Zendinavian

DETAILS | Zendinavian. That is how the owners of this special property describe this beloved home. A space that is comfortably chic, appealing to our California sensibilities with a nod to the simple beauty of Japanese and Scandinavian design. Rustic and elegant. Sophisticated and easygoing. This is the kind of house that inspires your devotion.

Built in 1940, its warm and welcoming vibe is timeless. And unique — the house is not quite mid-century nor a rancher, but embodies some of the best qualities of both. Low-slung and wrapped in rich brown board and batten siding, the house hugs the hill without overwhelming its site.

This is the kind of house that inspires your appreciation. The quality and beauty of the woodwork throughout the home is impressive, most especially in the living room with choice old-growth redwood paneling, beams and king-post trusses in the cathedral ceiling. It is so lovely that it almost distracts from the view. And that view! Never the same and always magical whether sunrise, sunset, blue skies or grey. The weather is an artistic force to admire here, both through the fantastically large picture windows or sitting in the backyard where you are surrounded by bird song and a creek that runs year round. Yes, it does.

Light and airy, bright and sunny. This is the kind of house that is equally suited for solitude and socializing. The relaxed main living spaces are set apart from the bedrooms for privacy. A split-level — just three steps up to 2 bedrooms and a bathhroom, the front bedroom also enjoying the views. Downstairs is the 3rd bedroom and 2nd bath with access to the garden, along with laundry and storage.

All this on a 12,000 square foot lot. That’s over a quarter of an acre of land. In the city. The yard is a true urban oasis, a perfect spot for the modern urban homesteader. The gentle upsloping lot is full of trees and mature flowering shrubs and perennials and pathways and niches here and there to sit, read, explore, look for salamanders, have a cup of tea, or eat supper. There is even a little detached cottage, perfect for office, play house, maker space, yoga, or your own tea house. This is the kind of garden that inspires your senses. Of course, there’s room for herbs and vegetables, chickens and goats, too. Indeed, the owners had happy goats here on King Drive.

Easy access to wherever you want to go. Great coffee, organic groceries, BART a healthy walk away. Trails and hikes abound, just like the red-tailed hawks and wild turkeys. Neighbors are kind and helpful. With nature right outside the door and the City always on the horizon over the Bay, you get the best of both worlds here. An inviting estate in the hills, this is the kind of house that inspires your good life.