Oakland, Calif. July 15, 2010 — Crocker Highlands, one of the oldest and most distinctive neighborhoods in Oakland, will showcase the 2010 Home and Garden Tour to be held October 3rd from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. All proceeds from the tour will benefit Crocker Highlands Elementary school. Tickets are priced at $40 each and are available through the Crocker Highlands Home and Garden Tour website - http://www.crockerschool.org/hometour/.
“This is a tour about education and inspiration,” said Carla Higgins, co-chair of the tour. “Not only are we showcasing the broad range of architectural styles that are the hallmark of our historic neighborhood, we also are raising money to support one of Oakland’s most diverse and successful elementary schools.”
The Crocker Highlands Home and Garden Tour is a PTA fundraiser for the benefit of Crocker Highlands Elementary school. All proceeds will help fund the salaries and equipment needed for the Physical Education Program, Vocal Music Program, and Computer Program, a librarian, and discretionary teacher-directed projects and scholarships. Crocker Highlands Elementary School serves around 365 students from kindergarten through 5th grade.
Known as a veritable fairyland of rolling hills and wooded dales, the Crocker Highlands neighborhood was primarily developed in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The picturesque neighborhood consists of tree lined streets, period lamps, gardens and gracious homes which include examples of traditional architecture such as Tudor, Italian Renaissance, Spanish, Monterey, French provincial, and Colonial styles.
Many of Oakland's best known architects worked in the neighborhood over the years: Julia Morgan, Maybeck & White, Charles McCall, A.W. Smith, William Schirmer, Kent & Hass, Frederick Reimers, William Wurster and Irwin Johnson.
Homes on the tour include examples of classical old world charm and 21st century living, including:
- Carefully Preserved Architectural Gem: This 1928 home designed by architect Hamilton Murdoch is an example of the gracious standard of living that was typical of the Oakland Hills early in the century, and includes a butler’s pantry, tea room, library, and piano alcove. The unusual layout is based on two wings, which allows the main rooms to have windows on three sides. The house is an architectural gem, with copious period details including glass, wood, tile, and metalwork that have been carefully preserved.
- Lovingly Restored and decorated in Period Style: This Mediterranean home designed by noted San Francisco Architect W.W. Dixon and features period details such as stenciled beams in the living room and intricate period ironwork on the stair railings. The current owners have lovingly restored the home, carefully preserving existing elements. An extensive recent renovation includes a “forever” kitchen designed to be timeless, historical, and personal. Custom tiles set the tone and color palette for several rooms, echoed most notably in the lavishly glazed cabinetry and beautiful terraced garden.
- Tudor adapted to Modern Entertaining and Family Life: A beautiful Tudor with details including ogee arches throughout and leaded details on the windows. The house has been renovated top to bottom by the current owners including a custom-designed kitchen with a magnificent honed Carrara marble entertaining island, and an outdoor patio kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, warming drawers, and an Italian pizza oven. All the outdoor stonework, including a handsome outdoor fireplace, was built with salvaged cobblestones from 19th century San Francisco streets.
- Charming Cottage: The oldest home on the tour is a charming cottage-style house built in 1922 on an unusual triangular lot. The interior features high-beamed ceilings in the living room, restored molding, an updated kitchen with French doors leading to a brick patio. The exterior features period landscaping with well-established plantings, combined with fresh accents and welcoming enclosed outdoor area. A vine-covered trellis, hanging plants, lanterns, and bird house complete the cheery country-style garden.
Another highlight of this year’s tour will be the unveiling of Phase I of Crocker Highlands new Outdoor Classroom. Designed by Tyrone Perry Landscaping, the school's interior courtyard has been completely rebuilt with custom designed concrete raised beds, benches, and dining tables. The garden features fruit trees, a butterfly habitat, vegetables beds, and native plants, each of which has been integrated into the science, literary, and arts curricula. Phase II will include beautification with mosaics and other artworks created by the students. Built entirely with PTA moneys, this is an example of how funds raised by the Crocker Highlands Home and Garden Tour directly impact and enrich the educational experience of our neighborhood’s children.