Stunning mid-century home in Oakland hits market for first time since 1950s

Mid-century modern masterpiece for sale for first time since 1950s, asking $1.1M Mid-century modern masterpiece for sale for first time since 1950s, asking $1.1M Photo: Open Homes Photography Photo: Open Homes Photography Image 1 of / 49 Caption Close Stunning mid-century home in Oakland hits market for first time since 1950s 1 / 49 Back to Gallery

This spectacular mid-century modern, designed in 1957 by architect Roger Lee, has been enjoyed by only one family since its creation. Your family could be next. Bidding starts at $1.099 million.

The home

Tucked neatly into its forested plot, this home offers 2,192 square feet. The four bedrooms and three bathrooms include a guest unit and a workshop.

Roger Lee was an award-winning Chinese American modernist architect prolific in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1950s and 60s. His unique style shows throughout 5722 Chelton Dr. inside and out. The San Francisco Chronicle ran a story about Lee's elegant glass houses in 2003.

Features such as walls of glass, a wide-open floor plan, high ceilings embellished by post and beam structure, and a celebration of the natural setting mark this home as an iconic example of mid-century modern design. Lee's particular Asian-inspired accents have been preserved throughout.

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Off the living room is a large deck for taking in the view.

The guest suite is a fully functioning apartment, with bamboo floors, its own kitchen and bath, and a treehouse setting.

Unsurprisingly, this stunner enjoyed a feature in Sunset Magazine.

The land

The property consists of .67 acres. Dappled light from pine, cedar, and eucalyptus trees creates the feeling of a serene retreat in Oakland's Piedmont Pines neighborhood tucked between Highway 13 and Joaquin Miller Park. The views here extend past the forest to San Francisco Bay and beyond.

For still more natural beauty, Marjorie Saunders Park and Shepherd's Canyon Park are both close neighbors.

The history

This pristinely preserved historic abode has been the domain of only one family since being built, priced now at $1.099 million.

As real estate comps put the estimated value closer to $1.5 million, we think 5722 Chelton Dr. will probably sell for more.

See the complete listing here.

Anna Marie Erwert writes from both the renter and new buyer perspective, having (finally) achieved both statuses. She focuses on national real estate trends, specializing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Northwest. Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaMarieErwert