This is a hard one to rate - on its face this is a very expensive ticket for what it is a nice Eastlake style house - not a mansion, and while solidly upper middle class if a bit better, not grand. A gift from two sets of wealthy parents, yes, but it was intended as a starter house for the young couple - presumably they would have made more money later on and moved into the family mansion or built something larger. You have to applaud the family for preserving this (treasure trove of research objects; I would imagine academics love it) and the comprehensive tour was given by a granddaughter of (oh gosh I've forgotten) so the family connection and personal memories come through very clearly - with enthusiasm. The back of the house is sectioned off for the live in craftsman/steward (seems to do wonders for the place), so perhaps 20% is off view. There is more than a little deferred maintenance but (mostly) not on the inside. You will get your full two hour tour, and maybe then some - I would say this isn't for those with casual interest. I missed the fact that apparently there is some limited parking out back, opted for the street and received a inexplicable $75 ticket (no signs anywhere warning of this). I don't factor in to the rating but be warned!

Cohen Bray House gives us lesson on family and community. Alfred Cohen worked with the railroads during the 20th century. He had about 4 kids 3 girls 1 boy. I was led on a tour by the son's granddaughter N. It was an interesting VIctorian home in Oakland. The time of settlement and the new days are different. The Victorian home had the life o family that settled from England. They married and had a family in Oakland. The life was rich and life was about family and community. Today, the family's descendants believe in creating community out of good virtues. They hold events like teas, dinner, and group volunteer events. You can see all the family collections they kept and you can work on it too. They have so many rooms. The backyard and etc. The rooms will seem much more than it appears on the outside. It's a haunted home with some spirits but they are good spirits. This is a remember of life during the 20th century. It became on the historic register by 1980s. Emmelita was the last family member in the home. She was unwed and stayed in the home living her whole adult life in it. You will remember Emmelita. This family was part of the community. By 1980s, Fruitvale Oakland had changed drastically. The socioeconomic makeup changed and the lifestyles changed. This old family home serves to remind you what life was and the changes in society. This home is found in California--historic homes in California big city areas with suburbs since 1900s. It's really neat and the family volunteers and spends time with the network.

Come see this beauty, you will not be disapointed. Check out their new web page where you can find out more. Tours are given by family members and knowledgable friends and volunteers. Amazing collections found in this home where nobody ever moved out! Great for dress up photo shoots. Teas with your friends and your Mom. For local Oakland history especially great for school field trips. A must see for historic buffs and all.

This home was built in 1883 as a bridal present from the couple's parents and at least one member of the family has continued to live there until present day. The furnishing, rugs, etc are mostly intact, giving a rare peek into the life of that time. Interesting monthly tours are conducted by descendants who relish sharing the history of the home and the community. Occasionally there is a special event; the teas are lovely and the ghost hunts are thrilling. I've visited historic homes all over the US and this one has become my favorite.