696 10th St

This impeccable Victorian, built between 1887 and 1888 and known as the Cook House after the people for whom it was designed by Charles Mau, a prominent Oakland architect, anchors Oakland’s historic Grove Street-Lafayette Square District. The five-bedroom, three (remodeled) bathroom home is embraced by a period-perfect rose garden flourishing in the sunny spaces behind an early wrought iron fence. Elegant pedimented entry opens to a grand staircase leading to the second floor. Double parlor with original sliding doors, double-sided fireplace with original mantels serves both second parlor and formal dining room. Remodeled kitchen with gas range, island. Pass-through from kitchen to dining room in original condition. Rear utility porch off kitchen holds laundry and toilet. Newer windows, modeled on the original, provide superb sound and temperature insulation. Mature fig, lemon and persimmon trees bear prolifically at the rear of the home. Accessible attic and basement, parking behind remote-controlled gates. (696 10th Street, while built as a single family home, could also accommodate a small intentional community.) Authoritative architectural notes are filed with the City of Oakland’s Historic Register. The Cook House is designated as a building of “major importance."