Italian Garden Flat with Grand Piano
- Minimum stay:4-7 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Read the reviews, then book an unforgettable stay in our newly-constructed custom suite in Upper Rockridge with private entrance and soothing views of the San Francisco Bay. You’ll want to sip morning coffee on your brick terrace overlooking the multi-level Italianate gardens with fountain, paths and bougainvillea-laden trellis. Ideal for 1-2 persons (no exceptions) — one bedroom with down-covered four-poster bed, walk-in closet, and granite and natural stone bath, living room with Yamaha C3 piano, full kitchen and two sets of french doors that open to the terrace, garden, and views beyond.
The Italian Garden Flat sits in the Oakland hills on a quiet residential street, a prime location for business or vacation trip to the San Francisco Bay Area. No car? It’s only a 5 minute walk to the AC transit stop w/ direct service to San Francisco or to Rockridge BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), 10 minutes walk down the hill to a chic coffee shop and gift store, nursery, and gourmet market, or one mile further to Rockridge, the East Bay’s favorite area for trendy cafes, unique bookstores, yoga studios, chocolate shops, and international eateries for take out or sit down meals. Between the bus service and BART, public transportation will take you to all bay area locations.
Runners and walkers will love the neighborhood hills with winding streets and homes of distinct architecture. Lake Temescal with its private beach and walking trails is a few minutes down the road, a favorite walking and picnic spot for locals.
The flat is very close to Highways 24 and 13, making it a 10-minute drive to Berkeley or quick half hour or less to San Francisco. We are strategically located between Piedmont, Montclair Village, Temescal (don’t miss Sunday morning farmer’s market!) and Rockridge. Nearby universities include UC Berkeley, California College of the Arts, Mills College, Holy Names University, and many others. Maps, hiking, shopping, and other books and pamphlets are available in the flat for you to use. The Oakland hills are full of amazing hiking and biking trails maintained by our East Bay parks system, many of them no more than a 15-minute drive. Jack London Square is accessible by bus or BART and from there you might want to take the ferry across the bay to San Francisco!
There are endless choices of restaurants within a 15-minute drive, but you’ll also find the full kitchen set up with stove, oven, microwave and refrigerator. We’ve stocked some basics for you, along with coffee and tea to you started your first morning. Of course, we also provide towels, linens, WiFi, and television with satellite service.
Features:
~ San Francisco bay and garden views
~ Upgraded construction with granite, tile, and natural stone
~ Private entrance and two sets of French doors onto brick terrace
~ Full kitchen
~ On-site shared laundry
~ Easy commute to Berkeley, San Francisco, Walnut Creek and surrounding Bay Area.
Short distance to public transportation
~ There are several stairs, with railings, from street to the flat entrance
TERMS:
~ Maximum occupancy = 2
~ Minimum 7-night stay
~ Not suitable for children
~ $50 cleaning fee
~ Ask about last minute stays with a 4-night minimum at $165/night plus cleaning fee.
~ No pets and no smoking. Thank you for not asking for an exception.
A $250 fully refundable security deposit will be returned within one week or less following your departure, assuming no damage.
Deposit of 30% of rental amount to confirm booking.
Fully Refundable Security Deposit: $250
Keywords: Rockridge, Montclair, private, parking, terrace, gardens, granite, view, Oakland hills, public transportation, BART, university, cottage
Property Type
- Apartment
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Minimum Age Limit For Renters
- Not Suitable For Children
- Pets Not Allowed
- Non Smoking Only
Bedrooms
- 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 2, Beds for 2
- Bedroom 1
- Other (See Description)
- Queen size Beds (1)
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
Amenities
- Babysitter
- Linens Provided
Entertainment
- Satellite / Cable
- VCR
- DVD Player
Communications
- Wireless Internet
Outdoor Features
- Gazebo
- Deck / Patio
- Balcony
Location & View
Activities
- Botanical Garden
- Groceries
- Hospital
- Laundromat
- Massage Therapist
- Medical Services
- Freshwater Fishing
- Ice Skating
- Pier Fishing
- Sound/Bay Fishing
- ATM/Bank
- Basketball Court
- Racquetball
- Golf
- Mountain Biking
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Tennis
- Sailing
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Fishing
- Wind-Surfing
- Cycling
- Fitness Center
- Shopping
- Churches
- Library
- Marina
- Playground
- Recreation Center
- Synagogues
- Winery Tours
- Live Theater
- Restaurants
- Boating
- Zoo
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Cinemas
- Bird Watching
- Outlet Shopping
- Scenic Drives
- Walking
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Sight Seeing
- Museums
- Hiking
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Elegance and Beauty
Elegance and Beauty
- Guest Seagul
- Date of stay 01/15/13
- Review Submitted 05/14/13
The moment I stepped into the Italian Garden Flat, my heart jumped with joy, it is like coming inside a dream world: the real world is shut off, and one is embraced by peace, beauty and grace. Here you want to enjoy and appreciate art, music, nature and improve your inner self. The flat presents a fashionable yet mindful life style which makes that possible. It has such an unique atamosphere which should be agreeable to many artists, musicians, intellectuals, or people who want to get some nice and quality time for themselves. And what a great quality of the grand piano there is, I have played it every day for 4 months and enjoyed all it's colors in gentleness, briskness and grandness. The hosts Grag and Lori are friendly, generous, always ready to help and very considerable about their guest(s). I could hardly find any complaint in such a period of stay. Every thing is clean, lots of things are new, the bed is super comfy, the shower is nice and strong, and you have a total privacy inside the flat as well as in the garden. A truly ideal place for retreat, for heart and soul.Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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Wonderful place to stay
Wonderful place to stay
- Guest Voldie
- Date of stay 11/07/12
- Review Submitted 01/18/13
We stayed in this beautifully maintained apartment Nov. 7 - 14, 2012. The apartment is tastefully furnished. The kitchen is equipped with everything you may need and more. The garden is gorgeous and the view is great. The photos of the apartment and environs are true and even better in person. We hope to stay there again this year when we are visiting family.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.
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Restful Yet Stimulating
Restful Yet Stimulating
- Guest Seagul
- Date of stay 12/11/12
- Review Submitted 12/18/12
A nice retreat in art, music, landscape, history and comfort which I have found all in this graceful home! Art---self-done stylish paintings on the wall; music---a nice grand piano singing in tones of Bach and Chopin; landscape---a romantic garden with views of hills and waters afar reminds you an 18th centry oil painting in Italy; history---books in every room telling history of different regions, particularly the local history about Oakland and Rockrige; comfort---tiled counters, artistic ceramic dishes and glasses, quality furniture, fresh and clean everywhere in this home. I am a world traveller with a class, this is as good as a five-star hotel room. I also spent vacation at two different homes in Berkeley Hills, Italian Garden Flat is far more better with a reasonable charge. The hostess is a hard-working fine artist with kindness and fairness offering the best to her guests. I will definitely come back!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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3RD Stay from East Coast
3RD Stay from East Coast
- Guest Bob & Lor
- Date of stay 10/20/12
- Review Submitted 11/11/12
We returned for our 3RD stay within 1 1/2 yrs. because it feels like our home away from when we visit family in the area. Lori & Craig are warm & friendly hosts. The flat is always clean & cozy.. The views were fantastic since the weather was great. Information is available for sights & restaurants. Lori & Craig were available to answer questions. The flat was as pictured only nicer in person. We love Montclair Village & shops on Piedmont & College Aves. Looking forward to our next stay.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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PROMISE...IT DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PROMISE...IT DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Guest joy f.
- Date of stay 10/05/12
- Review Submitted 10/13/12
First off...Lori and Craig...hats off to you both! All the reviews are spot on...This flat is absolutely beyond 5 stars from A to Z....We have stayed all around the world in vrbo, airbnb, homeaway and first class hotels....and Lori and Craigs' rental is by far the best place we have ever stayed...I can't even think of anything to add that would improve the unit at all!! So here goes..top ten reasons to stay at the Italian garden Oasis: #10: Location is perfect especially for Berkeley and oakland visitors but still extremely accesible to san francisco #9: Quiet, quiet, quiet...unless the sounds of nature are a problem for you! #8: Views out your windows and doors looking over the beautiful landscaping down to the city #7: Incredibly beautiful garden setting with fountain and wonderful bird life #6: Size of rooms was perfect for a couple....a romantic getaway (but room for small extra person works! #5: Bathroom is well appointed with lots of cabinet space, blow dryer, and bathroom supplies #4: Kitchen is well apppointed with wine glasses, shot glasses, drinking glasses, cooking utensils, pot, pans, etc....coffee and tea pots, delicious olive oil, and various other cooking ingredients as well as Pete's coffee as well as tea! #3: Great wifi and tv and beautifully decorated from top to bottom...first class all the way...Oh, and a spotless living environment! #2: Lori and Craig...hospitality galore...instant response, pefect directions and ready, willing and able to answer any questions regarding your stay at their home and the surrounding cities...flexibility (we arrived after midnight and no problem accomodating our arrival) #!: Pete's coffee along with milk, cheese and crackers, and a bottle of wine awaits....Morning coffee was fabulous!! But really, Lori and Craig...thank you so much for caring to make all that arrive at your home feel welcome and ready to enjoy their vacations! Can't wait to stay in again in the future!Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway.
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Perfect garden oasis
Perfect garden oasis
- Guest Alexandgus
- Date of stay 07/20/12
- Review Submitted 08/04/12
I love to find great places to stay when we travel and I usually don’t write reviews because if I find a great place, I hope it will be available the next time I want to visit the area. I’m making an exception this time because sometimes a place just seems too good to be true. Believe me, this place is the best of all the VRBO rentals we’ve ever experienced, and the price is amazingly low. (Don’t tell Lori and Craig!) My husband and I stayed at Lori and Craig’s the third week of July, 2012. The posted reviews of this rental are all very favorable and there isn’t a lot to add. I did notice that no one mentioned how soundproof the apartment is. When the bedroom and/or bathroom door is closed, no sounds can be from any of the other rooms. The sound insulation is so good that even a running shower cannot be heard from anywhere in the apartment. The apartment is spectacularly clean and very nicely decorated. The artwork on the walls is personal and beautiful. When we walked into the apartment for the first time, we both felt as though we’d come to a “destination” rather than a place to stay while visiting our son who lives in Oakland. The grounds are beautiful and attract lots of birds. We saw a flock of wild turkeys one afternoon, many robins, western scrub jays, hummingbirds, finches, an oak titmouse, and woodpeckers. Though only about fifteen minutes from the heart of downtown Oakland, this home feels a world away. Everything about it was perfect. Lori and Craig are into art, classical music and Shakespeare. What more do they need to recommend them?Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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A Tuscan Lover's Delight
A Tuscan Lover's Delight
- Guest Marsha and Dick
- Date of stay 05/23/12
- Review Submitted 07/05/12
If you have read the other stellar reviews of this charming property, we can only say "ditto." My husband and I found the accommodations and grounds accurately depicted on the website by owners Lori and Craig who were incredibly gracious, helpful, and knowledgeable about points of interest, etc in SF and the East Bay area. We were thrilled to find this accommodation since we have two sons who live in Oakland and are only 5-10 minutes away. Although very compact, the apartment is well designed, perfect for two and had everything we needed. The bath had lots of storage for toiletries which is something even good hotels often skimp on. The bed is a dream (although it takes up most of the bedroom!). Also, be advised that the featured baby grand does take up a big chunk of the living space, but what remains is cozy and comfortable for two. Our favorite part of this property is far and away the lovely, large terrace patio with cafe table, two chairs, and a lounge chair as well. Just below the patio is a beautiful lawn with a working stone fountain -- all in all a wonderful spot to read, write a postcard, have coffee, a glass of wine.... or just nap! When the sun is shining I could easily spend the better part of the day there (although we didn't have time!). The view is quite nice and occasionally you will hear church bells which truly are reminiscent of Italy. The neighborhood is great for walking; shopping, along with good restaurants, only minutes away in Rockridge. We feel fortunate to have experienced Lori and Craig's hospitality and thank them for opening their home to travelers looking for a unique and comfortable home away from home. Btw, this apartment is on the lower level of Lori & Craig's own home, but has a separate entrance and is very private. Would highly recommend to friends and/or family looking to stay in the East Bay with easy access to Bart and the city. We've already booked again for Labor Day weekend!Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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Fantastic experience
Fantastic experience
- Guest M
- Date of stay 06/10/12
- Review Submitted 06/26/12
I can't recommend this property highly enough. Compared to a similarly priced hotel stay, this is just embarrassingly much better. The accommodations, grounds, and owners were all stellar. Would stay here again in a second.Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with young children.
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A serene and wonderful spot.
A serene and wonderful spot.
- Guest Chris
- Date of stay 05/16/12
- Review Submitted 05/21/12
I was delighted by my decision to stay in this beautiful flat. Lori was gracious and accommodating. The pictures in the posting cannot really do justice to the patio and terraces. They are truly wonderful. I began my days with coffee on the terrrace while catching up on email using the Wi-Fi. It was an exceptional way to begin the day. My trip was made for a visit to family in the area. When they came over to the flat with me, they were so taken with the terraces that they returned for a wine and cheese gathering there one night. The flat itself is well-appointed, spotless and carefully maintained. I would highly recommend this spot for anyone staying in the area. My only regret was that I never took piano and thus could not play the baby grand that accents the living room. I have been using VRBO for sometime but this is the nicest spot I have found. Do yourself a favor and try it out.Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway.
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Return to Tuscany-like "flat"
Return to Tuscany-like "flat"
- Guest Bob & Lor
- Date of stay 12/21/11
- Review Submitted 01/05/12
We were delighted with our return visit during the Christmas holidays. lori & Craige surely made us feel @ home once again. everything was so clean & cozy. The bed is so comfy--like sleeping on a big marshmallow. It is so easy to take the BART from Rokridge into San Francisco. Since we have family in the area this is an ideal place for us. I'm sure that we will return again in 2012.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 4 night min stay |
$165 | $945 | $3220 | |||
| Thanksgiving Week Nov 17 - Nov 23 7 night min stay |
$1400 | |||||
| Christmas Break Dec 15 - Jan 4 7 night min stay |
$1575 | |||||
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Discounts: 14 nights or more $200 nightly |
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Location
- Nearest Airport: OAK at 16 Miles
- Nearest Motorway: 13 and 24 at 1 Miles
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1986
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Photos
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Restful Gardens Just Outside Your Flat
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Comfortable 4-Poster Queen Bed with Down Duvet
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Full Kitchen Complete with Stove, Fridge, Freezer, Dishware, Cooking Basics
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Living Area with Yamaha C-3 Grand Piano for Your Use!
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Sunset over San Francisco Bay
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Your Terrace Overlooking Gardens and San Francisco Bay
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Luxury Bath with Natural Stone Shower and Floor, Granite Counter
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Dining Area with Original Watercolors and Beautiful Garden View
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View from Living Room Your Brick Terrace and Morning Coffee!
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Rich colors of summer in the garden.
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Date last modified - Friday, May 24, 2013
