479 42nd St

Oakland

3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2,366 Sq Ft

Offered at $1,375,000

There is something particularly compelling about a historic home that doesn’t simply preserve the past, but gives it a completely new life. Originally constructed as a church in 1911, this extraordinary three-level residence has been comprehensively reconstructed from the inside out, thoughtfully balancing original character with the comforts and precision of contemporary design.

At the heart of the home is its history. Douglas fir framing, roof rafters, and other structural lumber from the original church were carefully reclaimed rather than discarded. The wood was resawn into finish-grade material and reincorporated throughout the residence as custom wainscoting, baseboards, window and door trim, and other Craftsman-inspired details. Original tongue-and-groove Douglas fir flooring was likewise removed, preserved, refinished, and reinstalled, retaining the markings, variation, and century-old patina that make the material feel distinctly of its time.

The main level is conceived as one expansive living environment, with kitchen, dining, and living spaces flowing together beneath dramatic 14- to 16-foot ceilings. A fireplace anchors the living room, while the kitchen serves as the social center of the floor, finished with custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, a generous island with eating bar, and a range framed by a bespoke Zellige-tile alcove. A pot filler and new stainless-steel appliances bring considered functionality to the space without compromising its architectural character.

A 1911 Original, Recast for Modern Living

Also on this level, a private office offers a dedicated space for work, while a powder room, in-home laundry, and direct interior access to the private one-car garage make everyday living remarkably seamless.

Upstairs, two bedrooms each enjoy their own ensuite bathroom, creating a comfortable separation between private spaces and the home’s more social main level. Between the second and third floors, a landing opens onto an exterior balcony deck—a tucked-away outdoor moment that offers neighborhood views and a natural place to pause.

The entire third floor is reserved for the primary suite, creating a private retreat at the top of the home. A generous sitting area provides room to read, lounge, or simply unwind before entering the luxurious ensuite bath. Here, a freestanding soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, double vanity, and heated tile floors create a distinctly elevated sense of comfort.

And beneath all of this is a entirely new modern infrastructure. The residence has been rebuilt from the studs with new plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning, seismic reinforcement, new shear walls, fire sprinklers, roof, gutters, insulation, and dual-pane low-E windows. Additional soundproofing between residences further enhances the sense of privacy and comfort.

Just beyond the front door, the energy of Temescal is close at hand. The home is steps from the neighborhood’s lively mix of restaurants, cafés, shops, and everyday conveniences, while nearby McArthur BART makes commuting throughout the Bay Area remarkably easy. With quick access to major freeways, San Francisco is also within easy reach—offering the rare combination of an intimate residential setting and effortless connection to the city.

The result is a home that feels both deeply rooted and entirely of the moment—where original materials and Craftsman details meet thoughtful contemporary design, and where the architecture creates an experience that unfolds naturally across three levels. With exceptional attention to craftsmanship, modern infrastructure throughout, and one of Oakland’s most vibrant neighborhoods just outside the door, this is a residence that honors where it came from while looking confidently toward what comes next.

Step Inside

Experience the Home Beyond the First Impression

Take an immersive 3D tour to discover the flow, craftsmanship, and details that make this property truly unique.

Key Property Features

- 2,366 Square Feet
- Three-Level Townhouse Residence
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 ½ Bathrooms
- Private Office
- Private Entrance
- 14' to 16' Ceiling Heights in Main Living Areas
- Electric Fireplace with tiled mantle
- Large Rooftop Terrace
- Large Front Porch with Neighborhood Views
- Historic building gutted to the studs and comprehensively rebuilt from the inside out
- All-New Plumbing
- All-New Electrical
- All-New Heating & Air Conditioning
- All-New Earthquake/Seismic Retrofitting
- Seismic work includes new interior and exterior shear walls
- New Fire Sprinkler System
- New Roof
- New Gutters & Downspouts
- New Dual-Pane Low-E Energy-Efficient Windows
- New Insulation
- Additional Soundproofing Between Residences
- Part of a 2 home HOA
- Brand-New Stainless Steel Samsung Appliances
- Gas Range
- Pot Filler Over Range
- Range Set Within a Custom Alcove with Zellige Tile
- Custom Kitchen Cabinetry
- Large Kitchen Island with Eating Bar
- Quartz Countertops
- 3 full bathrooms, 1 half bath
- Main level powder room: designer wallpaper with wainscotting below and modern sink
- Primary suite: Primary ensuite with a freestanding soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, double vanity, and heated tile bathroom floor with individual thermostat control
- Ensuite bath 1: Brass dual sink vanity, large walk-in shower with bench
- Ensuite bath 2: Brass console sink, shower-over-bath with glass shower door, and built-in storage drawers
- New plumbing fixtures throughout
- All Full Bathrooms Feature Heated Tile Floors with Individual Thermostat Controls
- New Sewer
- New Water Service
- New 200-Amp Electrical Panel with Underground Electrical Service
- New Gas Line and Meters
- Dedicated Utility Meters
- Repaired and Upgraded Sidewalks and Curb Cuts
- Ring Doorbell Security System
- Multiple Exterior Security Cameras
- EV Charger in Private Garage
- New Underground Electrical Service
- New 200-Amp Electrical Panel
- Original 1911 Douglas fir framing, roof rafters, and other structural lumber from the church were carefully reclaimed during construction rather than discarded.
- The original Douglas fir was resawn into finish-grade trim lumber, planed, sanded, stained, and sealed before being reinstalled throughout the residence.
- Reclaimed Douglas fir was used to create custom wainscoting, baseboards, and window and door trim in the traditional Craftsman style.
- The result preserves original material from the 1911 building while incorporating it into the completely reconstructed residence.
- Original Douglas Fir tongue-and-groove flooring was carefully removed from throughout the historic building and preserved during construction.
- The original flooring was reconfigured and reinstalled throughout the residence.
- The wood was planed, sanded, stained, and sealed before being reinstalled.
- The flooring was intentionally restored in a way that preserves its original character, natural variation, markings, and century-old patina, rather than making the historic material appear completely new.
- Gated Private Front Garden filled with roses
- Private One-Car Garage with direct interior access
- Tesla EV car charger
- In-Home Laundry - washer and dryer included
- Outdoor Lighting
- Professionally landscaped grounds
- Irrigation System - including street trees