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.

Last Updated	10/23/2026	Tract	CROCKER HGHLANDS
Year Built	1919	Garage Spaces	1.0
County	Alameda

Additional Details

AIR	None
BARN/EQUESTRIAN	Yes
BASEMENT	Yes
CONSTRUCTION	Stucco
FIREPLACE	Yes
GARAGE	Attached Garage, Yes
HEAT	Floor Furnace
LOT	7200 sq ft
LOT DESCRIPTION	Back Yard, Front Yard, Sloped Down
LOT DIMENSIONS	7200
PARKING	Attached, Garage
POOL DESCRIPTION	None
STORIES	3+
SUBDIVISION	CROCKER HGHLANDS
VIEW	Yes
VIEW DESCRIPTION	Trees/Woods

Location

 

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