Couple transforms Midcentury into a ‘party house’
The term “sweat equity” is seemingly personified by Jane and Justin Sacco of Oakland. Together, the couple rehabilitated the backyard and expanded the interior offerings of 9 Whittle Court, a threebedroom Midcentury blocks from Dimond Park.
When the couple moved in back in 2006, the home had two bedrooms, one bathroom and an outdated kitchen. Weeds choked the backyard. They steadily improved the home over the years. They added an owner’s suite to the lower level, put a patio atop the garage, and revitalized
the rear garden into a dramatic space for playing and celebrating.
“There’s nothing in that house we didn’t do,” Jane Sacco said.
Now the backyard features a deck, a patio, reclaimed timber benches, and a fire pit. Justin Sacco constructed a pizza oven with clay dug out of the yard. The back of the yard slopes upward and has drought-tolerant plantings along the hillside. A wooden tree fort along the rear fence overlooks the space.
“For me, the biggest feature is the indoor/outdoor connectivity,” Jane Sacco said. “I look at the backyard as extra square footage.”
The landscape made their home a destination for fundraisers, parties, and even a wedding this past summer.
“It is the party house,” Jane Sacco said.
The couple made significant improvements inside the home as well.
In addition to butcher block counters the Saccos installed, the kitchen has a restored O’Keefe & Merritt stove. Hardwood floors span the main level, another one of the couple’s touches.
“It’s a dream home for gardeners and urban dwellers,” said Hope Broderick of the Grubb Co., who is listing the home for $799,000.
Listing agent: Hope Broderick, the Grubb Co., (510) 9672294, hbroderick@grubbco.com.