Spectacular Views - Grand Berkeley Home

High above the street, this grand 1916 property features breathtaking views of the water, the bridges, the Claremont Hotel, and the Cities by the Bay. It has been in the same family for over 50 years, and the house is filled with energy, memories and a history of creativity -- Jazz, Art, and Political Activism. It is said that the original owner housed San Francisco Jazz musicians here in the 50s, and a tradition of creative excellence continued on with gatherings of musicians, artists, political heavy-weights, and greats like Barbara Dane, Pablo and Nina Menendez, Vince Guaraldi, Kingston Trio, John Coltrane, Hassel Smith, Eldridge Cleaver, Stokely Carmichael, Sue Bierman, and Willie Brown.

Enjoy California Living at it’s best with bright spacious rooms, huge windows, and beautiful private outdoor areas: gardens, patios, lawn, deck and a fabulous roof terrace.  

The Rock Garden/Grotto welcomes guests into the gracious home, which boasts a sense of privacy throughout its indoor and outdoor spaces. The magnificent ballroom features stained and leaded glass details, an enormous fireplace, concrete floors with radiant heat, and french doors that open to a garden above the world.

With beautiful details and a wonderful location, this distinctive home also possesses a flexible floor plan that can work for a large family, group living, multi-generations, and lovers of entertaining. Several configurations of the building are viable- a large integrated 5++ bedroom home with au pair/studio suite, or divided into separate living spaces (there is a second full kitchen and separate entrance on the top floor). The former garage, which is now a walled parking area at street level, has been studied for the development of an ADU or detached studio space (please check with City of Berkeley). 

This property must be seen to be fully appreciated for the possibilities, and how it is adaptable to many functions and ways of living.

Coveted neighborhood, lovely setting, wonderful home- Come visit, take your time, discover, and enjoy!

• Entry level: High above the street, though a lush garden, to a private grassy lawn and patios. Entry with Rock Garden Grotto, large welcome landing, spacious Ballroom with Fireplace. French doors open to sitting area and beautiful views.
• Middle Level: Views, views, views! Sitting/sun room with bi-fold windows. Master Bedroom with large private deck, second bedroom with en-suite bathroom, kitchen with many possibilities, formal dining room with fireplace, ‘tree-house’ office, laundry room, private au-pair/studio space with kitchenette and separate entrances.
• Top Level: Separate entrance, second kitchen, family room, bathroom with claw-foot tub, 2 bedrooms- one with en-suite bathroom - open to enormous Roof Terrace with spectacular sweeping views. This level has been used in the past as a stand-alone apartment, or can be integrated into the house.
• Throughout: Many upgrades and refreshes inside and out, yet with potential for your own vision - create your dream kitchen and add your touch to modernize the bathrooms, while maintaining the old-world charm of this 1916 Grand Property.