High up in the Berkeley hills is this truly splendid home that is remarkable in every way. Designed by one of Berkeley's most accomplished architects, John Hudson Thomas in 1927, it was custom made for its original owners, and has been extensively restored over the last seven years in its structural details and amenities.
Called "The Home Cloister", it is located at 2900 Buena Vista Way, and features 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 7526 sf of living space.
While it may not truly be a "castle", its design conception is certainly that of an early 13th century castle or monastery, as will soon be seen below.
If you are one who enjoy gracious living, quiet solitude, and unsurpassed beauty, this residence is more than worth your consideration.
Much of the home is centered around the church cloister style courtyard seen here, and above, that is surrounded by perfectly conceived, and especially graceful colonnades, the tops of which suggest flowing tree branches.
Centered within the courtyard is a very special wishing well, nearby garden planters, a koi pond, and a bocce ball court. All these amenities, plus the plentiful availability of surrounding seating space, make this site an ideal location for entertaining, no matter what the occasion.
Above, wide walkways lead to the various rooms in the home, one of which is seen below.
There is so much to appreciate in the home's living room, seen here, and below. The far wall has a stunning arch that reaches to the room's 25 foot ceiling, and is one of the many architectural signatures of the space. The arched theme replicates itself throughout the entire space, as is seen with the many doors and windows that surround it.
A different perspective of the living room reveals a large, and very distinctive stone fireplace that is capped with a beautifully lit overhead mantel.
The size of the room easily accommodates two spacious sofas and soft side chairs, and a central coffee table that is well suited for beverages and canapes.
Imagine the pleasure that it would give one to share this special home with friends year round.
As one enters the home's main room, another perspective reveals itself. Behind the sofas, and on the far wall, is a large office space, complete with a wide desk, multiple vertical bookcases, and storage spaces below.
Two tall arched glass doorways lead to the home's outside view deck, and, to the immediate right, is a space that can serve many purposes-here as a display table for favorite collectibles.
A set of stairs to the right leads up to the home's very unique and appealing library, collectibles display, and additional office space that can be seen below.
This space at the top of the stairs, serves multiple uses, and, in addition, offers wonderful Bay area views through the many multiple arched windows at the far end of the space. Its distinctive curved ironwork room divider to the right is also worth noting for its craftsmanship.
Just off the living room is this expansive dining space with a truly baronial effect. It offers a virtual floor to ceiling built in china cabinet with more than generous space on top for one's favorite glassware-perfect for dining needs and events.
The dramatic overhead wooden beams that are seen throughout the residence are present here as well, to good effect.
The impressively updated kitchen, seen here and below, reveals what can be done in keeping a home design true to its roots, but updated, as needs require.
Note the effect of the very unique ceiling as the sunlight plays about the space. Also note the very generous floorspace, and the imaginative intention that was used to present a modern kitchen, while still maintaining the simple cloistered look. It is especially well done with the stove and oven complex.
A reverse view of the kitchen. Worth noting-included is a Wolf Range, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and custom millwork.
The size of the space, and the variety of elements that contribute to it, should please the most demanding of home chefs
(There are 6 bedrooms. Two will be shown-one here, and another later below. )
The first bedroom is the home's primary bedroom, and it certainly deserves its name. It is exceptionally spacious and glowing as light flows in from the truly theatrical floor to ceiling window and door to the right that leads to the exterior gardens.
It most certainly stimulates one's imagination as to how to furnish and embellish this already unique space.
A reverse view reveals the amenities included in the room. To the right is a large personal storage closet, and ahead is access to the ensuite bathroom, seen below.
The primary bathroom has been updated as well, but continues to combine the older historic design concept with the new in this presentation.
The home's very large family room is seen in the two views above. Its basic simplicity encourages an infinite variety of potential configurations to serve the individual needs of the homeowner--it awaits its special time.
A second bedroom seems more suited to its medieval roots with the strong wooden peaked ceiling and stone walls.
There is a large outdoor balcony that is ideally suited for pleasant luncheons and teas, mixing of friends, and viewing the entire SF Bay area below. One can see why this particular lot, high atop a large hill, was chosen for this home's location.
Imagine the daily pleasure of waking up every morning to this panorama below, and enjoying the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge, and the panorama of lights from the cities around the Bay,
An additional side porch reveals a delightful bridge over a pond, both of which are surrounded by pleasant landscaping, and, just beyond the bridge, a soothing seating area with Bay area views below.
This overhead view of the residence can only touch on a portion of what lies below and within. I encourage you to view, in detail, all the many rooms and amenities that are available which we have not covered in the description above-it is astounding to behold.
It is being offered for sale for $7,450,000. When you have completed this verbal and visual tour, I would be pleased to talk with you regarding it. I can be reached at (510) 517-6280.
NOTE:
Home Listing Agents : Anian Tunney (510)928-7447 & Adrienne Krumins-(510)928-4521 Broker-The Grubb Company, Oakland
Posted by Bruce Wagg on
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