An Oakland couple coax a 19th century mansion back to life.
More than $2 million remodel revives midcentury
The English language lacks sufficient superlatives that reflect the emotions and respect Berkeley’s 25 Tanglewood Road evokes.
“It’s living art,” said David Gunderman of Alain Pinel Realtors, who is co-listing the four-plus bedroom with Andrew Raskopf for $4.25 million.
More than $2 million was poured into the home during an ambitious remodel in 2004.
Hulburd Design refinished the interior, Blasen Landscape Architecture embellished on the double-lot’s park-like setting and famed San Francisco architect Stanley Saitowitz transformed the midcentury modern home originally designed by Hans Ostwald.
Saitowitz expanded the central courtyard and refinished the interior with concrete, hardwood and floor-toceiling glass.
He introduced an open floor plan to the home that’s highlighted by a 41-foot chef’s kitchen with three islands, professional appliances and a fireplace.
Saitowitz recommended Holly Hulburd of Hulburd Design to suggest finishes. Hulburd, also an architect, said Saitowitz deserves the bulk of the credit for the home’s appearance.
“I worked within his vision and what the family wanted,” she said. “We’ve been friends for many years and my training makes me sensitive to what architects are trying to do and how to complement their vision.”
The transparent walls and clerestory windows welcome natural light into the residence while looking out at the wooded surroundings.
Not only is the residence set on a double lot, the land around is undeveloped and there are no neighbors are in sight.
“It’s an oasis,” Hulburd said. “The flow and the indoor-outdoor living is ideal in Berkeley.”
An H-shaped courtyard radiates off the public rooms and serves as the main outdoor entertainment area. The home’s low walls provide sitting areas and the centralized location keeps the courtyard in the center of the action.
Master suites are one thing, but Saitowitz went grander for 25 Tanglewood Road and developed an entire wing.
Designer, dual closets and separate entrances off the side yard are part of the elaborate space.
The spa bathroom features a sunken tub, dual vanities and a mosaic of charcoal tile.
Midcentury homes are famed for their use of builtins for storage and this residence doesn’t fall short. Nearly every room in the home offers a deck, shelving, desk and other assorted inclusions.
Established evergreens shade the lot and a stone gravel path meanders about the perimeter.
The purchase includes plans for an 1,800-squarefoot two-bedroom guest suite with office designed by Regan Bice.
For more information, visit www.25Tanglewood.com.
Listing agent: David Gunderman, Alain Pinel Realtors, (510) 205-4369, david@ andrewanddavid.com; Andrew Raskopf, Alain Pinel Realtors, (510) 205-3575, andrew@ andrewanddavid.com