This spectacular, updated, Mid-century home in Kensington was built in 1950 by local architect William McCormick, an admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright. Situated on a large, private parcel of land with uninterrupted views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island and Mount Tamalpais, this one-level property is remarkable for its location, its size, and its use of natural materials and large expanses of glass to create an elegant, Zen-like framework for the views beyond. These walls of glass showcase the sweeping view from every room, and luxurious redwood and cherry wood, slate, granite and copper effortlessly blend modern sophistication with natural simplicity, balanced by the beautifully landscaped wrap-around gardens that embrace the home. Offered with the adjacent Highgate Road parcel of land, together the property size is approximately ¾ of an acre.*
This exceptional property has a stunning living room with vaulted ceiling, a bold fireplace, an open dining room and an eat-in chef's kitchen with built-in banquette. The home was meticulously restored and expanded in 2006 by Bay Area architect Alex Bergtraun. It has three bedrooms and two and one-half baths, and is comprised of two wings: one wing contains two bedrooms, one and one-half baths, a laundry room, a loft, and a glass-ceiling atrium that is perpetually basked in light. The other wing contains a spacious, sun-filled master suite with vaulted ceilings, a luxurious master bathroom, family room and abundant built-in storage space.
Other features of the home include soaring ceilings, slate floors, and a sun-drenched outdoor terrace with level lawns that offer a comfortable perch overlooking the breathtaking panorama. A carriage drive that borders the beautiful Blake Garden leads to this hidden sanctuary on a private site. There is additional parking and a two-car garage. The listing price includes the adjacent Highgate Road parcel of land, which protects one's privacy and the beautiful views. This amazing retreat high above the cityscape is a rare and remarkable property.
Offered at $2,895,000
*Sq. Ftg of Highgate Road Lot APN #572-201-021 and 1 Norwood Place land per Public Record, unverified. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Kensington
Thanks to its proximity to the UC Berkeley campus, Kensington may boast the largest number of Nobel Prize winners of any community in the world. But living here isn't rocket science. One look at this neighborhood of large homes in the hilly streets above Berkeley, its commanding views of the bay area, and sunny terraced yards will explain why this neighborhood is one of the most sought after in the East Bay.
Famed architect Bernard Maybeck had a home on Purdue Street. The homes he designed here at the turn of last century have become an informal blueprint for the signature home in Berkeley. Gracious, but not ostentatious, these well-proportioned homes are designed for family life and dinner parties. Shingle siding, rustic construction and bright expansive vistas are the hallmark of the homes in Kensington.
Tilden Park provides the boundary to the east. Miles of biking and hiking trails, a miniature steam train, exhibition farm, and merry go-round and the naturally landscaped swimming hole at Lake Anza make Tilden a popular destination for families.
Transportation via BART is convenient. North on Colusa takes you to the El Cerrito Plaza BART station and a short drive down Arlington takes you to North Berkeley BART and the North Berkeley shopping district of Gourmet Ghetto and to Solano Avenue shops and restaurant. There are two distinct shopping districts in Kensington proper..
Open Houses:
Sunday March 30th, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sunday April 6, 2014 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Brokers Tour:
Thursday March 27th, 9:30 pm - 12:00 pm
Additional Showings by Appointment:
Contact Helene Barkin - 510.331.1122 -
[email protected]
Broker-AssociateCertified Luxury Home Marketing SpecialistThe AgencycalDRE# 01032351510.331.1122 mobile[email protected]www.HeleneBarkin.com
