Sitting atop one of Berkeley’s finest streets, a house modeled on the Katsura Imperial Palace in Japan has hit the market nearly 50 years later for $3.5 million.
The mid-century modern four-bedroom, four-bathroom residence spans over 3,700 square feet. Built in 1959, it is located at 14 Maybeck Twin Drive on a street known for its Bernard Maybeck-designed homes. Real estate agent Tamer Mansour of Red Oak Realty said the famous architect and members of his family lived on the street “which is known for its history and homes.”
“Even two of the most respected Berkeley agents from two other brokerages mentioned this as one of the top five iconic homes in all of Berkeley,” Mansour, who listed the home with Leif Jensen, said in an email response. “It’s definitely unique and widely admired.”
Robert Clemson, a graduate of UC Berkeley’s School of Architecture, designed the house.
Modeled after the Katsura Summer Palace in Kyoto, Japan, and inspired by Heian period architecture, the house “embodies the aristocratic pursuit of aesthetic refinement,” according to the listing.
“From the corridor to the entrance and into the interior, traditional wood paneling, and earthy tones throughout the spacious rooms are accentuated by high ceilings and stunning views of the bay area. Each room features beautiful, welcoming natural lighting that makes this home synonymous with tranquility.”
The house is separated by beautiful and simple elements of traditional Japanese design and creates a seamless indoor/outdoor flow. According to the listing, there are barrier-free views of San Francisco and the bay from every room of the house.
“Every inch is beautifully designed from the thoughtfully designed exterior lines to the handcrafted cabinetry and beautiful wood ceilings,” Mansour told The Bee in an email.
The house’s patio and rooftop overlooks Japanese-inspired gardens filled with greenery and trees.
“The main living room has a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge as do many rooms throughout the house and the wraparound exterior,” Mansour said.
The home, which sits on a 0.35-acre plot, has a two-car garage.
The quiet retreat is located a mile from the UC Berkeley campus and close to North Berkeley restaurants, as well as Corodnicies Park, Berkeley Rose Garden, and La Loma Park.
The previous owner happens to be Mansour’s father. It was a professor of marine and marine engineering at UC Berkeley who bought the house over 40 years ago after moving from Cairo, Egypt to attend school.
“This house was a source of his pride and happiness,” Mansour added.
David Carraccio is a video producer for The Sacramento Bee who was born and raised in Sacramento. A graduate of San Diego State University and a longtime journalist who worked for newspapers as a reporter, editor, page designer, and digital content producer.
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