Growing up, I heard stories about Montclair having summer homes that belonged to the rich people of San Francisco and a few cabins that belonged to hunters. This is what I found.
In 1922, few people outside the hikers of the Contra Costa Hills Club knew much about Pinehaven and its beautiful canyon. Pinehaven has all the characteristics of the most picturesque parts of Marin County. Roads have now been opened up. The property was initially laid out as Upper Piedmont, but the owners changed the plans and decided to put it on the market for those who want summer home cabins close to downtown and transportation.
Pinehaven is located in Montclair.
Lawrence Block of the Villa Site Sales Company was in charge of the sale of the property, and Block said:
“Pinehaven is a summer home colony with its pretty cottages and cabin homes nestling in the side-hills, overlooking canyons and within twenty minutes from City Hall. You awaken in the morning to the song of the birds refreshed and full of vigor and imagine you have traveled a hundred miles to the wilds of some distant state.“
This was Villa Site Sales Company’s first big sale, offering it at mortgage prices. The sale price was as low as $175.00. More than 50 cabins and cottages were being planned. Pinehaven went on sale on April 9, 1922.
Lots of Building
Building Bungalows in Foothill Canyons
Cabin Sites of 1/4 acre each sold for $85 to $385 each with payments of $2.00 a month.
John’s Family
Pitch a TeePee
Pinehaven Colony
“In a rustic setting of ferns and pines and little streams among rolling hills is located Pinehaven” Oakland Tribune
Log Cabins
6466 Pinehaven Road was advertised as a “Log Cabin” in 1946, 1956, and 1980. There is no picture avaiable online for this home. I will have to venture into the world and check it out myself.
I believe this is one of the Log Cabins. It is advertised as being built in 1890, but I doubt it. It is located at 7135 Pinehaven Rd, close to Broadway Terrace.
Another possibility might be this log cabin on Heather Ridge Way. Built in 1922, it is in the correct time frame.
“The log cabin harmonizes seamlessly with the natural surroundings, inviting you to step into a world where old-world charm meets modern comfort. The rustic, cozy living/dining room has preserved the cabin’s historic appeal.” Redfin.com
More Info:
- Pinehaven Goes On Sale – Oakland Tribune April 8, 1922
- Summer Homes in City Limits – Oakland Tribune April 9, 1922
- Pinehaven Looms As Summer Colony – The Oakland Post Enquirer April 29, 1922
The End
I did a blog on this before, but it was messed up when transferring my site.
August 15, 2024 at 8:16 am
Dorothy,
There’s another one of these still standing at 3551 Joaquin Miller Rd. If you went to Skyline via Joaquin Miller Rd it was right on the right side just about Sanborn or the entrance to Joaquin Miller Park. It’s still standing today and undergoing a major renovation.