The Berkeley hills are alive with distinctive and imaginative homes. A lot of this effect has been due to the unique development of the Arts and Craft movement, which found a home in the Bay area due to the influence of well known Bay area architects, and the University of California's School of Architecture.
This home, to be seen below, located at 91 Tunnel Road in Berkeley, was designed by renowned architect Walter Radcliff, and handsomely updated for today's living.
It offers 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and 2048 sf of living space.
There is no doubt that the living room is centered around, and enhanced by, the dramatic floor to ceiling multipaned leaded glass curved window at its far end.
It has been carefully restored to its full prominence, and is truly a masterpiece, and yet only a part of the welcoming and brilliant living room.
The space is ideal for welcoming guests, and perfect for entertaining. A stately fireplace stands ready to provide warmth when needed, and its large mantel encourages displays of favorite art or collectibles.
The right wall easily accommodates storage chests that can store glassware and china for beverage service, or books and keepsakes.
The entry to the living room begins to reveal the architectural devotion to the Art and Crafts theme which will be seen throughout the home.
Elements include the richly colored hardwood floors, the dramatic overhead beamed ceilings, finely carved woodwork on walls and at door entries, a variety of built in cabinetry, and generous window space in each room..
A large dining room is, and was, an important and impressive showplace. This view reflects this. The room has its own fireplace, with display space for art above, and distinctive and very effective buffet server to its right.
The server is perfectly conceived for its intended use. The upper glass doors open to a location for both china and glassware, the middle level is indeed intended to be a buffet serving space for food and drinks, and the lower level stores table cloths, place mats, napkins.
The opposite wall of the dining room has been designed to provide a sweeping view of the formal gardens, and to capture the exterior sunlight.
Yet another view illustrates the ability to open French doors to the outside gardens-an ideal arrangement, especially when parties and special events are planned where guests can wander in an out, perhaps with a buffet set up on the dining table.
Note: this view also illustrates the detailed wood carving over the fireplace and far wall that was mentioned above.
A view back into the dining room from the gardens illustrates the engaging indoor/outdoor effect that has been created.
The gardens surrounding the home are carefully crafted, and placed with intent for enjoyment as one walks through them. The leaded glass window seen here is equally impressive from the outside as well.
It is worth noting that the very generous grey trim on the building has more of a Tudor effect than Arts and Craft, but that is part of the creativity of architectural design.
The kitchen has been impressively updated with custom cabinetry, top of the line appliances, and offers outstanding counter and workspace for the home chef.
The eat in kitchen format is ideal for casual meals or a quick breakfast snack.
Next to the table and chairs is an efficient and effective marble island that adds additional working and prep space to the already well thought out kitchen.
Returning to the front of the home, one discovers this beautifully conceived entry way and stairwell to the second floor.
Most certainly designed to impress visitors, the darker colored stairwell and door contrast beautifully with the lighter colored floors. The stairwell itself is a work of art, as can be seen below.
As one climbs the stairs, some of the carefully carved artwork reveals itself. The newel post, handrail and balusters are beautifully created and matched at each level.
A trio of floor to ceiling windows grace the site at the stair landing.
There are three bedrooms in the residence. The first, seen here, is the home's primary bedroom, complete with its own personal living suite. Two sets of windows invite in light from the exterior.
An additional view shows the space's own en suite bathroom to the left of the room's entry, and seen below.
This cheerful and refreshed primary bathroom has dual sinks with matching mirrors above, and storage below. A large walk in shower is also present.
A large second bedroom is enhanced with multiple sets of view windows, and room for a large bed.
The third bedroom is unique in that it provides an arc of view windows along the far wall.
The impressive size of the entire home is revealed in this view of the rear yard. There are multiple seating areas throughout the well planned and long established gardens and patio.
This truly exceptional home is available for sale for $2,200,000. It offers grace, beauty, and tradition, and I encourage you to call me promptly regarding it at (669)202-8888, so that I can answer your questions regarding it.
NOTE:
Listing Agent: Elena Mendelson-DRE#01883139
Phone: (925)639-6574, Compass
Posted by Bruce Wagg on
Leave A Comment