San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Timeless hillside estate in Berkeley
Striking home on expansive lot offers breathtaking bay, city views
Unobstructed panoramic views await at this magnificent and iconic gated estate at 50 Alvarado Place in Berkeley, which is set on more than threequarters of an acre of beautifully landscaped and terraced gardens.
Handsome, spacious and private, it blends Old World charm with contemporary conveniences. Tucked into the gentle hillside for absolute privacy and overlooking the historic grounds of the landmark Claremont Hotel, this period revival style estate was originally designed by architect William Charles Hays in 1918 and has been significantly updated over the decades.
Original woodwork abounds, and the home includes multiple bonus rooms, like a large library/ media room, a craft studio, a study and a lounge.
Commanding a large terraced lot, this Europeanstyle villa presents a pleasingly symmetrical façade. With its exceptionally refined detailing, it boasts more than 6,000 square feet of living space, graceful finishes and a scale, grandeur and Old World elegance that is rarely found in today’s homes.
Impeccably maintained and updated throughout the years, it is characterized by exquisite elegance while also offering a warm and intimate atmosphere. It has spectacular architectural details like wood paneled wainscoting, dramatic ceilings and thoughtful builtins throughout.
A grand entryway is flanked by columns that lead to a dramatic foyer, paneled in gumwood, which was also used in the columns, entablatures and door frames.
The sunfilled formal rooms overlooking the bay are generously spaced and the living room features a large fireplace.
The spacious eatin chef’s kitchen abuts an oversized butler’s pantry with ample storage,
as well as a family room that opens to an elegant outdoor seating and entertaining area with views.
The majestic staircase leads to luxurious upstairs bedrooms — each facing west toward the glorious vista of the city and bay, with an en suite bath and plenty of closet space.
At the top of the stairwell, an original skylight with four panes of etched glass filters sunlight into the residence.
A superlative owner’s suite includes a fireplace, bay windows and a separate dressing room with multiple closets, as well as striking views of San Francisco, the bay and Marin.
Downstairs you'll find a stately family room and generous game or craft room with separate exterior access. A few steps down awaits the garden level, where a sunny guest area with bedroom, office and family room is exquisitely finished and opens to the lower lawn and terraces.
Patios and outdoor sitting areas flank the residence with expansive formal gardens that include multiple level lawn areas, decks and patios that are exquisitely landscaped and allow for relaxation, entertaining and play.
A sunken wooden hot tub amid the rose garden offers views towards the city and bay. A long driveway and twocar garage connect to a wellfunctioning “hillevator” for easy delivery of groceries and guests.
In addition, a storage tank collects underground water from the hillside, providing yearround irrigation.
As you exit the house, meander through the terraces on your way out and enjoy viewing the Claremont Hotel’s tower from an uncommon angle.
This breathtaking oasis is perfectly located just steps from the Claremont Hotel and a short distance from UC Berkeley, the Elmwood district, trails and the San Francisco commute.
Take the virtual tour at www.50alvaradopl.com.
Listing agent: Anja Plowright the Grubb Co., 5105938376; Colette Ford, the Grubb Co., 5108235735, fordplowright@grubbco.com.