518 Florence Ave Oakland, CA 94618

As you approach 518 Florence Avenue, it is hard to believe this impressive home was originally built in the mid-1920s as a one bedroom cottage. You might have an easier time, as you survey the expansive lot, visualizing it as farmland complete with horses and chickens. The home was expanded in 1930 to add two bedrooms but that is far from where this home's story & renovations end. The Harriss family poured their love & labor into this home for over 45 years. They didn't just "add space" but rather over 30+/- years designed & personally crafted by hand all the wonderful practical, quirky & whimsical details within the home & property.  The stained glass windows were made by Peter Harriss in the basement.  While many will see the basement as ideal storage & bonus space, others will appreciate the full workshop it was designed to be & may even be able to detect that was where most of the addition was built.  Ready for the next caretakers to "add" their own stamp to this special home.