1218 E 21st St, Oakland, California 94606, Oakland, - bed, bath

home-pic
ACTIVE$2,495,000
1218 E 21st St, Oakland, California 94606
20Beds
9Baths
8,041Sqft
12,500Lot
Year Built
1895
Close
-
List price
$2.5M
Original List price
$2.5M
Price/Sqft
-
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
41108694
Home ConditionFair
Features
Good View:
View-

About this home

Pleased to present The Ellen Kenna House, located on 1218 East 21st Street, just blocks from Lake Merritt. Currently fully occupied, rented individually by the room. This large Victorian-era mansion is named after its original owner, Ellen Kenna. The Ellen Kenna House was designated an Oakland Landmark in 1992. Designed by architect Augustus Laver and built-in 1888, it consists of twenty bedrooms plus exquisitely detailed common areas, nine full bathrooms, two laundry hookups, and off-street parking, including a separate two-car enclosed garage. Completed seismic work increases the desirability of an owner wishing to make further improvements, such as developing the 3,000 sq. ft. basement or building out a second kitchen with hookups upstairs. This grand property supports many uses, from co-living to owner occupancy with plenty of project and entertainment space, as well as the potential for renting to offset the owner’s costs. The generous interior spaces have even been rented out repeatedly for high-end marketing shoots. This is truly a rare prideof-ownership asset.

Nearby schools

3/10
Franklin Elementary School
Public,K-50.4mi
4/10
Bella Vista Elementary School
Public,K-50.4mi
3/10
Garfield Elementary School
Public,K-50.6mi
7/10
Cleveland Elementary School
Public,K-50.7mi
3/10
Manzanita Seed
Public,K-51.0mi
3/10
International Community School
Public,K-51.2mi
5/10
Think College Now School
Public,K-51.2mi
9/10
Crocker Highlands Elementary School
Public,K-51.4mi
5/10
Glenview Elementary School
Public,K-51.4mi
8/10
Lincoln Elementary School
Public,K-51.5mi
6/10
Henry Haight Elementary School
Public,K-51.9mi
2/10
Piedmont Avenue Elementary School
Public,K-52.4mi
4/10
Roosevelt Middle School
Public,6-80.4mi
6/10
Edna Brewer Middle School
Public,6-80.9mi
3/10
La Escuelita Elementary School
Public,K-80.9mi
4/10
Urban Promise Academy
Public,6-81.2mi
3/10
United For Success Academy
Public,6-81.5mi
2/10
Westlake Middle School
Public,6-81.7mi
2/10
Bret Harte Middle School
Public,6-91.9mi
5/10
Will C. Wood Middle School
Public,6-82.5mi
4/10
Oakland High School
Public,9-120.7mi
2/10
Fremont High
Public,9-122.2mi
7/10
Oakland Technical High School
Public,9-122.6mi
2/10
Oakland International High School
Public,9-122.9mi
7/10
Encinal Junior/Senior High
Public,6-123.0mi
4/10
Skyline High School
Public,9-124.2mi

Price History

Date
Event
Price
08/19/25
Listing
$2,495,000
Neighborhood Comparison

 SubjectAverage HomeNeighbourhood Ranking (26 Listings)
Beds203
96%
Baths92
96%
Square foot8,0411,531
96%
Lot Size12,5004,500
93%
Price$2.5M$715K
96%
Price per square foot$310$479
19%
Built year18951919
11%
HOA
Days on market78202
15%
Condition Rating
Fair

This historic Victorian mansion, built in 1895, has undergone seismic work, which is a significant structural improvement. However, the visible kitchen (a basic kitchenette in the attic with older appliances and a dated leopard print carpet) and bathroom (functional but with dated shower doors and basic fixtures) indicate that these key areas require substantial updates to meet modern standards. While common areas retain their original charm with hardwood floors and ornate details, the property description itself suggests 'further improvements' and 'building out a second kitchen,' reinforcing that it is not fully renovated or move-in ready with contemporary amenities. It is aged but maintained, with functional components showing signs of being outdated.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Historic Landmark Status & Architecture: Designated an Oakland Landmark, 'The Ellen Kenna House,' designed by Augustus Laver, offering unique Victorian-era charm and significant historical value.
Significant Income-Generating Potential: Currently fully occupied with individual room rentals, ideal for co-living, owner-occupancy with income offset, and proven revenue from high-end marketing shoots.
Extensive Size & Expansion Opportunities: Boasts 20 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 8,041 sqft of living space, a 12,500 sqft lot, and a 3,000 sqft developable basement with second kitchen hookups.
Completed Seismic Upgrades: Major structural work already completed, providing enhanced safety, structural integrity, and reducing significant future capital expenditure for a new owner.
Desirable Lake Merritt Proximity: Located just blocks from Lake Merritt, offering a highly sought-after Oakland address with convenient access to recreational amenities and urban attractions.

Cons

High Operational & Maintenance Demands: A large, historic 1895 Victorian mansion of this scale (8,041 sqft, 20 beds, 9 baths) will likely incur substantial ongoing maintenance, utility, and insurance costs.
Potential Zoning/Permitting Discrepancies: Listed as a 'Single Family Residence' but operating as a multi-room rental/co-living space, which may present zoning or permitting challenges for its current use or future development plans.
Variable Local School Performance: Several nearby public schools exhibit lower performance ratings, which could be a consideration for prospective buyers prioritizing access to top-tier public education.

Best solution for experienced home buyers!

Data-driven home buying experience with our licensed real estate agents and cutting-edge AI

Browse Properties by State Browse market stats by State