Thursday, May 12, 2011

After Bird Calling Is Over, Go to the Bird House Gala!

Support the arts in Piedmont schools while having a great time. Each year the gala showcases the work of Bay Area artists as well as our own student artists who donate original works that range in style from elegant to whimsical, humorous to political.

The pieces (bird houses, paintings, prints, sculptures, etc…) are sold through a lively auction which is held in a lush Piedmont home garden, and is a sell-out event each year with attendance of 200+ people. The P A I N T S gala has grown in popularity due to its unique character as a fun and original arts event where the art, wine and food are all first rate. To top it all off, the Piedmont High School Bird Calling contestants make a brief appearance to regale us with their calls. Organizer Karen Stanton says there is no more popular party in Piedmont, and I agree! Tickets are $75 at the door, and if you are the first to email me (Kennedy@maureenkennedy.net) I'll give you a free ticket (I'm an annual sponsor of the event). For more info and photos from past events, click here.

Rare Centennial Home in Central Piedmont--35 Highland Avenue

Filled with graceful proportions, high ceilings and classical lines, 35 Highland Avenue, on nearly a quarter-acre was handcrafted in 1906, before Piedmont's 1907 founding. Its private entry is on the side of the home, as is so often the case in the Golden Rectangle neighborhood.

Outside a lush wisteria vine graces the arbor and an allée of cherry trees marks the path to the rear of the garden and grassy play area. Raised beds at the rear and perennials in the front yard are fruitful and gorgeous year-round.

In fact Kevin Numoto of famed Ace Garden says “this garden is like a fabulous, favorite sweater. Relaxed. Comfortable. Inviting. I would describe it as informal with classic elements, the pergola for example. Romantic. English country garden. Sun drenched. Versatile, poised for either sumptuous flowers or serious vegetable production. This is the kind of garden that Martha Stewart would love--contemporary, but rooted in tradition.''

Architectural Integrity

35 Highland Avenue is rich in architectural details! The public rooms offer high ceilings with coving, plate rails, boxed beam ceilings, leaded glass windows, extensive wood trim, unique matchstick parquet flooring, and deep crown molding. And there’s plenty of room for the grand piano!

Invite guests into the large foyer and through grand pocket doors to the living room or stunning dining room--French doors then lead to a spacious deck with Bay views and steps down to the lush garden and grassy play area. Freshly picked flowers from the garden can grace your table every day!

Upstairs off the generous landing is the layout so highly sought after in Piedmont: Five bedrooms on one level, with two bedrooms en-suite and two others sharing a “Jack and Jill” bath. The large master suite provides deep walk-in closet space, a sitting room and sumptuous spa-style bath. Relax with your favorite novel, with Bay views to distract you.

Move-In Ready

The current owner has taken meticulous care of the home, from renovating the kitchen and baths to creating a master suite with sitting room and walk-in closet to building the extensive deck to updating the foundation and replacing windowsall with permits of course!

The roof and water heater were recently replaced and a home warranty provides additional peace of mind. Zero Section 1 pest at closing!

With a family room on the main level, and a recently renovated rumpus room (and full bath) below, everyone has a place to relax. There’s plenty of easily accessible storage on the lower level, as well as a sizeable workshop/garden prep area to keep your projects or hobbies on track.

Move in and enjoy the restful, private and quiet views!

Convenience

A more convenient location would be hard to find! Just a couple of blocks to rebuilt Havens Elementary School and two more to the middle and high schools, your mornings will be a breeze. With plenty of staffed cross walks and child-friendly drivers, playdates and games of catch or Frisbee are easy to organize!

Mulberry Market and convenient internet-equipped express buses and casual carpool are a short distance away; the typical commute for Piedmonters is only 27 minutes.

Stroll to Piedmont Avenue for a Michelin-star meal at Commis, followed by an arthouse movie at the Piedmont Theater. Restaurants and shopping in Rockridge, Montclair and the Elmwood are just a short distance away.

San Francisco, Berkeley, Emeryville and the Lamorinda/Tri-Valley area are all a convenient commute on Rt. 580/80 or Rt. 24, as are SFO and OAK.

The Community

Piedmont is one of the East Bay’s most sought-after communities. Offering wonderful views of the Bay and San Francisco beyond, San Francisco magazine declared the town the “best place for kids” in a 2005 article. Its school district offers excellent public schools (the high school is currently 73rd in the nation according to US News and World Report), and locally controlled emergency services and police are based a few blocks from the home.

Open this Saturday and Sunday, 2-5 pm, and Sunday the 22nd, 2-4:30 pm.

For more info and photos, see 35HighlandAve.com; for a google mashup see this link.