Storybook home on festive Picardy Drive asks $699,000

Once known as Normandy Gardens, the storybook homes dotting Picadry Drive have a special place in the hearts of Oaklanders and architecture geeks alike. Conceived by architect R.C. Hillen, the 70 homes that grace the small stretch were labeled “modest mansions” due to their exceedingly charming English, French, and Normandy architecture.

Today the area is best known as the place to check out bombastic Christmas-themed lights and decor during the holiday season.

And with that, check out this holly, jolly specimen that landed on the market this week—a three bedroom, one bathroom, 1,507-square-foot home at 5722 Picardy. Kept by the same owner for four decades, this precious Tudor abode features an arched entryway, mahogany flooring, built-ins, vaulted ceiling, French doors, and Art Nouveau cast-iron lighting fixtures.

It also comes with a detached garage that, via renovation, could transform into an artist’s studio.

Asking is $699,000. And don’t fret if you’re more Scrooge than St. Nick; not every neighbor is required to participate in the holiday tradition. “About 12 of the 70 houses on Picardy Drive do not have lights,” notes a 2017 San Francisco Chronicle article.

• 5722 Picardy [Pacific Union International]
• Neighbors make light of the holidays in Picardy Drive tradition [SF Chronicle]