Modeled after a Japanese palace, Berkeley hilltop home with Bay views for sale: $3.5M
Sitting atop one of Berkeley’s finest streets, a home modeled after the Katsura Imperial Palace in Japan has hit the market after nearly 50 years for $3.5 million.
The four-bedroom, four-bath mid-century modern residence spans 3,700 square feet. Built in 1959, it sits at 14 Maybeck Twin Drive on a street known for its Bernard Maybeck-designed homes. The well-known architect and members of his family lived on the street “recognized for its history and its homes,” listing agent Tamir Mansour of Red Oak Realty said.
“Even two of the most highly regarded Berkeley agents from two other brokerages stated that this is one of the top five most iconic homes in all of Berkeley,” Mansour, who is listing the home with Leif Jenssen, said in an email response. “It is definitely unique and widely admired.”
Robert Klemmeddson, a graduate of the U.C. Berkeley School of Architecture, designed the home.
Modeled after the Katsura summer palace in Kyoto, Japan, and inspired by Heian period architecture, the home “captures the aristocratic pursuit of aesthetic refinement,” according to the listing.
“From the walkway through to the entrance and inwards you are greeted by traditional wood paneling, earthy tones all throughout the spacious rooms accentuated by high ceilings and stunning views of the Bay Area. Each room boasts beautiful, welcoming natural light that makes this home synonymous with tranquility.”
The home is set apart by beautiful and simple elements of traditional Japanese design and creates a seamless indoor/outdoor flow. There are unobstructed views of San Francisco and the bay from every room in the house, according to the listing.
“Every inch has been beautifully crafted from the carefully designed exterior lines to the handmade cabinets and the beautiful wood ceilings,” Mansour told The Bee in an email.
The home’s patio and deck overlooks Japanese-inspired gardens filled with greenery and trees.
“The main living room has a picture-perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge as do multiple rooms throughout the home and the exterior wrap-around deck. The sunsets are unbelievable,” Mansour said.
The home, which sits on a 0.35-acre lot, has a two-car garage.
The peaceful retreat is a mile from the U.C. Berkeley campus and near North Berkeley restaurants, as well as Corodnicies Park, Berkeley Rose Garden and La Loma Park.
The former owner happens to be the father of Mansour. He was a professor of Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering at U.C. Berkeley who bought the home more than 40 years ago after moving from Cairo, Egypt to attend school.
“This home was his pride and joy,” Mansour added.
