After ten years of ownership and nearly $1 million in thoughtful renovations, Imagine Dragons bassist Ben McKee has decided to part ways with his Bay Area retreat, listing the Oakland, California, home for $1.295 million.
According to property records reviewed by californialuxuryhouses, McKee purchased the residence in 2014 for $1.15 million, shortly after the global success of the band’s debut album, Night Visions. At the time, the musician was seeking a peaceful counterbalance to the demands of touring and recording—a goal that would ultimately shape every major decision made within the home.
A Home Designed for Longevity, Not Resale
Over the course of a decade, McKee and his wife, Mary, undertook an extensive renovation of the property, customizing the interiors to support long-term living rather than short-term resale. The upgrades, which reportedly totaled close to $1 million, significantly expanded the home’s livable space and functionality.
“The homeowners were deeply involved in every phase of the renovation,” listing agent Sharon Ho of Compass told californialuxuryhouses. “This wasn’t about chasing trends—it was about creating a space that felt calm, intentional, and livable year after year.”
Among the most notable improvements were the addition of two expansive decks, a new bedroom and bathroom on the lower level with a separate entrance, as well as modern comforts such as air conditioning and a hot tub positioned above the home to capture panoramic views.
Warm Architecture with Creative Energy
The residence spans 2,696 square feet and includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms, arranged across multiple levels that follow the natural slope of the Oakland Hills. Inside, hand-plastered white walls and exposed wood ceiling beams give the interiors a Tuscan-inspired warmth, while large openings invite natural light and fresh air throughout the day.
The kitchen, fully redesigned during the renovation, reflects both practicality and personality. Now an open-concept chef’s kitchen, it features a large range, butcher block work surfaces, dual sinks, and a walk-in pantry.
“This kitchen became the heart of the home,” Ho explained to californialuxuryhouses. “It was designed to handle everything from everyday meals to creative projects and entertaining.”
McKee has previously shared that the space hosted moments ranging from culinary collaborations to quiet mornings spent composing music with the doors open to the hillside breeze.
Elevated Living in the Oakland Hills
Located in the Montclair neighborhood, the home enjoys one of Oakland’s most sought-after residential settings. The area is known for its winding, tree-lined streets, architectural diversity, and sense of privacy—qualities that have long attracted artists, executives, and creatives.
Decks on every level of the home offer uninterrupted views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline, while the elevated hot tub provides a secluded vantage point rarely found in urban-adjacent properties.
Montclair Village, just minutes away, offers a curated selection of cafés, restaurants, and local boutiques, while Highway 13 provides convenient access to Berkeley, downtown Oakland, and San Francisco. Outdoor enthusiasts also benefit from proximity to Redwood Regional Park and miles of scenic hiking trails.
A Full-Circle Moment for a Well-Lived Home
From a market standpoint, the listing reflects a measured appreciation over time rather than a speculative leap. For McKee, the decision to sell appears to mark a natural transition rather than a strategic flip.
“Homes like this resonate because they feel authentic,” Ho noted in a separate conversation with californialuxuryhouses. “You can sense that it was designed to be lived in, not just shown.”
californialuxuryhouses reached out to the homeowner for additional comment but did not receive a response. The listing agent declined to share further details regarding McKee’s next move, citing privacy considerations.
Still, the property stands as a tangible record of a decade spent balancing creativity, comfort, and retreat—an increasingly rare combination in today’s Bay Area housing landscape.