Berkeley’s eccentric range of architectural styles is on full display this week. Four offerings particularly caught my attention.
The first is 2011 Eunice St, just below Henry St. and a short walk to the Gourmet Ghetto. It was built new from scratch in 2008 and designed by Berkeley architect E. Paul Kelly. The asking price is $1,825,000 and includes a detached 1Br/1Ba apartment. The design motif that comes to mind is “Tahoe-esque,” with its utilization of thick wood beams and trusses, stone arches, wide overhangs, hickory wood flooring, and rich redwood and cedar paneling. The quality of the materials and visible workmanship would indicate that "no expense was spared" in the home's construction. You can see all the specs and lots of pictures at http://www.2011eunice.com.
Next is 754 Spruce St, up in the hills, a 1942-built Mediterranean style home unlike any I’ve seen before. The front of the house is elegant in its own right, starting with an ornate iron gate, flagstone patio, ionic columns, tile roof and a beautifully framed arched front door. But the real surprise hits you as soon as you walk in the door: a central hallway whereby every eight-ten feet or so leads you to an arch-framed, high coved ceiling “anteroom,” which offers entry to bedrooms, bath or kitchen. The hallway ends at a large living room with stunning panoramic Bay views. There’s lots more to see and admire, so check it out yourself on the web at http://www.754spruce.com or during its open house this Sunday May 22 from 2-4pm. The price is $1,195,000.
On a more modest scale, there is 1428 Delaware St, a 2Br/2Ba right across from the North Berkeley BART station. The original construction date indicates 1921 but it underwent a dramatic owner-built transformation somewhere around 15 years ago, according to the listing agent Diane Verducci of Pacific Union. From the outside, this house also gives little clue as to what is unique inside— an open floor plan blend of Santa Fe and L.A.style, with curved walls and celings smooth-finished in pure white. The curved tile flooring and dramatic skylight of the dining area are of particular note. See more pics with a click here. The price was originally $580,000 but is now $540,000.
Last, but not at all least, is my own listing at 928 Fresno, super-convenient to everything on Solano Ave. What started out as a modest 2Br/1Ba brown shingle bungalow in 1942 was dramatically enlarged and remodeled in the early 1990’s by the prior owner. Now it has 3Br/2Ba plus a 1Br/1Ba inlaw apartment, together approx 2800 sq ft. What is facinating is how the newer interior style (hand-plastered walls and ceiling, built-in living room seating, large gourmet kitchen open to a long country farmhouse table and family room) perfectly matches the art and lifestyle of the UC faculty member and France-based journalist that are the current owners. Think Paris meets Guadalajara (you simply have to see the inside!). The price was just lowered to $1,165,000 and will be open this Sunday May 22 from 1:30-4:30. Read the full description and see all the pics at 928 Fresno.
Brett Weinstein, cofounder of Realty Advocates, studied in the Master’s Program of Architecture at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design 1981-83. Read more posts by .
928 Fresno is also still available, with a lower price of $995,000.