As an architecture buff, with a love for historic architecture, a stay in the historic Cleveland Heights neighborhood of Oakland CA was indeed a pleasure. Truthfully, when I booked the vacation rental I really had no idea that such a charming area would be our home for a week while visiting family, and while I did grow up in Berkeley, CA and am very familiar with the wide range of architectural styles used to build homes over past 100 plus years, I had never stayed in a neighborhood consisting of stucco clad homes only. So of course, I set out with camera in hand to document some of what I saw to share with you! After looking at all my photos, I realized that there a number of architectural styles represented, and I'm guessing that they are: Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, Storybook, and Craftsman, though loosely in some cases.
And just by the way, the varied architecture was just one of the treats we enjoyed, the front yard gardens were spectacular and I have already shared photos of quite a few of them, so check out my Oakland category here.
Above: A lovely example of a large Spanish Colonial -style home built around 1925-1930 I'm guessing......those palm trees surely complete the idyllic setting.
Spanish Colonial-style homes are a classic architectural style found throughout Florida, California, and Southwestern states, like Arizona and New Mexico. Although Spanish Colonial homes have an even longer history in Spain and Mexico, they first appeared in North America between the 1600s and mid-1800s, when Spanish settlers arrived and began building their homesteads.
Because Spanish settlers arriving in North America chose locations with climates similar to Spain—like Florida, California, and Southwestern states, as previously mentioned—they were able to execute their style of traditional home building with the resources available, like adobe (made of clay and straw) with a stucco finish for interior and exterior walls, and clay for roof tiles. In fact, a key element to the Spanish Colonial style is the fact that the home lends itself to the surrounding environment. Of course the home I've shared here is a product of all of this, and quite lovely indeed!
Above: An example of what appears to be a Mediterranean style home, and yes there is a fountain and lovely tiles behind the hedge, I heard the occupants entertaining friends there.
Known for their red tile roofs, stucco exteriors, and ornate archways, Mediterranean-style homes are one of the most popular architectural types in the United States. Mediterranean architecture initially drew inspiration from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and other countries around the Mediterranean Sea. Over time, influences from France, Greece, and Morocco, as well as other countries, joined into the mix.
Despite differences in influences and styles, all Mediterranean-style homes are meant to be a relaxing retreat that connects the homeowner with nature. They generally feature large windows and doors that access patios, terraces, or balconies.
Above: An example of what appears to be Storybook style architecture, in this case referencing a castle among other things.
Storybook architecture or fairytale architecture is a style popularized in the 1920s in England and the United States. Houses built in this style may be referred to as storybook houses.
While there is no specific definition of what makes a house storybook style, the main factor may be a sense of playfulness and whimsy. Most seemed snapped out of a craggy old-world village with intentionally uneven roofs, many cobblestone, doors and windows which may look mismatched and odd-shaped. The steep roofs of such buildings often have uneven shingles designed to evoke straw thatch, with multiple gables, turrets and dovecotes.[1]
The style took a foothold in California, particularly in Los Angeles, during the 1920s and 1930s. A primary example can be found in the 1927 Montclair, Oakland, firehouse, and in a more traditional English cottage-style in the 1930 Montclair branch library. Idora Park in north Oakland, California, is a four-square-block storybook architecture development begun in 1927 on the grounds of the old amusement park.
Above: I really don't know what style this house is, but I do like it! And the sea grasses are quite lovely!
Above: Nice drought resistant front yard plantings
Above: This appears to me to be a stucco version of an American Craftsman-style home, or maybe Bungalow style, generally built in wood, I could be wrong......though the geometric shapes are characteristic of this style.
The American Craftsman-style home came about in the early 20th century during the Arts and Crafts movement. These homes put a particular focus on materials and motifs that are inspired by nature. You’ll commonly find naturally toned woodwork, geometric stained glass, and several built-ins. The color palette of a Craftsman-style home tends to look and feel earthy and includes shades such as forest green, rusty orange, and natural browns. Some of the common variations of the Craftsman style include mission, bungalow, and Stickley. Craftsman homes are found across the country. Above: A pink house that appears to be rather discreet about its style, anyone know? Arched entry, and large window are Mediterranean style, though the roof is more bungalow style, so your guess is as good as mine.
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of Cleveland Heights, Oakland, concentrating on the area around Haddon Hill!
