'Extreme Makeover' home awaits a new cast of occupants


Palatial house at 2292 yale street

The beautiful hand-made quilt that hangs on the study wall, tells a heartwarming story. A story about a beautiful girl named Jhyrve Sears, her ‘Extreme Makeover’ home and family, friends and community that helped turn adversity into happiness!

Young Jhyrve Sears had been diagnosed with Krabbe, a genetic disorder in early 2004. After a grueling 10 ½ months stay at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina and an unrelated cord blood (stem cell) transplant, she was ready to come back home to Martinez, CA. But her family home on 2292 Yale St. did not meet the doctor’s criteria for Jhyrve’s medical condition. Her mother, Karen Sims-Sears tells us that were problems related to mold. Friends rallied around the distraught family and contacted the ABC Extreme Makeover Television show. To everyone’s delight, ABC agreed to feature the Sears Family on the show and build a brand-new home for them.

It was the start of an amazing new experience. One that knit a community together in many wonderful ways. Sharing their time and talents in generous measure. Today, three and a half years later, the Sears family are ready for another big change. With Jhyrve’s improved health, her mother Karen Sims-Sears tells us that they are moving north to be closer to family.

Gorgeous, high ceilinged interior at 2292 yale street

So, once again, the ‘Extreme Makeover’ home, (as it is popularly known) at 2292 Yale St., is on the market and back in the news. It is attracting attention for its many special features that include a sophisticated IQ Air Hyper Hepa whole house air cleaning system, Zodiac counters which are bacteria-free, triple-pane Pella designer series windows with dustless built-in window shades and UV protection, a totally sealed Heat-n-Glo allergy-free fireplace, paperless, mold-free sheetrock and cement board siding and synthetic trim.

Built by DeNova Homes, this custom, 4-bedroom home was designed by the Dahlin Group and measures approx. 2,900 square feet and is located on a 7,030 square-foot hillside lot. Karen Sims-Sears describes the home as Modern Arts & Crafts with its charming gables and copper hood above the bay window. She also informs us that the gray-green exterior is a traditional color that dates back to the Arts and Crafts period.

A wide porch provides a welcoming entry. The perfect spot to enjoy your morning cup of coffee. The solid wood front door opens into the large living room with its peaked ceiling and recessed lighting. Dramatic river-rock, a wood mantle and slate hearth showcase the highly efficient fireplace. Off the living room, double glass doors open into a sunny office/study.

The open-plan dining and kitchen lie adjacent to the living room. Giving the area a ‘great room’ ambience. Sims-Sears tells us that the wallpaper here replicates designs used in the Arts & Crafts era. Large windows overlook the lush, green outdoors. Making the dining experience very pleasant indeed!

KraftMaid cabinetry helps create a cozy, country feel in the gourmet kitchen. It comes equipped with top-of-the-line appliances like the 5-burner Tappan gas range, Frigidare double convection ovens, Kenmore Elite refrigerator/freezer, warming oven drawer, dishwasher and microwave. Prep island with sink and baker’s table and designer Kohler Apron Front sink streamline everyday kitchen tasks. Beyond the kitchen is the compact sunroom with a retractable awning.

Two master suites are located on the main level. The first has coffered ceilings with recessed lighting and a walk-in closet. The master bath is elegantly outfitted with a claw-foot tub and dual vanities with Kohler designer sinks. The shower-tower has a waterfall feature and pulsating jets that fan out for an invigorating experience.

The second bedroom suite offers front garden views. Relax on the comfy bay window seat that overlooks the rose garden. The large closet has convenient built-ins. The home’s air cleaning system has an additional sensor built into this room. The over-sized bath has handicapped-accessible features like the lower level vanity and higher level toilet as well as a hydro tub. The large shower can also accommodate a wheelchair. The lower level of the home has two secondary bedrooms with attached bathrooms. The rear bedroom was decorated courtesy SW Airlines for Jhyrve’s younger brother Lucas. Cool features like plane wing tips attached to the wall, a light/fan fixture with propeller-like blades and an authentic SW Air overhead bin and desk/chairs in the closet, would certainly appeal to any youngster with his head in the clouds! The bathroom with its shower-tub combo also has quartz counters and a forest-green color scheme.

The fourth bedroom has an extra-large storage space, ideal for toys, crafts, etc. The attached bathroom has a large shower and pedestal sink. Finally, there’s Jhyrve Sears’ favorite room: the Multi-Media Home Theatre, where she has spent many a happy movie night with her girlfriends. It’s also the place where friends and family still gather to watch the Extreme Makeover video. A Ronco projection system and surround sound help provide that authentic movie theatre atmosphere. The space also functions as a family room/games room…ideal for fun gatherings.

An arbor and stairway from Yale St. lead down to the picturesque front yard. Large umbrellas shade the serene koi pond and waterfall. Flowering shrubs, lemon and lime trees and a charming picket fence complete the storybook feel. The house on Yale Street is indeed a symbol of happy endings…and, for the next owner, a brand new beginning! 

Philippa Coelho
Vital Statistics
What: An ABC Extreme Makeover Home, measuring approx. 2,900 sq. ft. on a 7,030 square foot lot. 
Built by DeNova Homes in the modern arts & crafts style
Where: 2292 Yale St in Martinez, CA
Bedrooms: Four 
Baths: Four
Features: Custom built for the Sears family, 
the home offers state-of-the-art features like the sophisticated IQ Air Hyper Hepa whole house air cleaning system, 
Pella triple pane windows, paperless, mold-free sheetrock, etc.  
Elegantly crafted moldings, a designer color palette and volume ceilings. 
Multi-media theatre room. Laundry room with Kenmore Elite series washer/dryer. 
Over-sized two-car garage with additional 26x 5-foot indoor storage. 
Private bi-level rear flagstone patio.  York heating and air conditioning system. 
Price: $ 949,000
Agent: Rhonda Povlak, CRS, GRI, ASP
925-200-0418
povlak@silcon.com

OPEN HOUSE TODAY 1PM TO 4PM


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