Nestled amongst the distinctive houses of the leading architects of the early and mid 20th century, is this W.C.Hays Florentine shingle palazzo, which survived the 1923 fire that devastated the Berkeley hills. In 1984, the noted architectural firm of Wm. Turnbull was hired to supervise the restoration and remodel of this house, for which they won several design awards. An elegant addition, designed by David Trachtenberg, who paid particular attention to the existing proportion and materials, was completed in 2004. Like the remodel, the addition was seamless and the curb appeal of this gorgeous house has been maintained and enhanced. Beautiful proportions, simple, elegant interior details and dramatic framed views from every room, make this house the optimum in California living. The main house has a master suite upstairs, 2 additional bedrooms, another bathroom and a loggia or sleeping porch, which is a feature Hays commonly employed in his residential designs.(And what a spot to admire the dramatic panorama of the S.F.Bay, the lush greenery, as well as the beautiful architecture of the neighborhood!) The main level has the living room, with views to the backyard as well as views of the S.F.Bay. A dining room with built-ins and stunning views sits on the other side of the beautiful leaded glass front door. The galley kitchen with its bank of windows and oversized glass dutch doors, looks at the backyard.The guest suite is accessed from the rear patio, which wraps around both sides and the rear of the structure. It is a stone’s throw away from Greenwood Common, U.C.Berkeley, Tilden park, the Rose Garden, Codornices Park and many fine shops and restaurants on Shattuck Avenue.
