Pending, Multiple Offers Received - There’s a pub in Oxford, England called the Turf and you can only get there by following certain urban clues; under the Bridge of Sighs, look for the old lamp post then turn down a narrow walkway to arrive in the private courtyard of the Turf. Luckily, Pedestrian Way in Oakland, while discreet, has a sign to guide you down a path between a clutch of craftsman homes to a unique and secluded sanctuary on the market for the first time in 37 years. Pedestrian Way, lined with fuchsia bougainvillea and datura, is for foot and bike traffic only. We all want a place to escape to at the end of a busy day and this charming Bungalow, removed from the noise of street traffic, offers it all as a permanent residence or as a retreat in the heart of the bustling Rockridge neighborhood. Ring the brass doorbell to gain entry to a unique and secluded sanctuary on the market for the first time in 37 years and retreat from the buzzing world outside. Built in 1917, the craftsman details, a fireplace and bookshelves in the living room, a dining room sideboard, along with other built-ins add warmth and character, while the abundance of sash windows let in the light. The house is set up for peaceful moments of books and candlelight or gatherings with friends who will delight in the novelty of the house down the discreet, miss-it-if-you-don’t-look-for-it walkway. Glossy hardwood floors on the lower level continue up the curved staircase to the 2 bedrooms, both of which have roof top views reminiscent of Europe. The primary bedroom has French doors opening to a good-sized deck perfect for sunbathing and sky gazing. Take in the late light of a California evening as it turns from peach to indigo up above the chaos of the city. A brick patio in the secret garden off the updated kitchen is ready for a dining table and/or adirondak chairs to sit in the sunshine with a morning coffee or evening wine with friends unseen by the rest of the world. Raised vegetable beds would work well out here with the south-eastern light. There’s even a basement with access off the kitchen for extra storage. Thoughtful renovations have updated yet retained the character of this special dwelling. Surrounded by fences and greenery, it’s a true hideaway for those seeking peace and privacy with all that Rockridge has to offer within strolling distance, a perfect balance of convenience and tranquility. 97 Walkscore - literally steps to College Avenue, BART, Trader Joe’s, Zachary’s Pizza, 15 min stroll to Chabot Elementary!

Rockridge/Claremont/College Neighborhood for 481 Pedestrian Way

Built 1917, Walk Score 97, Bike 87

You can live here without owning a car: stroll, bike, car-share, bus, BART around Oakland & the Bay Area. Pedestrian Way is a walkway between Claremont Ave/Chabot Road & Oak Grove Avenue in the heart of lower Rockridge. When this home was new in 1917, Key Route streetcars from downtown Oakland & San Francisco (via ferry—the Bay Bridge was built in 1936) dropped commuters at the intersection of Claremont & Pedestrian Way. Today it’s an AC Transit bus stop, or you can stroll, scooter or bike less than .5 miles to the Rockridge BART Plaza (or 1.5 miles to MacArthur BART station) for trains taking you to downtown Oakland, SF, South Bay & OAK airport, north to Berkeley & Antioch, or east to Orinda, Lafayette & Walnut Creek.

Easy everyday shopping & dining within a mile in Rockridge along Claremont & College. Sunday Farmers Market at Claremont DMV (.5 mile via the Temescal Greenbelt). A bit further to Telegraph /40th Street (MacArthur BART station), Broadway & Piedmont Avenue shops, cafes & dining. Beyond, but still walkable/bikeable neighborhood attractions: Grand/Lakeshore--Saturday Splash Pad Park (best farmers market in the East Bay!) & Lake Merritt, then up Trestle Glen to Glenview & or through Piedmont to Montclair Village.

Outdoor recreation & exercise--so much more fun than a stair-climber at the gym! Explore hidden pedestrian paths & secret stairs offering scenic shortcuts from Rockridge to Temescal, Piedmont Ave, Grand Lake & beyond to Trestle Glen, Crocker Highlands, Piedmont, Glenview, Dimond Canyon & Park, on up above Hwy 13 to the Oakland Hills greenspace.

Short strolls to hyper-local parks: Rockridge Greenbelt along Temescal Creek, Hardy Dog Park, Colby Park (< 0.5 mile, playground, trees & grass), Bushrod Park (~0.5 mile, sports fields). At the top of Piedmont Ave & 51st/Pleasant Valley find St Mary Cemetery (grassy paths among historic tombs & monuments).

Surrender yourself to nature, explore vast acres of scenic parks in the Oakland Hills. Horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, picnicking and more! Access from dozens of trailheads short drives or bus rides from home, most above Hwy 13: trails, views, creeks & reservoirs. North to Lake Temescal, Claremont Canyon, Sibley Volcanic & Huckleberry Botanic Preserves, Tilden & the Berkeley Botanical Gardens. South to Shepherd Canyon Park, Joaquin Miller, Reinhardt Redwood, Chabot Science Center, Oakland Zoo, Lake Chabot, much more.

Top things to do in Rockridge, Claremont/College, Temescal, Piedmont Avenue, Montclair Village, Glenview and beyond.

1. Convenient commutes, car-optional:
   1. AC Transit bus lines serve Oakland, San Leandro, Berkeley, plus SF Transbay on Claremont.
   2. BART: Rockridge (0.5 miles) station, MacArthur (1.5 miles), connect to North Bay (Berkeley, Antioch), East Bay (Orinda, Walnut Creek), West Bay (San Francisco, via CalTrain to Silicon Valley), South Bay (Oakland International Airport, San Leandro, Fremont, Castro Valley to Livermore).
   3. Rent a car, borrow or ride-share: freeway access via 51st St-MacArthur Maze interchange (580, 24). Or up via Moraga Ave to Hwy 13 and Oakland Hills recreation.
   4. Coffee on your commute? Ain’t Normal Café, Cafenated Coffee Company, Cole Coffee Bean, Highwire Coffee Roasters, Peets, Starbucks, Hudson Bay, Souvenir Coffee Co, Timeless Coffee. Highway commuters, grab espresso at Lucia Drive-Through by 51st St on-ramp. A myriad of local cafes, teahouses, etc., see neighborhood lists below.
2. Shopping: You can do your everyday shopping locally, much of it on foot.
   More shopping & dining districts within 5 miles:
   1. Rockridge/Claremont/College Avenue less than ½ mile.
      1. Caffeine: Highwire Coffee Roasters (plus tea, chai & chocolate), Ain’t Normal Café, Cole Coffee Café, Philz Coffee, Peet’s, La Farine.
      2. Shopping: Rockridge Market Hall (by BART plaza)—Café, bakery, deli, pasta, cheese, fish, produce, meat, wine, flowers.
         Cole Hardware, Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Starter Bakery. Crossroads Trading (vintage clothes), Blick Art Materials, much more along College.
      3. Dining: Crepevine, Becky’s (Chinese), Acre Mediterranean, Zachary’s Chicago Pizza, Millennium Vegan, Yimm Oakland, Boychik Bagels, Marica (fish), High Peaks Kitchen (Indian), Namastey Patio Nepal/Indian Cuisine.
      4. Entertainment, bookstores, lounges & pubs: The Golden Squirrel, George & Walt’s (sports bar), McNally’s Irish Pub, Rockridge Improvement Club, Ben N Nick’s Bar & Grill, The Graduate. Pegasus Books, Open Mind Music.
   2. Claremont Commercial district: Less than a mile on foot, bike, or scooter.
      1. Sunday Claremont Farmer’s Market at Telegraph (DMV parking lot) via green corridor along Temescal Creek.
      2. Star Grocery, Souvenir Coffee, Dark Carnival (SFF & horror bookstore) and Escapist (comix).
      3. Claremont Hotel & Spa, Berkeley Tennis Club, Chabot Tennis.
   3. 1 mile to 51stSt (Pleasant Valley shopping center):
      1. Safeway (beer, wine & spirits), Whole Foods, Pet Food Express.
      2. Sliver Pizza, The Habit (yummy Santa Barbara burgers), Panda Express, Best Burrito, Burger King, Primavera.
   4. 1.5 miles to Broadway/40th St (Macarthur BART at 40th & Telegraph)
      1. Mini-market at 40th Temescal Plaza (Peets, Post Office, Walgreens), Whole Foods, Temescal Produce, Berkeley Bowl Marketplace. VCA Animal Hospital, Rockridge Shoe Repair, Kelly-Moore Paints, Brand X Huaraches, Sprouts, Broadway Liquors (wide selection of wines & spirits), Grocery Outlet, PetVet Petfood, 7-Eleven, etc.
      2. Dining & carry-out: hip & happening Homeroom on 40th; (comfort mac & cheese, beer & wine), Tacos Oscar, Clove N Hoof, Mama’s Royal Café (breakfast/brunch institution since 1974), True Burger, Brenda’s, Ohgame, Burger King, Wendy’s. Asian: ShangriLa Vegan, Burma Superstar, Gangnam Jajang, Moo Bon Ri, Yuyu Za Zang. Soul Food: Smokin’ Woods BBQ, Church’s Texas Chicken, Café Eritrea D’Afrique (best Ethiopian in East Bay!). Fast food: McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, Wendy’s, Marufuku Ramen.
      3. Entertainment, pubs, lounges, bars: Geo Kaye’s (cozy neighborhood dive), Z Café & Bar, sandbar, The Port Bar, First Edition, The New Parkway (first-run flicks with pizza & beer!). Temescal Brewing (brew pub, beer garden), century-old Kingfish Pub & Café (homey low-ceiling digs, neighborhood dive vibe, outdoor patio), Arthur Mac’s Tap & Snack (beer garden by BART), Northlight Café Bar & bookshop, Raleigh’s Pub, The Starry Plough (on Shattuck, Celtic music).
   5. Less than 2 miles via Shaftner Ave to Piedmont Avenue shops & dining.
      1. Coffee, tea or chocolate? Starbucks, Mr Green Bubble, Timeless, 7-Eleven, Blue Bottle, Happy Lemon (bubble tea) Caffe Chiave, Peet’s.
      2. Shop historic or hip, mass or boutique: The Honey Baked Ham, Euromix Delicatessen, Beloved Piedmont Grocery (since 1898!), La Farine Bakery, Wine on Piedmont, 7-Eleven, Kaiser Farmers’ Market. Vintage clothes at Mercy Vintage & The Sunshine Prophecy, Wells Fargo Bank, etc.
      3. Yummy dining: historic Fenton’s Creamery (since 1894), Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers (try the deep-fried mushrooms!), Commis (Oakland’s only Michelin-starred restaurant), Pizzeria Violetta, Shimizu Cuisine, Mensho (ramen), Charm Thai Bistro, Bar César, The Crepe Pan, Pomet, Ebiko Sushi, The Wolf, Pomella, Doña, Mago, Bamboo, more.
      4. Entertainment: Landmark Piedmont Theatre (oldest in Oakland, cinema since 1917!). Bookstores: Spectator Books, Black Swan, Owl & Co. Lounges, bars & pubs: Kona Club, Bar César, Kerry House, Cato’s Ale House, Doña’s, The Lodge.
      5. Exercise: X-Core, The Lotus Method, Flex, Nest Yoga, and for post-workout, Piedmont Springs hot tubs.

2. 6. Only 3.5 miles (shorter by bike or hike via secret stairs & urban pathways) to Grand/Lakeshore & Lake Merritt:
      1. Shopping: Ace Hardware & Garden (by the Morcom Rose Garden), Safeway, Kosher Deli, 7-Eleven, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Saturday Splashpad Farmers’ Market (best in the East Bay!)
      2. Dining: Arizmendi Bakery & Pizza, The Star (pizza), Zachary’s Pizza, Grand Oaks, Miss Saigon, Qi Dumpling Lounge, Samurai Sushi Boat, Hunan Village, Café Romanat, Rico Rico Taco, Vegan Mob, Caña Cuban, more
      3. Entertainment, liquors, bars, lounges, pubs: Grand-Lake Theatre (1926 from Vaudeville to movie palace), The Alley (Oakland’s oldest piano bar), The Cat House, Heart & Dagger Saloon, Smitty’s Lounge, Melo Melo Kava Bar, Ordinaire Wine Shop & Bar, Shakewell’s. Walden Pond Books.
      4. Morcom Rose Garden (shortcut from Piedmont Ave to Grand Ave, Lake Merritt). Maxfield Parrish views from the Embarcadero, Library, Bird Sanctuary  (friendly geese!), Children’s Fairyland, Bonsai Garden, 3-mile walk around the Lake.
   7. Less than 4 miles to charming Montclair Village (via Broadway Terrace or 24/13) for shopping, dining and more.
      1. Get caffeinated – Thornhill Coffee House, Highwire Coffee Roasters, Yellow Door, Paddington Café, Starbucks, Peets.
      2. Breakfast at the Egg Shop http://www.montclaireggshop.com/ in the heart of the Village. Locals love the brunch; more than 800 Yelp reviewers can't be wrong!
      3. Enjoy neighborhood favorite dining: Daughter Thai Kitchen https://daughterthai.com/, loved for artful ambiance, bold flavors and creative cocktails. Many other restaurants and cafés in the Village: Kakui & TGI Oni Sushi, El Agavero Tequila Bar, Crogan’s, Mountain Mike’s Pizza (great sports-style pepperoni), Himalayan Curry House, more.
      4. Hot date? Perle Wine Bar & Bistro https://www.perlewinebar.com/; per Wine Spectator one of "12 Fabulous French Wine Restaurants in the U.S." Or pick up food at Farmstead Cheeses & Wines for picnicking!
      5. Stock the fridge with basics from Safeway, Lucky’s, or Trader Joe's. Banking, boutiques, retailers, offices, gas & more in the Village or off Mountain & Park Blvd.
      6. Score tasty treats at Le Bonbon chocolaterie, Colonial Donuts (open 6am), Tutti Frutti fro-yo, or Yogofina in Montclair Village.
      7. For super fresh seasonal produce, stop by the Sunday Montclair Farmer's Market! https://uvfm.org/montclair-village-sundays
   8. 5 miles south to storybook (Bavarian Mediterranean) Glenview on Park Blvd.
      1. Outstanding spirits & wine at Savemore Market (plus deli & groceries). Breakfast & coffee at Blackberry Bistro, Diggery Inn, Ultimate Grounds. Lunch at Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar, Paulista Brazilian Taproom or Park Burger. Dinner at Marzano Restaurant or Sushi Park.
      2. A hidden gem! From Park over the historic Leimert Bridge for convenience shopping, dining and takeout. Beloved Rocky’s Market & Two Local Girl’s Café, Roli Roti Rotisserie truck, Red Boy Pizza, 3 Seasons Thai Bistro.
3. Outdoor recreation. Get out and enjoy Oakland’s sunny East Bay weather in local parks, via pedestrian stairs, walkways, greenbelts. Above Hwy 13 vast acres of Oakland Hills greenspace beckon you to hike, bike, horseback ride over miles of trails.
   1. Explore hidden pedestrian ways & secret stairs offering scenic shortcuts from Claremont, Rockridge & Temescal to Telegraph, Broadway, Piedmont Avenue, Grand Lake & beyond to Trestle Glen, Crocker Highlands, Glenview, Piedmont & Montclair Village.
   2. Local parks & recreation:
      1. Less than ½ mile to Rockridge Temescal Greenbelt (along Temescal Creek), Colby Park (playground, trees, grass), Bushrod Park (sports fields), Chabot Tennis Courts.
      2. Less than 2 miles to Claremont Country Club (private golf course), St Mary’s Ostrander Park (along Broadway Terrace), Blair Park (on Mandana).
      3. Above Broadway to St Mary Cemetery (grassy walks among historic mausoleums & graves), Claremont Country Club, via Broadway Terrace & Ostrander Park to the Lake Temescal Regional Recreation Area (swimming, picnicking & more). Or via Mandana through Blair Park to the Railroad Trail in Montclair Village.
      4. Further out: Mosswood Park, Temescal Pool (N. Oakland Rec Center), Little Frog Park, Glen Echo Creek (shady WPA oasis under the freeway!), Oak Glen, Linda Dog Park, Morcom Rose Garden, Dracena Quarry, Piedmont, Mandana Plaza.
   3. Lake Merritt is only 2 miles away via paths & stairs, bike, AC Transit buses.
      1. Take the popular 3-mile walk around the Lake, stroll through the Bird Sanctuary, visit the Bonsai Garden, take the kids to Children’s Fairyland, dine at the Lake Chalet restaurant, hire a gondola!
      2. Beyond Lake Merritt, visit Downtown Oakland (Chinatown, Jack London Square) or head west to McLaughlin Eastshore State Park by the Bay.
   4. Explore thousands of acres of scenic parks in the Oakland Hills. Horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, picnicking and more! Access from dozens of trailheads short drives or bus rides from home, mostly above Hwy 13:
      1. Via Clarewood to Broadway Terrace or up 13 to Temescal Regional Preserve.
      2. Go east via Upper & Lower Pinehurst trailheads along San Leandro Creek to Huckleberry Botanic Preserve (curated nature trail--what the Hills looked like just after the Ice Age, before the redwoods), Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve (extinct volcano, stunning views, stone labyrinth).
      3. Further north (above 24) to Siesta Valley Recreation Area, Claremont Canyon, UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, Lawrence Livermore Lab (science museum, stunning views), Tilden Nature Area, Briones Regional Park.
      4. Gorgeous hikes along Sausal Creek in Dimond Canyon to Dimond Park; Start at the tennis court Above MacArthur, walk through sports fields, past pool & playground to the El Centro Trailhead & up the canyon.
         1. The Montclair Golf Club https://montclairgc.com/ at the confluence of Shepherd & Palo Seco Creeks (once a reservoir). Driving Range down Dimond Canyon, 9-hole short game course, pro shop, café.
         2. Secret trailhead off Mountain Blvd in Joaquin Miller Court (parking, no bikes) to breathtaking hike along Palo Seco Creek ravine up to JM Park (redwoods, creeks, views, history), further up to Reinhardt Redwood, Chabot Space & Science Center.
      5. Montclair Railroad Trail (paved, flat trail, wheelchair and mobility scooter usable http://www.montclairrrtrail.org/) between Montclair Village & Shepherd Canyon Park: 34 acres of sports fields, climbing structure, winding hillside trails with sunset views. https://www.oaklandparks.org/shepherd-canyon-park/
      6. 4-mile drive to the Art Deco LDS (Mormon) Temple (ample parking) for awesome 360° views over San Francisco Bay & East Bay Hills from the parking lot & beautiful public roof gardens.
      7. Further south: Leona Heights (sublime rocky glen) & Canyon (panoramic ridge views), Oakland Zoo in Knowland Park (10 miles via 13/580), Anthony Chabot Regional Park (Lake Chabot recreation), thousands more acres of greenspace & reservoirs.