Places We Go : A Willis Polk House in Berkeley
Are you a looky-loo? I sure am! I love going to open houses looking for decorating ideas. Of course, since the pandemic, I'm an online looky-loo and I've been keeping my eye on this house, now reduced by $2M. Two million dollars? Yep, 2 million.
It's a 1925 Willis Polk designed house in Berkeley, CA. A most favored architect, synonymous with the Bay Area, Willis Polk(1867-1924) designed many Bay Area landmarks including the Filoli Estate.
This Berkeley house is a 6 bed / 7-1/2 bath in 9,857 square feet sitting on almost an acre. The reduced listing price is $10,000,000. Yep, 10 million. Let's take a look.
As the real estate broker states, "an unexpected delight to find an impeccable private estate with modern amenities in the middle of Berkeley. This romantic Mediterranean has been thoroughly enhanced and renovated to address today’s demand for energy efficiency, technology and privacy." Wow!
A welcoming front entryway in the California Romantic style.
The living room arched doorway opens to the gardens.
Perfection : original beams, ceiling decor, loads of french doors.
Original frieze on the fireplace and arched doors.
An extra large library.
An attic space turned into a quilter's workroom with light aplenty.
Enough workspace for any hobbyist.
Oh, what have we here? Have to say, not fond of this "science-lab" kitchen but I l do love the outdoor eating space. Is the kitchen why this house hasn't sold in almost 8 months? What would Willis Polk say? Guessing he would encourage modern updates but what about keeping with the house's personality? Well, that's the fun of touring homes as a looky-loo, we're all entitled to our opinion. Hey, what do you think?
PS We watched a sweet movie this week. Five Floors Up (Netflix) with Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman. Life as a real estate agent (briefly in the early 90's in San Francisco) came flooding back!
For more information on 22 Roble Rd, Berkeley, CA :
photos : 22 Robles : the grubb company
