Berkeley has always been one of the conceptual foundations of the Arts and Craft movement and brown shingle Craftsman homes in California.
At the turn of 20th century, the University, and its architectural department were conversant with, and encouraging famous California architects as they began to create imaginative and distinctive home in the area.
This home, at 2639 Piedmont Avenue in the prominent Elmwood neighborhood of Berkeley reflects the many unique features that make this style of home so desirable.
This handsome entrance is artfully designed to include a graceful wooden arch above the entry way, and a sturdy wooden door that is complimented on either side by imaginative leaded glass windows.
Upon entry, guests become immediately aware of the contrast of colors between the rich wooden appointments and softly colored hardwood flooring, and the bright white walls that is classic for this style of home.
The commanding central stairway to the second floor is just one of many striking architectural features of the home that will be seen when visiting.
The coffered box beam ceilings overhead reflect the commitment to quality the has been made when this home was conceived.
Entry into the living room reveals a far right wall comprised of three delightful window seats that are separated by a pair of decorative and sturdy wooden pillars.
Just above the seats is a softly curved set of windows that open to the greenery of the outside gardens.
This is truly an inviting place to sit and read on a lazy afternoon.
This striking living room space is large enough to accommodate multiple seating configurations, and provides ample floor space for entertaining-especially when combined with the window seating. The central fireplace is perfect as site around which to gather on cooler Bay area evenings.
Once again, the length and breadth of the overhead beams are seen here, contrasting handsomely with the bright white ceilings. Worthy of note are the richly trimmed wooden windows, and the presence of the generous wooden trim around the entry ways and doorways throughout the home that add the characteristic Craftsman signature.
A home of this caliber was expected to be equally suitable for both resident dining, and for entertaining a larger groups of guests.
This room can easily serve either of those needs. It can accommodate a large dining table and multiple diners, as seen here.
Additionally, it has six large windows to draw in exterior light, richly colored wooden wainscoting around the walls, while the large fireplace adds just a bit more distinction to an already handsome space.
This glowing kitchen, with its updated cabinetry, offers an especially efficient food preparation site. A central island is especially well placed, and compliments the current preparation space around the rest of the kitchen. The island also serves as an casual dining spot for breakfast or lunch, with two chairs at its far end.
There is a pleasant eat in kitchen space at the far left corner of the room that easily accommodates at least 4-6 diners.
Moving to the second floor, one arrives at this stunning library that is immediately inviting and impressive. The compelling peaked ceiling is at its most dramatic over the built in window seat, where the amazing triple peaking of the window, the window inset, and exterior facing wall commands the room.
The bookcases along either wall, and the built in cabinets, drawers and desk provide a world of display and storage space for books, art, and collectibles of virtually every size and shape.
There are four bedrooms on the second floor. Three will be shown for your consideration.
The first, seen here, is currently being used as a bonus/plus room, is just off the library, and could easily be returned to its original role as a bedroom.
A second bedroom has added charm with its personal fireplace and pleasant window seat. An en suite bathroom is just steps away.
This cheerful third bedroom continues the home's architectural design theme of appealing window seats from which to enjoy the surrounding gardens, and a quiet moment of reading or reflection.
The upstairs attic of the home has been newly renovated, and runs the full length of the home.
A slightly different perspective reveals the amount of floorspace that is available in this very generous attic. It's potential uses are as varied as one's needs and imagination will allow.
The rear deck of the home is delightful, and offers a perfect location for parties, barbecues, or luncheons. Built in seating and planters throughout the space combine with the vine covered pergola to create an engaging living space.
If this handsome home with its captivating appeal is of interest to you, I encourage you to call me promptly at (510) 517-6280. It is being offered for sale for $2,495,000.
(Listing Courtesy of Marissa Harrison and Jeffrey Rosenbloom of Red Oak Realty)
Posted by Bruce Wagg on
Leave A Comment