A Redwood-Clad Midcentury With an In-Law Unit Lists for $1.75M in Berkeley, California

Built by designer Louise Rigg for her family in 1963, the home overlooks the scenic San Francisco Bay Area from its lush, 6,500-square-foot lot.

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In the aptly named Berkeley Hills neighborhood of Berkeley, California, a 1963 residence built by designer Louise Rigg for her family peeks out through the surrounding trees on a steep, wooded slope. The property at 131 Tamalpais Road showcases a number of the designer’s signature elements, including a material palette of polished concrete, brick, copper, and colorful glazed tiles, as well as ample glazing to bring natural light into the home.

Designer Louise Rigg built the home at 131 Tamalpais Road in Berkeley, California, for her family in 1963.

Tucked behind a private, enclosed patio at the entrance, the front door opens to a spacious, sunken living/dining area with double-height ceilings and concrete floors. A tall copper fireplace adds a pop contrast against a brick wall, which sits adjacent to a fully glazed partition with sliding doors that connect to a large deck at the rear of the home.

The entrance is tucked behind a private, enclosed patio.

A spacious living/dining area features concrete floors, double-height ceilings, and a fully glazed wall with sliding doors.

A tall copper fireplace sits against a brick wall near the room’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

A suspended staircase leads to the second level.

A partition with intentionally placed openings demarcates the dining area from the kitchen.

In addition to the living/dining area, the first level hosts two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a kitchen, laundry room, and gym. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms and one bathroom. The 2,389-square-foot structure also includes a separate in-law apartment with a bedroom, bath, kitchenette, and living/dining area situated below the main home. A smaller deck on this level connects to the in-law unit’s living/dining area.

The redwood-clad kitchen features glazed-tile countertops and floors, as well as updated appliances.

The sunken living/dining area features concrete slab floors.

One of the upstairs bedrooms includes a "sitting area" that can be used as an en suite office.

This upstairs bedroom is lined on one side with windows that overlook the living/dining area.

"One of the traits that makes this home so special is the very set intentions that went into it," says listing agent Ana Forest of Red Oak Realty. "Louise Rigg was known for being very particular with a lot of her projects, including this household. She wanted it to allow her family to grow, leave, return, and also have extended family and friends stay and enjoy the space."

Throughout the home, wooden built-ins provide ample storage.

A fully glazed wall connects the main indoor living area to a spacious deck.

A landscaped backyard provides additional outdoor gathering areas on the 6,500-square-foot lot. From the backyard, a private gate leads to Berkeley’s Codornices Park, which features picnic areas and walking trails shaded by oaks, bay trees, and redwoods. Scroll to see more of the 1963 home, which is currently listed for $1,750,000.