STUNNING VIEW CONTEMPORARY

Set in an architecturally significant North Berkeley hills neighborhood and almost hidden from the street, this sophisticated and artistic contemporary is nestled amongst many distinctive houses of the leading early and mid-century architects, such as J.H.Thomas, Gerald McCue, John Hans Ostwald and Robert Ratcliffe. The emphasis in this beautiful home is its exceptional quality materials, superb attention to detail, spectacular views and maximum privacy. From the soft morning light to the sparkling night vistas, one can enjoy the ever changing panorama of the San Francisco Bay and watch the fog dancing on the water. Built in 1983, it has had numerous updates and upgrades over the years, including an energy efficient furnace and on demand water heater, LED lighting throughout most of the house and the use of recycled materials with the updates. The home is full of surprises from the moment one steps through the door, crafted by Berkeley Mills, onto beautiful French pavers. The high ceiling entrance with a recessed cove and skylights feels open to the sky. On the entrance level is a luxurious master suite, embraced by views. The master bedroom has cherry floors, a pitched wood ceiling, a custom Berkeley Mills Japanese screen covering built-in shelving and custom cherry doors for the closets. From here are views of the Bay as well as hill views from the windows on either side of the bed. The walls of the master bathroom are a lovely integral color plaster, it has a heated tile floor and a toto toilet/bidet with heated seat. Mostly recycled materials were used including the ceiling from Norcal barn. Custom designed and fabricated railings by artist Shawn Lovell line the stairs down to each level. The main level has bird’s eye maple floors and an elegant raised hearth stainless steel and glass gas fireplace, separating the living and dining rooms. The fireplace surround is a sea green British slate in a honed finish, often referred to as Kirkstone. The living room has dramatic high ceilings, built-in seating and a sound system that extends to all floors. From both rooms enchanting and theatrical views extend from the Bay to the hills. Numerous windows bring in great light and yet there is plenty of space for artwork on the walls. The big open space on this level includes a kitchen with an island, upscale appliances, the same British slate countertops and an alcove with Berkeley Mills built-in shelving and oversized windows. French doors open to a deck with artfully arranged container plants and a gas hook-up for a barbecue. On the lower level are 2 more bedrooms, a powder room with custom mirror and sink surround, family room or library with built-in shelving, a laundry, cedar lined linen closet and a full bathroom. The floors are cherry and one of the bedrooms, which is currently used as an office has a glass door out to a small deck. Steel screens on this door and on the French doors off the library give added security to the house. A large deck off the family room, adorned with gorgeous giant planter pots, filled with attractive drought tolerant plants joins up with the upper deck. The north edge of the deck is softened by magnolia trees trimmed like a hedge. Like many of the surrounding houses, it has an intimate relationship with nature, starting with a huge mature live oak tree, the canopy of which seems to reach over and protect the house. At the street is a 2 car deck and a gate with stairs down to a studio below the carport. The studio has its own bathroom, furnace and water heater and is a sublime space, surrounded by greenery. Stairs from the studio join up with the lower deck. From the lower deck, stairs lead down to a sizeable storage space and wine cellar. It is minutes from U.C. Berkeley, Tilden Park, Glendale/La Loma Park, Codornices Park, the Rose Garden and “Gourmet Ghetto.”