A Bernard Maybeck–Influenced Home With an Expansive Deck and Sunroom Seeks $1.5M in the Bay Area
Project Details:
Location: 113 Purdue Avenue, Kensington, California
Price: $1,495,000
Footprint: 2,247 square feet (three bedrooms, three baths)
Lot Size: 12,320 square feet
Year Built: 1949
From the agent: "Located at the end of a private road, this one-of-a-kind property is steeped in local history. This private section of Purdue Avenue was once owned by legendary Berkeley architect Bernard Maybeck, who sold the parcel to the original owners. As one of the first homes built after the subdivision map was completed in 1947, this house was here when the road was still an unpaved cow path, with every purchaser literally a pioneer of the hilltop. Bernard and his wife, Annie, interviewed each prospective home builder, looking for nice young couples who didn’t drink or spend beyond their means, and who promised not to build a white house. Bob and Ollie Shaner passed the test and became one of the first families to have a stake on the wild section of Purdue. Bernard, in his late 80s then, would walk the three miles from his home on Buena Vista Drive in Berkeley, often in his trademark sheepskin coat, to check on the building progress and make suggestions. The house has been through several additions since its construction in 1949, but has retained its rustic charm and connection to the hilltop and canyon."
Legendary Berkeley architect Bernard Maybeck oversaw the construction of the 1949 residence at 113 Purdue Avenue in the hills of Kensington, California. The midcentury home sits on a massive lot spanning more than an acre at the end of a private road bordering the Tilden Nature Area.
A large picture window in the kitchen offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Blue-painted cabinets add a pop of color below the white tile countertops.
A cozy dining nook with bay windows overlooks a peaceful private courtyard.
Knotty-pine wall paneling conceals built-in storage in the downstairs den. Large windows flood the space with natural light.
The home’s three bedrooms and three baths are located on the main level.
Sliding glass doors connect the interior to a sunroom that opens to the expansive deck.
A gas fireplace sits in one corner of the sunroom beneath a series of long, narrow skylights.
"An expansive and multilevel deck draws everyone out to watch the ever-changing mood of the hills," says the listing agent. "From sightings of deer and foxes to stargazing, the enjoyment of nature is an intrinsic part of this home."
The residence includes a unique indoor/outdoor clubhouse room with brick floors and a wood-burning stove.
113 Purdue Ave in Kensington, California, is currently listed for $1,495,000 by Todd Hodson, Tania Balazs, and Lisa Robesch of Red Oak Realty.
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