PROPERTY POST:

The charming house at 19 Sotelo Avenue reminds one of a Japanese Tea House set in an exquisite Japanese garden. The wood gate opens to the serenity of a meticulously maintained garden. The traditional Japanese landscaping includes Bonsai Japanese maple trees, azaleas and Mondo grass. Smooth flat stepping stones form a path to the entry and far side of the house. The elegant front door is trimmed in a lattice-like manner with richly carved panels and striking hardware, original to the house. The gracious living room with grass cloth walls has a dramatic floor-to-ceiling lava rock gas fireplace. The Japanese décor is carried out with Shoji screens that open to lovely views of mature trees, glimpses of the bay, and to the rear garden and swimming pool. More Shoji screens slide to separate the living room from a den/office space with wet bar. In the dining room, large windows with Shoji screens provide views to rear deck, pool, and gardens. The adjacent kitchen features built-in appliances and an island with two cook tops. The gas fireplace has copper trim, and the room is lined with book shelves, cabinets, and a built-in desk. The casual dining area overlooks the rear garden and trees with a view to the west. Sliding glass doors open to the large deck overlooking the swimming pool. A graceful curved stairway with a bold newel post leads to the master bedroom suite and two additional bedrooms and bath. The master bedroom has its own balcony and overlooks the rear garden with glimpses of San Francisco Bay. The master bathroom has double sinks, a bath tub, and a separate shower. Smooth flat stones surround the free-form pool and large round wood posts form retaining walls in the garden. The lowest level of this sunny garden contains a raised bed, perfect for growing vegetables and herbs. The house has security cameras, a powder room off the entry, a laundry room off the kitchen, and interior access from the garage. 19 Sotelo Avenue was built in 1972 for an Oakland real estate developer and was designed by Robert Klemmedson, a well-known local mid-century architect who built many custom homes in Oakland and Orinda throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.