Prestige and power radiate from Oakland’s iconic ‘Kaiser House’

Oakland’s 664 Haddon Road, also known as the Kaiser Mansion, is a four-bedroom overlooking Lake Merritt. Oakland’s 664 Haddon Road, also known as the Kaiser Mansion, is a four-bedroom overlooking Lake Merritt. Photo: Satbir Randhawa / Fusion Real Estate Network Photo: Satbir Randhawa / Fusion Real Estate Network Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close Prestige and power radiate from Oakland’s iconic ‘Kaiser House’ 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

A seminal piece of Oakland history — a place where a president slept and tycoons talked strategy — is ready to change hands. The Kaiser House, at 664 Haddon Road and named for shipbuilding mogul Henry Kaiser, is a four-bedroom Italian Renaissance Revival with arched windows, spacious public rooms, period details and modern infrastructure.

The home’s historical relevance and architectural grandeur make it appeal to a variety of audiences, said listing agent Mark DuBois of Better Homes & Gardens Highland Partners Real Estate.

“There are people associated with the Oakland Heritage Alliance who would appreciate it, as well as Silicon Valley folks who want a great entertainment house with history and a great location,” he said.

Designed by esteemed architect William Schirmer, the home completed in the mid-1920s is designated as a landmark property. The home has been lovingly restored and maintained to preserve its original spirit, though there are avenues for personalization. The updated infrastructure pairs refreshed hardwood flooring with new electrical wiring and plumbing.

Stretching nearly 5,000 square feet, the four-bedroom includes extras like a second-story solarium and a stately library. Two wings were added to the home over the years, allowing every room a view of either Oakland’s skyline, Lake Merritt, the Berkeley hills or the rear garden.

An in-law unit and an unwarranted kitchen come with the historic listing set atop a remodeled foundation, with rebuilt stairs and a retrofitted basement.

The iconic residence once hosted President Franklin Delano Roosevelt for the evening. The visit occurred during World War II, when the president came to the East Bay for an update on the construction of naval vessels. Roosevelt is rumored to have enjoyed homemade meat loaf from the comfort of the home’s library finished with coffered wall panels and a box beam ceiling. He lodged in the adjoining bedroom, which includes a restored bathroom with period fixtures and color scheme.

Kaiser added a special detail ahead of the presidential visit. The prolific shipbuilder, who christened vessels with many Champagne bottles over the years, commissioned an entry door accented with broken wine bottles. The yellow and purple bottles create a stained-glass effect, while their cylindrical shape lend uniformity to the front door.

The home is available by private showing only.

Listing agent:

Mark DuBois, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, Highland Partners, (510) 915-1193,

duboisrealestate@gmail.com.

Details

Address: 664 Haddon Road, Oakland.

Price: $1.85 million.

Features: Named for original owner and Bay Area magnate Henry Kaiser, this nearly 5,000-square-foot Italian Renaissance Revival designed by architect William Schirmer is Bay Area history. Built in 1924, the four-bedroom hosted Kaiser’s powerful guests over the years — including a visit from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt during World War II. There are traditional embellishments throughout the home. Every room with a window looks out at either the East Bay hills, Oakland’s skyline, Lake Merritt or the rear garden.