685 Rosal Ave

First time on the market in 74 years! This Crocker Highlands Grand Dame, a Prairie School Craftsman designed by famed architects Newsom & Newsom—whose family lineage includes California Governor Gavin Newsom—has had just two owners since its inception in 1919. Now squarely in the fixer-upper category, 685 Rosal offers perhaps a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring this pedigreed property back to life as the dream home it's meant to be. The original Schaefer Residence features generous room proportions, with all three bedrooms on the same level, including a spacious primary suite that opens to the original enclosed sun porch. The expansive living room adjoins a family room, once used as a library, while the formal dining room and impressive foyer—originally called the Reception Hall—reflect the gracious scale of the home. Much of the original period detail remains, including white oak hardwood floors throughout, wood casement windows, crown moldings, a wide central staircase with wooden balustrades, built-ins, and an ornate fireplace with a wood surround. The basement level, with a ceiling height measured at 7.5 feet, was once the family rumpus room, complete with a pool table. This space offers exciting potential for expanded living area on the ground floor; buyers are encouraged to investigate possibilities with the Oakland Building Department. There is also a detached garage at the front of the property in need of replacement. Set on an expansive 7,200 sf, down-sloping lot in a sylvan setting, the property has been cleared and awaits your landscaping vision. Enjoy a peaceful, upscale street just seconds from Lakeshore Ave. and the amenities that make Oakland so special: the Grand Lake Farmers Market, Grand Lake Theater, an abundance of restaurants and shops, and many transportation options. What an opportunity to restore a piece of Oakland architectural history in a neighborhood of $2M–$3M homes! This property is assigned to Crocker Highlands Elementary. Buyers must independently verify; schools are not guaranteed. Open Sun., 10/25, 2-4:30, and Mon., 10/26, 10:30-1:00.

Current Status

Active - Coming Soon

Original Price

$849,000

List Price

$849,000

On Market Date

Oct 22, 2026

Property Type

Detached

D/N/S

Crocker Hghlands

Zip Code

94610

MLS ID

41151971

APN

1187138

Year Built

1919

Stories in Building

3

Possession

Close Of Escrow

Data Source

MAXEBRDI

Origin MLS System

Bridge AOR

Bed

3

Bath

1.5 (1/1)

Parking

1

Detached

SQ FT

3,144

SQ FT Source

Public Records

Lot SQ FT

7,200.0

Lot Acres

0.17 Acres

Pool Info

None

Kitchen

Dishwasher, Electric Range, Refrigerator, Tile Counters, Electric Range/Cooktop

Cooling

None

Disclosures

Nat Hazard Disclosure, Probate/Independent Adm

Entry Level

Exterior Details

Back Yard, Front Yard, Terraced Back

Flooring

Hardwood Flrs Throughout

Foundation

Fire Place

Living Room

Heating

Floor Furnace

Laundry

Hookups Only

Upper Level

3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, Primary Bedrm Suite - 1

Main Level

0.5 Bath, Main Entry

Views

Trees/Woods

Possession

Close Of Escrow

Basement

Crawl Space, Full

Architectural Style

Prairie

Non-Master Bathroom Includes

Window

Construction Status

Existing

Additional Miscellaneous Features

Back Yard, Front Yard, Terraced Back

Location

Sloped Down

Roof

Composition Shingles

Water and Sewer

Public

Fee

Unavailable

MLS and other Information regarding properties for sale as shown in Theo have been obtained from various sources such as sellers, public records, agents and other third parties. This information may relate to the condition of the property, permitted or unpermitted uses, zoning, square footage, lot size/acreage or other matters affecting value or desirability. Unless otherwise indicated in writing, neither brokers, agents nor Theo have verified, or will verify, such information. If any such information is important to buyer in determining whether to buy, the price to pay or intended use of the property, buyer is urged to conduct their own investigation with qualified professionals, satisfy themselves with respect to that information, and to rely solely on the results of that investigation.

School data provided by GreatSchools. School service boundaries are intended to be used as reference only. To verify enrollment eligibility for a property, contact the school directly.