass enclosed treehouse, and you’re close to capturing the magic of this brown shingle beauty. With a perfect mix of warmth and grandeur, this five-bedroom, three-bath home shines as an architectural classic with a heart set on family. While the craftsmanship has a feel of another century, the residence has undergone thoughtful renovations to preserve historic charm while embracing new world conveniences. Sporting a covered front porch, beamed ceilings and original wainscoting, a brick-clad fireplace, and a charming built-in window seat, the house presents a luxe-but-casual balance — a feast for the eyes with authentic arts and crafts details, always comfortable and inviting.

Spacious, gracious rooms on the main level flow seamlessly, anchored by original wood floors, exquisite woodwork, gorgeous beamed ceilings, and ample natural light streaming through the many casement windows. The living room – with its fireplace, window seat, and built-ins – and the dining room-- with high beamed ceilings, wainscoting, and windows overlooking the deck – are rooms to savor, made for effortless entertaining and family gatherings. The core of the house is often the kitchen, and this space blends comfort with use: light, creamy quartzite streams along the deep counters, oak flooring complements the rest of the home, and chef-worthy appliances (Sub-Zero fridge, Wolf gas cooktop, Thermador oven, Miele dishwasher) are ready for any culinary adventures. The wood-paneled eat-in breakfast nook doubles as a space for reading and lounging, and a view of the deck and verdant outdoors makes the room feel spacious and uncluttered. A glass door welcomes more light and leads to the deck, which makes for a dreamy escape — go big for the outdoor dining table: guests are guaranteed.

The first floor bedroom is light, airy, and remarkably flexible. Perfectly located and expansively sized, it’s easily transformed into a family/media room or office space — accessible from the main living areas, but also set apart for quiet. A full bath, complete with claw foot tub, completes the main living level.

A broad staircase, punctuated by an enormous landing, leads upstairs to three bedrooms, generous and graceful. Varied ceiling heights and angles add architectural interest, and all the rooms benefit from ample natural light (and plenty of closet space). The primary suite is full of the beauty and comfort we crave in a personal space — a big walk-in closet, the bathroom boasting a vintage claw foot tub and luxe marble shower. French doors open to a private deck — the pièce de résistance of this peaceful retreat — where songbirds serenade in the canopy of trees, mature potted citrus perfume the air, and the neighborhood owls can be heard at dusk.

The au pair suite on the lower level of the house is private and serene, with the carpeted bedroom and full bath crafting a warm, welcoming environment for guests, as well. A new Miele washer and dryer make laundry a pleasure, and plenty of storage throughout the downstairs is a welcome convenience. A spacious garage with EV charging station offers interior access to the house, as well as additional space.

Built in 1916, and set on a quiet Piedmont street, 311 Ramona really turns on the charm. A hundred years ago, living in a house made of redwood shingles was an expression of reverence for nature — today the easy flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces takes advantage of California’s idyllic weather and evokes that same reverence. With plenty of sunny spaces for family living and sociable entertaining, the look is at once of the moment and rooted in the past—evidence, no doubt, of the home’s bright future.

Passing the Torch: Five Things We Love About Our Neighborhood

• Great TK-12 schools within a short distance.
• Location, location, location! We love our quiet, neighborly street AND the fact that we are a quick drive to San Francisco or the majestic redwood trails in Joaquin Miller and Reinhardt Redwood Park (Big Trees is our favorite trail).
• Dracena Park, set in an old quarry, is a neighborhood gem, and the climbing wall was a huge attraction for our family — plenty of shady benches, a play structure, and great on and off leash walks for dogs.
• Piedmont Avenue, with amazing restaurants, shopping, and the classic Piedmont Theater is walkable, and makes a great date night destination. (Also, who can say no to a Fenton’s Black & Tan?)