Unique Oakland tree house once by jazz legend Dave Brubeck hits market for $3M

David Brubeck’s house won’t “Take Five” but it will take three … million dollars to own

The distinctive tree house nestled in Oakland’s Montclair neighborhood once owned by the jazz icon has recently been listed for $3 million, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Emma Morris of Red Oak Realty has the listing for 6630 Heartwood Drive.

Constructed in 1954 by architect Beverley D. Thorne, the property’s midcentury design incorporates innovative engineering, including suspended cantilevered bedrooms that seemingly float 16 feet above the hillside, offering views of the Bay Area. 

The property has 2,650 square feet of living space, featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two fireplaces, and a breakfast bar. 

Over the years, the house has had various names such as the Heartwood House, Brubeck West, and the Tree House.

The house holds a significant place in Brubeck’s history, having served as the backdrop for the creation of some of his most iconic compositions, including “Take Five” and “Blue Rondo a La Turk.” The legendary musician held great admiration for Thorne’s meticulous craftsmanship, evident in the seamless integration of the house with its natural surroundings.

With panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Heartwood House remains a symbol of Brubeck’s creative spirit and the architectural prowess of Thorne. 

The property’s listing marks the first time it has been on the market since its acquisition by the current owners, Christianne and Michael Cheney, nearly 50 years ago.

Oakland has its share of listings of the rich and famous.

Over the summer, former NBA player and current L.A. Clippers assistant coach Brian Shaw listed his Oakland Hills home for $7.9 million. If the home sells near that price, it will be the most expensive single-family deal in the East Bay market since a $20 million sale on the Oakland-Berkeley border in 2016, according to listing agent Peter Monroe of Coldwell Banker Realty. 

Shaw and his wife Nikki had the home custom built on a 3-acre parcel they bought in 2001. It was completed in 2003, just as he was transitioning from a 14-year NBA career — winning three championships with the L.A. Lakers — to coaching. He was an assistant coach for the Lakers and went on to become the head coach of the Denver Nuggets before returning to the Lakers and ultimately the Clippers, where he has been the assistant coach since 2021.

— Jerry Sullivan and Ted Glanzer