Ideally located in Berkeley's Indian Rock neighborhood at 84 San Mateo Road, and close to the Marin Circle, this handsome tri-level Craftsman style home would be a pleasure to own.
While updated for gracious living, it still has the classic architecture that makes the Craftsman style so cherished. Its 2739 square feet of living space accommodates 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms.
This warmly inviting living room is spacious, beautifully lit from multiple windows around the room, and anchored by a handsome central fireplace. True to its era, a pair of built in window seats on either side provide a space for easy reading and relaxing while viewing the surrounding gardens.
Just steps away, this handsome dining room awaits guests for dinner or a casual luncheon. This room particularly reflects the Craftsman style with an emphasis on generous wooden trim around the ceiling, doorway and windows, and an expansive display and standing storage chest for china, glassware and serving pieces.
Yet more space is available on either side of the unit, should one want to add a cocktail service on one side, and a buffet service station on the other.
Just steps away is this cheerful, efficient, and recently upgraded kitchen. With ample counter space for food preparation, and, as seen here and below, numerous drawers, cabinets, and shelving at every level for easy access when cooking, this warmly colored room with its golden colored hardwood floors is a delight.
Most notable --the upgraded appliances include a 6 burner Wolf gas range cooktop, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a dishwasher, and Carrara countertops.
Close by the kitchen is this inviting eat in kitchen space that has its own open china cabinet that is perfect for storing dishes and glassware, and additionally, it has an ideal space on top that can be used as a food service counter.
This eat in kitchen spot is ideal year round, but is most appreciated when one can use it as a buffet table for entertaining-allowing guests to move freely to the outdoors, and back again, as food service occurs.
Stepping outside, guests are greeted by this serene sunken patio area that offers a perfect location for meeting with, and and enjoying the company of friends. A hammock strung between old growth redwood trees, is yet another inviting feature to be appreciated by all.
There are two other very engaging rooms that provide direct access to the back yard, as well. The first, seen above, is this charming family room. Immediately appealing, is has a spacious fireplace, and a far wall of floor to ceiling shelves, cabinets and drawers that are perfectly suited for board games, media storage, and other entertainment features that would make this family room, and its usage, extra special.
Also on the ground floor, is this classically designed library/den. Floor to ceiling bookcases are ideal for the placement of special books, china, and collectibles, and French doors open directly to the outside gardens.
Richly colored, the warmth of the well established wood construction make this an especially appealing space for an afternoon's reading retreat.
There are four bedrooms in the residence. Two will be shown for your consideration. The first, seen here, is the truly handsome primary bedroom. It is expansive, as can be seen in both views here and below, and features direct access to a personal balcony that overlooks the surrounding gardens.
Opposite the bed, a set of large bay windows furnish soft lighting to the table and the pair roomy side chairs to provide a quiet seating area for reading and relaxing.
Just off the bedroom is this gleaming white bathroom that has an updated marble bath, a shower over tub format, and a large sink and counter space.
A second bedroom is highlighted with dual walls of windows, a clever office niche, and exterior views from literally every angle of the room.
A set of stairs just off a third bedroom to the right, leads to a stunning additional living space, that is as surprising as it is exceptional.
At the top of the stairs is this outstanding third floor that can easily become the heart of the home-whether for daily living, or for parties and special events. Its most compelling feature has to be the overhead peaked open beamed ceiling that is paired with two glowing skylights.
The far wall has a counter that is ideally suited for serving refreshments, food and drink, and the adjacent view balcony invites all to experience the panorama of the Bay area below.
The SF Bay and Golden Gate Bridge are just part of the Bay area scene from the balcony.
A slight turn to the left reveals this outstanding visual sweep of Berkeley, Emeryville, the Bay and San Francisco.
There is yet more to be seen. This visionary back yard has so many elements that are both inviting and serene at any hour of the day.
This closing view reveals the drama of this home's back yard. Each element seems to fit the other perfectly. The lower right reveals the circular wooden top of the home's relaxing hot tub.
I encourage you to call me promptly at (510) 517-6280 regarding this outstanding house. It is being offered for sale for $2,195,000.
(Listing Courtesy of Marilyn Garcia of The Grubb Company)
Posted by Bruce Wagg on
Leave A Comment