5941 Ocean View drive

Every home has a story, and this Rockridge beauty has stories and art and local lore running deeply through its bones. Built in 1924, this sparkling bungalow originally spanned just under 2,200 square feet on a generous 6,384 square foot lot. In 1966, the home was purchased by Mel and Leta Ramos. Mel, known by then as main protagonist of the American Pop Art movement, had moved his family from Sacramento to begin a long career teaching art at Cal State Hayward. 

As Mel’s stature as an artist at the vanguard of pop art grew, so did the home on Ocean View Avenue. In 1984, a nearly 1000 square foot studio was built as an extension at the rear of the property. With a ceiling soaring 20’ high, the space includes a wide-open workshop tailored to the artists’ needs, an office mezzanine, massive amounts of storage, and a full bathroom. By today’s standards, the space could be perfect independent living quarters for family or guests. 

On the home’s main level, gleaming hardwood and unaltered 1920’s details span the charming public rooms and three bedrooms. Built-ins, hardware, ornamentation all embody the design vocabulary of the era. Light abounds and bounces in a fit of creativity.  A wonderfully eclectic kitchen showcases colorful Spanish tiles, with a pantry and access to the back deck. The full bathroom resonates with a bohemian flair, showing off a remarkable custom stained-glass door. From the attic bedroom, a stunning view of San Francisco, streaming light, and expansive storage make it a uniquely inviting hideaway.

The upper and lower levels of the home are also connected exteriorly by two generous decks, which eventually lead down to a magical landscaped garden. A detached garage offers respite from street parking.

Just blocks from College Avenue, Rockridge shops, BART and countless amenities.

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