Iconic ‘Flintstones’ house has been sold
Home’s quirky design may explain why it took so long to move
It’s a magnet for doubletakes: perched on a steep hillside just east of Interstate 280 in Hillsborough, the house simply screams caveman. They call it “the Flintstone House” and it now has a new owner. Finally.
The sale has been a long time in the making, perhaps because such a home design is a, well, acquired taste. The property at 45 Berryessa first went on the market in September 2015 for $4.2 million. That price was slashed to $3.78 million in February 2016 and cut again in July 2016 to $3.2 million. The asking price, as well as the precise reason why someone would actually want to own such a quirky looking house, has not been made public.
Zillow, which estimates the home to be worth around $3.1 million, says this about the Flintstone property: “This Hillsborough iconic landmark, seen from highway 280, is on the market for the first time in 20 years. In 1976 Bay Area architect William Nicholson designed the multiple domed home that is nestled into the hillside overlooking Crystal Springs Reservoir.
Architect Eugene Tsui designed the “biologic” kitchen. Interesting rooms include a game room, the conversation pit, and the 3rd bedroom with a loft. This is an amazing opportunity for buyers who appreciate the architecture and design.”
Along with the bragging rights that come with living in one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most famous and photographer houses the new owners will enjoy three bedrooms and two baths spread over 2,730 square feet. Along with marveling at the architectural craftwork of William Nicholson, who built the home in 1976 while experi- menting with unusual building materials and construction techniques, the owners will be able to boast about the concrete that contractors sprayed onto wire mesh frames and the weird inflated-balloon feel of the abode. One bit of advice to the whomever is moving in: Smile when you look out at 280, because you’re definitely being watched. Oh, and one more thing: WILMA!!!!!!