Presented by Alex Michas & Rick Richetta
4 BEDS | 3 BATHS
2,508 SQ.FT. LIVING AREA | 0.41 ACRES
Set quietly along the hills of Montclair, and suspended between the trees and the horizon - a home shaped as much by light, outlook, and atmosphere as by architecture itself. From morning fog drifting through the canyon to the glow of the Bay and city lights settling in at dusk, the experience here is constantly changing and unmistakably Northern California.
The home unfolds with an understated confidence; traditional in form yet quietly modern in the way it lives. Vaulted beam ceilings and expansive windows draw natural light deep into the interiors, creating spaces that feel open and connected to the landscape. The kitchen serves as the natural center, thoughtfully renovated and designed for gathering as much as cooking, flowing into the dining area and its dramatic volume overhead.
The living and dining rooms open outward toward sweeping Bay views and a generous deck where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors disappear. Large gatherings, slow dinners with friends, morning coffee above the trees, or quiet evenings wrapped in the lights of the city all feel equally at home here.
Privately positioned, the primary suite offers a slower rhythm - a peaceful retreat with a spa-like bath designed for restoration and quiet. A bedroom below is framed with views to the backyard where mature greenery, open sky, and a hot tub create a setting that feels tucked away from the pace of everyday life. Newly updated lower-level spaces introduce remarkable flexibility to the home, offering room for media, recreation, work, movement, or extended guest stays in a way that adapts naturally over time.
Separate from the main residence, a 240sf detached office or studio with Velux skylights and its own heating and cooling system creates an inspiring space for creative work, focused retreat, or daily separation from the house itself.
Just minutes from the shops, restaurants, cafés, and weekly farmers market of Montclair Village, yet surrounded by the serenity of the hills, 7008 Thornhill captures a version of California living that feels increasingly rare; connected to nature, architecturally grounded, and designed for the way life is actually lived.
From the moment we moved in, we fell in love with the amazing views of San Francisco,
Oakland, and the Bay. Sitting on the top deck, enjoying coffee and a good book, or watching the
beautiful sunsets has been a daily joy for our family. The home’s open, airy design and high
ceilings create a wonderful sense of space, letting us easily stay present and connected with
our young boys in the living room while we cook dinner. But more than anything, it’s the
incredible natural light that pours in, making the entire house feel bright, warm, and truly alive.
Finding a home in the hills with flat front and back yards was an incredible stroke of luck. Our
boys have loved having so much space to run around and play safely. We've spent countless
afternoons enjoying the yard, which feels remarkably private, quiet, and cozy thanks to the
established hedges and perfectly positioned trees. We will greatly miss our summer dinners on
the lower deck. The property also features a wonderful variety of mature fruit trees—we’ve loved
harvesting our own lemons year round and always look forward to plum season. We added the
apple and peach trees ourselves and this spring there is avocado fruit appearing for the first
time. We know we’re paying it forward and future residents will get to enjoy a cornucopia of
fruits. We have also enjoyed playing farmer and growing tomatoes, peppers and peas in the
raised flowerbeds. All the edibles in the yard are joined by a truly impressive variety of flowers.
We will miss the magnolias, lilies, poppies, birds of paradise, roses and many more.
The layout of the property was just what we were looking for. The light-filled, detached studio
became an essential space for us, serving beautifully as a home office, an art studio, and a
gym. Inside, the downstairs area provided a wonderful retreat for extended grandparent visits. It
offered them plenty of personal space, but was conveniently close enough for us to send the
grandkids down when they woke up a little too early in the morning!
Beyond the house itself, you will be joining an incredibly friendly and welcoming neighborhood
with an active group chat and an annual block party. The trick-or-treating on Halloween just over
on Oakwood Drive is not to be missed! We’ve loved being just up the hill from Montclair’s quaint
downtown, making the Sunday farmer’s market a cherished weekend tradition. The nearby
hiking trails are another wonder of the neighborhood. Some of our favorite memories are of
walking out the front door, our youngest in a hiking backpack, and hitting the Huckleberry or
Sibley trails.
We have poured so much love and energy into this house and have made wonderful memories
within these walls. Now, as we prepare for our next chapter, we are thrilled to pass this very
special home on to its next stewards. We hope 7008 Thornhill brings you much happiness,
warmth, and inspiration.
Warmly,
Karl, Brynn, and the boys
Tucked into the upper Oakland hills, Montclair feels like a true retreat, pine trees, winding roads, and a calm, mountain-town atmosphere that’s rare this close to the city. Homes are often set back among trees and gardens, creating a “mini-forest” feel, with many properties oriented to capture distant bay views and the natural drama of the hills.
Montclair is predominantly residential—quiet, tidy, and neighbourhood-focused—but it’s also an ideal fit for people who want to be outside. With quick access to East Bay parks and trail networks, the lifestyle here leans active: hiking, biking, and weekend mornings that start with fresh air instead of traffic.
