Sold $4,995,000

50 Alvarado Place

Berkeley

Sold

Bed

4.5

Bath

6,329

Living Area in Sq. Ft.

27,057

Lot in Sq. Ft.

Offered at $4,995,000

Unobstructed panoramic views from this magnificent and iconic gated estate sited on over 3/4 acre of beautifully landscaped and terraced gardens. Tucked into the gentle hillside for absolute privacy and overlooking the historic grounds of the landmarked Claremont Hotel, this period revival style estate was originally designed by architect William Charles Hays in 1918 and updated significantly over the years.

Commanding a large terraced lot at the top of a meandering brick staircase, this stucco-clad villa presents a pleasingly symmetrical facade with identical banks of windows on either side of the bayed portico. With its exceptionally refined detailing, it boasts over 6,000 sq ft 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 formality while also offering an elegant warm and intimate atmosphere. Spectacular architectural details 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 sun-filled formal rooms overlooking the Bay are generously spaced and the living room features a large fireplace. The spacious eat-in 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 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 natural light.

Downstairs you'll find a stately family room and generous game or craft room with separate exterior access. A few steps down to 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.

Expansive formal gardens 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 2-car garage connect to a well-functioning “hill-evator” for easy delivery of groceries, as well as guests! In addition, a storage tank collects underground water from the hillside, providing year-round 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 SF commute.

5++ bedrooms and 4.5 baths and over 6,000 sq ft of old world elegance
Tastefully remodeled Chef’s kitchen with 6-burner Viking range
Lush expansive formal grounds with elegant mature landscaping
Garage parking for 3 and long gated driveway
Ample storage in semi-finished basement and throughout the house
Set back from street with secure gates for absolute privacy
Perfectly located in close proximity to shopping and nature

About the architect:

Born in 1873, William Charles Hays was both a working architect as well as a professor of architecture, who had been associated with the development and growth of the teaching of architecture at the University of California. For many years, he taught courses in the history of architecture and his students always regarded him as an advanced thinker, in short a “modernist” in his time. In regard to his work, he was best known for his distinguished designs of many institutional buildings such as the 1st Presbyterian Church, in Oakland, the Doe Library of UC Berkeley, several buildings on the UC Berkeley Campus, as well as Jefferson and Thousand Oaks Elementary Schools in Berkeley.

Showings by appointment only. Offers due by Noon on June 22nd via Disclosures.io