Architect Donald Olsen built historic ‘tree house’
A piece of Berkeley and national history hit the market this week. 771 San Diego Road, a three-bedroom midcentury modern that’s on the National Register of Historic Places and a City of Berkeley Historic Landmark, showcases the creativity of its architect, Donald Olsen.
“It’s a great presence of modern architecture,” said Bebe McRae of the Grubb Co., who is listing the property for $1.795 million. “It overlooks a beautiful park, wonderful trails and woods. It makes this property feel like a tree house.”
Set beside John Hinkel Park, the two-story home was Olsen’s residence and features oak floors, walls of glass and an open floor plan. A deck waits off the kitchen, and the living room hosts a wall of bookshelves. Built-ins
and thoughtful inclusions abound throughout the home. Bedrooms boast custom desks and a mural painted by Claire Falkenstein stretches across both levels.
There’s an inset in a wall with lights at bottom and top that creates a shadowbox effect. A dumbwaiter spans from the entry hall to outside the kitchen to help transport groceries and cumbersome objects.
The lower level houses an office that Helen Olsen used as her art studio. Windows fashioned from horizontal strips of glass in varying lengths welcome sunlight into the room.
“It’s the best window treatment I’ve ever seen in a lower room,” McRae said.
Every square inch of the home’s 2,205 square feet of living space serves as a testament to Olsen’s skill, she said.
“It’s amazing to be in there — it’s very bright and open,” McRae said.
Listing agent: Bebe McRae, the Grubb Co., (510) 652-2133, ext. 415, bmcrae@grubbco.com.