Nationally, few may know of the Bay Area’s small suburb of Orinda. But, it is a town that has grown in both popularity and price point lately. A new listing displays the beauty and luxury this town close to Oakland has to offer. Sellers Amy and Andy Dornbusch are wishing to part with their custom compound after six years with plans to make their Lake Tahoe home their primary residence. Not a bad swap. Asking significantly more than what the pair purchased it for, 119 Melody Lane is on the market for $12.9 million.
Amy is a philanthropist and has been a San Francisco Magazine covergirl, while Andy is the CEO of Oakland-based digital media company EnTribe, and together the Dornbusches are a Bay Area power couple. The pair purchased this home back in 2018, and completed a $10 million renovation right before the COVID-19 lockdown, which certainly gave them more than enough time at home to enjoy all their freshly-done spaces.
According to an article from the New York Times, the original home “exuded bygone opulence, with tired expanses of off-white tile and cabinetry, beige broadloom and curly ironwork.” Out with the old and in with the new, as the almost two year renovation involved adding rustic wood features and sleek metals. Pops of color appear throughout the six-bedroom abode as well as a clever use of dark tones.
Focusing on creating a refuge for the family of five for every occasion, designers aimed to make cohesive, flexible spaces. “With all bedrooms on the lower level, the main floor represented an opportunity for seamless entertaining,” shares Ms. Dornbusch. “With proper spaces for entertaining we hosted so many events at the home including fundraisers, birthday parties, endless summer pool parties, [and] wine dinners.”
While the family is now settling further north, it’s clear they will always have a soft spot for Melody Lane after all they did to transform it. Anhthu Le of Compass holds their beautiful listing.
