Outdoor living in Montclair

Elevated home features view of Farallon Islands

Balky legs are the driving force behind Randy Erickson’s decision to sell his Montclair mid-century in Oakland. Otherwise he would gladly continue residing in the light-filled three-bedroom boasting vintage touches along with views of the Farallon Islands through massive windows.

“I’m having to leave. I’m definitely torn about selling,” said Erickson, the senior vice president of strategic projects for Clif Bar & Co., regarding 6441 Castle Drive. “I’m getting older, have a bad knee and ankle, and I don’t want to navigate the stairs every day.”

The Ericksons have lived in the home for the last two decades and renovated all three bathrooms with strip drains and other contemporary aesthetics. With a reverse floor plan, the home’s public rooms are located on the top

level and master suite and bedrooms are set a floor below.

Since the home is roughly 1,300 feet above sea level, the wraparound redwood deck off the main level offers dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.

A fireplace with copper canopy serves as the focal point of the living room, a space with floor-to-ceiling windows framing lookouts of Lake Merritt and Oakland’s skyline.

The kitchen, with its commercial range and center island and block counter, is possibly Erickson’s favorite room in the home.

“I love to bake, and it’s a real working kitchen,” Erickson said.

A trio of skylights let natural light pour into the space, and the terraced center island invites people to gather around and interact with those preparing their meal.

A family room with raised fireplace, built-in storage and French doors opening to a brick patio sits directly off the kitchen.

Near the patio is a wraparound walkway leading to an outdoor dining area flanked by a massive oak tree, redwoods and camellias.

Perhaps the Montclair home’s most alluring attribute is its plethora of outdoor spaces, Erickson said. The backyard includes a built-in barbecue, and the master suite includes a deck that leads to the verdant yard.

Dominating the lower level is a spacious master suite with cedar-lined walk-in closet, a dressing room and a luxurious bathroom hosting a Victoria + Albert jetted bathtub situated beneath a greenhouse window.

For more information, visit www.6441CastleDrive.com.

Photos by Open Homes Photography Above: The living room-dining room at 6441 Castle Drive in Montclair includes a brick fireplace, support beams, a vaulted ceiling and large windows framing dramatic views. Below: The three-bedroom home has more than 2,800 square feet of living space.

Open Homes Photography The partially covered deck off the living room at 6441 Castle Drive in Montclair offers a place for outdoor dining.

Above: The kitchen has a commercial range and exhaust hood, skylights and display cabinets. Below left: The landscape around the home includes brick stairs and built-in planter boxes. Below right: The master bathroom includes a soaking tub, exterior...