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.
For nearly half a century, this has been far more than an address. It has been the place where our family grew, friendships were made, and so many of life's happiest moments unfolded.
My journey here began in 1979 when I was married in the backyard beneath the trees. Soon afterward, my six-year-old daughter and I moved into the home. I never imagined then that I would spend the next 47 years here, watching both my family and this beautiful property grow together.
At the time, the upper level was a separate rental. As our family grew, so did the house. We added a primary bedroom and bath, later expanded the kitchen and dining room, and thoughtfully made the home our own. Every change was made with family in mind.
Some of my favorite memories were created outdoors. We planted many of the hedges, flowers, and trees that now surround the property and watched them mature over the years. The backyard became the heart of our home, where birthdays were celebrated, games of catch stretched into the evening, children rolled down the hill laughing, and countless afternoons were simply spent together.
The neighborhood has always been one of Woodmont's greatest treasures. Its quiet streets, towering trees, and wonderful neighbors created a sense of peace that is increasingly hard to find. Many of those neighbors became lifelong friends.
This home has a warmth and character that visitors often commented on. Whether it was a cozy winter evening or a summer afternoon with the doors open to the patio, it always felt welcoming. I will especially miss sitting on the back patio, watching the full moon rise over the hills or the morning light filter through the trees. After all these years, those views never lost their magic.
Leaving after so many years is not easy, but it brings me great comfort knowing another family will begin their own story here. My hope is that this home brings you the same joy, laughter, and love that it brought to ours.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our home. I hope that as you walk through it, you can feel even a small part of the happiness that has filled these rooms for nearly fifty years.
With warmest wishes,
Rosemary
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.
