Magical Tudor Revival Filled with Intrigue & Prestige | Incomparable Berkeley Hills View Home
Artists, designers, and architects have been inspired and busy at the much-loved 765 San Luis at every turn. It started with the inspired Tudor home designed by John K. Ballantine, which includes his signature beamed ceilings, multi-light windows, and elegant combination of open spaces and cozy nooks, and it continues to inspire with it’s massive outdoor decks and clear views of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and the bay.
The grand living room, over the decades, has inspired large family gatherings, short story readings and even accommodated a stage for intimate, full-production plays that filled the home with appreciative neighborhood audiences. A novel was written, and an acting career was launched in this home's marvelous history. The landscaping and gardens designed by Michel Mathieu and Kay Licina create a backdrop surround of lush greenery for a contemplative peaceful lifestyle, and act as a counterpoint to the magnificent views and vistas from the decks and hot tub.
The gracious kitchen is an elegant mix of old and new, with beautiful countertops, brick walls, beamed ceilings, and vintage touches. With easy flow out onto the large deck, outdoor entertaining against the backdrop of a sunset is essential.
Upstairs are 3 bedrooms and a sitting room, plus 2 bathrooms, all with multi-light windows and views or access to the outdoors. The master bedroom suite is complete with fireplace, reading nook, sitting room and master bath. The second bedroom walks out to a balcony overlooking the back yard, and the third bedroom is also en suite with views of the bay.
The back yard is beautifully bricked and feels lush and private. The cottage is a marvel of design and ingenuity, completely reimagined as a home office and guest quarters.
765 San Luis has been featured on tours, in books and many articles in various publications. It has been much loved by its owners and their fortunate guests as it sits comfortably nestled in the north Berkeley Hills overlooking the bay.
UPGRADES
Earthquake retrofit project, 1996
Back garden fountain installation, 1996
Kitchen deck and Hot tub deck replacement and expansion, 1997
Drip irrigation system installation, 2000
Front yard birdbath walkway and seating area, 2002
Back garden slot drain surface water diversion, 2006
Front yard rock wall reinforcement, 2006
Master bedroom deck expansion, 2012
Back garden french drain subsurface water diversion, 2013