CONTEMPORARY CLAREMONT SHANGRI-LA

Welcome to a Claremont Shangri-La built in 1995, engineered to last the ages. This modern 4++ bedroom, 4 bathroom is 3569 SF and includes an au-pair with its own entrance, as well as a rear “sanctuary.”

Situated on a picturesque street near the Claremont Hotel, it has San Francisco Bay views, green outlooks and great indoor-outdoor flow. There is one bedroom and bathroom on the main floor, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs and the in-law bedroom and bathroom on the lower floor. The primary bedroom has a balcony overlooking the backyard, “sanctuary, and hot tub as well as a picturesque view of the Bay.

The spacious, well thought out eat-in kitchen with updated appliances opens to the terraced backyard with a majestic Live Oak tree and mature plantings. Another space for hosting gatherings and cocktail parties other than the living and dining rooms is the architect-designed dramatic “great room” with its pool table, custom-designed light fixture and media center, added in 2010. Teenagers would also covet this room.

More recent additions designed by the same architect include a magical back yard “sanctuary” with a deck to a hot tub, angled at Golden Gate Bridge views. The sanctuary is a wood and glass-enclosed structure with heating, speakers and built-in seating. It is truly conducive to a Zen experience and is particularly enchanting at night.

The “no hands” 3-floor elevator, with doors and gates that close automatically, arrives first at the great room where there are also glass doors out to the front stairs. Attached to this space is an attractive family room, which includes a dramatic steel and stone gas fireplace, built-in speakers and television and is enveloped by windows and skylights with lookouts to the trees and Bay views.

It has solar power, back-up battery, 3 furnaces with air filters, 2 air conditioners and a 2-car garage. An easement on the south side of the house allows entry through the back gate onto the main floor as well as the in-law with its own kitchen and bathroom. A laundry and utility room sit on this lower floor along with a storage room and/or office, as was used by the current owner.

Close to the Claremont Hotel & Spa, tennis courts, shops on Domingo, amenities on College Ave. and Rockridge BART, this elegant house is also close to freeway access and Claremont Canyon/Tilden hiking trails.