“… embodies many of Maybeck’s notions about what an ideal home should be; modest, free of adornment, well integrated into its site…”
Thanks to reader Christa for the tip on today’s time capsule — an enchanting storybook house in Berkeley, California. Built in 1932 by famed architect Bernard Maybeck as a home for himself and his family, this charming cottage looks as if it could be straight from the pages of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Maybeck — a “luminary” of architecture in early 20th century California — was known for building houses that were “confections” — delightful mash ups of various styles. We’ll call this one “Romantic Revival”, a style popular in the 1930s that celebrated the yee ole days of gothic cottages in England. We’ll also take a leap and say that this “Romantic Revival” style is part of the architectural lineage leading up to storybook / Cinderella / Hansel & Gretel ranch houses — furthermore reason to show it here! Maybeck house is artfully built into the hillside and has been carefully landscaped over the years. And oh my goodness, check out the million-dollar — literally — views of the San Francisco Bay. Mega thanks to photographer Thomas Grubba for allowing us to feature his breathtaking photos of this property.
Because of its connection to Maybeck, this house seems like it is bona-fide “historic”. So it’s *easy* to understand and appreciate why over the years, owners made updates that aimed to stay true to the original era and design of the house. If updates had been too contemporary or unsympathetic with this house’s historic bones, they would have destroyed value. Indeed, the listing information (you can read it all, below) points out that:
…a master bathroom, sensitively designed to fit the character of the home, was added.
The key words here: “Sensitively designed to fit the character of the home…”
Hey — a million dollar house with a lesson for our less expensive gems! Even though our mid century modern and mid century modest homes may not have historical provenance to compare with “a Maybeck,” it’s super clear that most have their own distinctive character. So just like the interim caretaker/owners of the Maybeck did with their master bathroom addition — the theory behind Retro Renovation says that if you sensitively design your updates to fit the character of the home — you will have a greater chance of adding lasting value over the long term — period-appropriate renovations will always “suit” your house. This is, of course, in respect to the big remodel projects — kitchens, bathrooms, major architectural modifications — and not so much the furniture, light fixtures, paint and window treatments, which can be easily and relatively cheaply changed to suit each new inhabitant’s style and needs.
Back to today’s time capsule — Here are the stats:
- Price: $1,195,000
- Year built: 1932
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2.5
- Square footage: 1,708
And, oh, the history!
After Bernard Maybeck’s large family house on Buena Vista Way in Berkeley burned down in the 1923 fire, it was never rebuilt, nor did he build another large house for his family. Instead, over the following years, he and his family built several cottages, all in the same neighborhood, some on the site of his original house. Maybeck had purchased large parcels of land in the North Berkeley hills, and 2751 Buena Vista Way was one of two family houses, essentially the same design but arranged to fit the graceful bay view site. These homes were built during the Depression to keep his staff and craftsmen working.
Over the years, various family members moved in and out of their 8 different houses, all cottages or chalets except for “Hilltop” in Kensington. 2751 Buena Vista however, was the heart of the extended family, where Bernard and Annie lived for several years and to which Wallen, Jacomena and the twins eventually returned. It embodies many of Maybeck’s notions about what an ideal home should be; modest, free of adornment, well integrated into its site amidst the lush foliage and with views of the S.F.Bay.
The living room has a medieval quality with a contemporary twist: its high arched beam ceilings and floor to ceiling metal sash cathedral windows at either end, create drama, atmosphere and add light.
The oversized fireplace, as in all Maybeck’s houses, reflects his belief that it is “the living heart” and gathering place of the family. Hob seating flanks this 6 foot fireplace. Built-in seating performs an additional function of forming a barrier to the stairway, obscuring it and providing extra storage. His decorative use of structural elements, such as the beams, can be seen in many of the houses he designed. The many windows and French doors out to the decks, including one hanging on chains, extend the interior spaces outside and allow one to participate in the beautiful natural landscape, which he so loved. Watching the filtered light through the trees in the late afternoon in the bedroom with the hanging deck is magical.
It has a very intimate and romantic quality and sits on the corner of the private Maybeck Twin Drive and Buena Vista Way, a neighborhood steeped in Berkeley history, with houses designed by many notable architects, from William C Hayes, John Hudson Thomas and John Galen Howard to John Hans Ostwald, Gerald McCue and Robert Ratcliff. Dues for the Maybeck Twin Drive Homeowner’s association are currently $600 annually and the members meet twice a year.
Around 1940, when Bernard and Annie Maybeck were living here, a cooking fire charred the interior but did not destroy the house. Bernard used sandblasting to remove all the blackened areas and the knotty pine panels were replaced with plywood, “a new material’, which was dyed to match the beams. The 1” honey maple floors, laid in a diamond pattern, have a wonderful patina from this period of this restoration. The interior wooden posts, walls and doors all show the wood grain, heightened by the sandblasting.
Much work has been done in more recent years to all the systems, including roof, foundation, electrical, fireplace and a master bathroom, sensitively designed to fit the character of the home, was added. The beautiful landscaping has been enhanced to showcase the house tucked into its glorious site. It has an artist’s studio with western exposure, where Jacomena Maybeck, a ceramist, spent many hours, as well as a basement and garage. Attached are photos of Jacomena turning a pot in her studio and the twins when they were little girls.
“So many joyous gatherings, so many happy memories in this house,” says Bernard Maybeck’s twin granddaughters.
The listing does not say whether this black-and-white bathroom is original to 1932. The tiles appear to be mud-set and for sure, the sink and tub are vintage. If not 1930s, we’d guess 1950s, at the latest.
We think this is the two photos above are the master bedroom/bathroom addition referred to in the listing. Yup, the bedroom looks like it’s always been there. In the bathroom, we’re guessing the shower is verdigris-stained concrete (?), and that the sink is from Waterworks.
Mega thanks to Norah Brower, listing agent for this property for allowing us to share this magical house. Photos courtesy of Thomas Grubba Photography.
To learn more about the architectural work and legacy of Bernark Maybeck, start at the The Maybeck Foundation at maybeck.org.
Sandra says
Berkeley: often foggy, drippy, cold, as fog comes off the Pacific, over the San Francisco peninsula and/or through the Golden Gate (depending on altitude and wind). A clear, sunny day must make the views even more special.
Christa says
I think Berkeley is less foggy than SF but I suppose it depends on the neighborhood. More often than not it’s sunny and clear in the hills but foggy down in the flats.
tammyCA says
Amazing house…like being in a treehouse especially with that spectacular view. Always said I wanted to live in a treehouse (sigh)…and, with an art studio, too.
That’s how a hillside house should be built, not those hideous mile high newer gray cement boxy houses that you find in hills around here. Where is beauty anymore? The architects of the past were romantic, inspired artists…are there any today who will be remembered by name?
The diamond pattern of the wood floor is terrific…love diamond shapes.
Well, hopefully the next owners will buy it for what it is and not slap white paint all over the wood and put in industrial looking stuff and lose the earthiness & warmth. Sorry, but I just got my issue of Country Living mag and Corbin Bernsen’s 1940s ranch house is making me depressed…cold, cold, cold…cement, steel & so much grey. Can only wonder what charm it once held from the Golden era of the ’40s.
Robin, NV says
I can’t get over how modern the exterior looks but with a storybook twist. I love that red kitchen. Makes me wish I was brave enough to go with the red countertops.
You can see in one shot of the kitchen that the same black tiles from the bathroom were used a backsplash. Considering the 50s decor in the kitchen, I would guess the bathroom was redone at about the same time.
Laura's Last Ditch--Vintage Kitchenwares says
Yeah, I wanted a better view of the hob seating, too–to figure out what it is! I was disappointed the picture of Mrs. Maybeck and her twins in the ceramic studio wasn’t included in this post. Can you add it?
pam kueber says
We would need to ask permission. We assumed these were family photos, rather than those taken by the realty agency (for which we had permission).
Laura E. says
Not sure what “hob seating” is–I think they mean it’s an inglenook.
pam kueber says
ooooh, I love that word, “inglenook”. Thanks for reminding me!
Leslie says
Thanks for sharing the story of this remarkable house. It is my perfect dream home.
pam kueber says
You’re welcome!!
Angela says
Who needs additional adornment with that gorgeous wood grain and VIEW!
Jenny A. says
Kate, I agree with you. I would never leave the rooftop deck – that view! Oh my goodness. What a cool house.
Kate says
Yes, that’s one thing I miss as a ranch house owner — no rooftop decks! I suppose if my ranch was on the side of a mountain or something, I could get the same feeling, but alas, mine is on flat land. 🙂
Robin, NV says
There is a delightful little stone house in my neighborhood that has a rooftop patio. I suspect that under the stone is a typical small house from the 1940s but at some point a stone veneer was applied to the entire exterior and a stone staircase was built to access the rooftop patio. The stone is all local wonderstone and rhyolite (pinks, greens, oranges). I call it the Fruity Pebbles house. It’s a rental, maybe next time it’s vacant I’ll call the owner and see if I can get inside.
tammyCA says
Growing up there was an all stone house. Built all by the owner, an elderly immigrant. I remember he always seemed to be loading/unloading and building with his stones…he literally died “on the rocks” which was probably how he would have preferred to go.
pam kueber says
Hehe, the “Fruity Pebbles” house!
Jay says
I know what you mean but there’s nothing like summer time and being able to step out the back door into the yard.
Jenny A. says
Our ranch has a flat roof and my husband keeps saying he’s going to build a party deck up there, complete with hot tub and tiki bar, ha ha 😉
pam kueber says
We’re coming over!
lynda says
Just perfect. Seems like the family would have such a hard time letting this home go. So much history…If a house is done right from the start, it seems that the design does not become dated, just more lovely with age.
Jay says
kate, Great house! I would have thought the walls were true knotty pine, not stained plywood. Call this one English Baronial Modest. What a view! Thanks for sharing.