SFGate: Serenity, Japanese-Style, in the East Bay
Lord knows we could all use some Zen time these days. Some quiet, contemplative moments immersed in nature attempting to put aside our personal anxieties and nationwide turmoils for a while. A peaceful Japanese garden might be just the ticket and, coincidentally, there are two on offer right now -- with homes attached -- in the East Bay.
You'd have more than five acres of wooded, Japanese-inspired gardens at 5670 Castle Dr. in the Oakland hills. The estate borders Joaquin Miller Park and includes a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom mid-century modern home, a 2-bedroom guest house, a swimming pool with pool house and sauna cabin, and an underground bunker (with a phenomenal stone door) that is used as a wine cellar. There are Bay views too. The whole package was listed in June last year, priced $2,750,000.
Over in Piedmont, 412 Blair Ave. is described as a veritable "Shangri La" with bonsai gardens tended by bonsai guru Mas Imazumi, several giant redwoods and an authentic Japanese tea house. The 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom contemporary home on the site includes a library and a secluded master suite with French doors into the garden. In total, the property is on 0.26 acres. Listed just 11 days ago, the price is $1,695,000.