Jamie Kidson’s grand hacienda-style home in Oakland is possessed by a spirit. But it’s not what you think.
The house was built in 1935 by a woman named Grace Bush, who was inspired by the 1917 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego (she had always longed for a Mission Revival?style home, a style popularized in Southern California in the 1930s). The Oakland house she built was a labor of love: She brought in artisans, woodworkers, and ironworkers to design details throughout the interiors. In the garden, Bush’s name is spelled out in stones set in the concrete courtyard.
Jamie Kidson, co-owner of Oakland store Atomic Garden, is only the second owner of the home. When she moved in with her family, she was careful to maintain the original fixtures; everything from the dog head door handles to the celestial-themed light fixtures to the details referencing marine navigation. Kidson never met Grace Bush, but after inhabiting her home, she feels a strong connection. For a look at Kidson’s garden, see our post on Gardenista: A Simple Garden in Oakland, Chickens and Bees Included.
Photography by Mimi Giboin for Remodelista.
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Above: Kidson in the formal dining room.
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Above: “I love portraits,” says Kidson, who has been collecting large- and small-format painting for years.
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Above: A portrait above an antique telephone in the living room.
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Above: The living room features rich red velve...