On a cul-de-sac in the Berkeley/Oakland hills behind the historic Claremont Hotel, this distinctive light-filled 3+ bedroom, 2 ½ bath contemporary on approximately ½ acre was architect designed by David Quillin for the current owners to maximize views of the surrounding trees and gardens. This architecturally intriguing home is close to shopping and transportation but far enough from the hustle of modern day life to provide a private and serene sanctuary.

Flooded with natural light, the main living level showcases a dramatic foyer and an open floor plan with easy flow between the living room, kitchen, dining room, family room, master bedroom suite and the lush outdoors. Maple floors compliment French doors, abundant windows and 5 skylights to provide an inviting ambiance.

The living room features a mélange of windows adding architectural interest while filling the room with light and views of the grounds. Two sets of stylish Blomberg French doors open to a wraparound deck that is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the flowering Mediterranean garden with stone patio. A stone path from the living room deck connects to a deck off the dining room. French doors in the cheerful dining room open to this deck for easy outdoor living, dining and entertaining.

Buyers in search of unique design will appreciate the splendid kitchen with soaring ceiling, McIntyre handcrafted tile counters, Décor gas range, Miele dishwasher, Shaker style maple cabinetry, under cabinet lighting, generous cabinet and storage space and a pantry closet that has doubled as a bar.

A wall of windows over the sink and counter display views of the back garden and hillside landscaped with native and Mediterranean drought-tolerant, low maintenance plants such as Manzanita, poppy huckleberry, ferns, wild iris, redbud, madrone and lavender, to name a few. The focal point of the kitchen is a cluster of clerestory windows on the tall walls above the kitchen counters that create a spectacular display of light.

Conveniently located near the kitchen and dining room, the family room features 5 windows of different sizes and heights that capture the luxuriant setting. A generous half bathroom off the entry hall has a spacious vanity and handcrafted tile counter. The laundry is disguised behind louvered wood doors.

Completing the main living level is the master bedroom retreat that showcases a view of the Mediterranean garden, a wall of closets, including one for linens and a bathroom with double sinks, a shower over the tub, tile floor and tub surround and McIntyre handcrafted tile counter.

A custom metal handrail enhances the stairway to the lower level where there are two bedrooms, one bathroom with shower over the tub and tile counter, floor and tub surround. Double glass doors from the hall lead to a third room, currently used as home office that has a separate access to the backyard. This room could be used as a den or guest/au pair room. There is a large storage closet under the stairs and direct access to the over-sized two-car attached garage.

Additional features include: Most of interior recently painted in decorator colors; maple or tile floors throughout; dual pane Blomberg windows and doors; McIntyre handcrafted tile counters in the kitchen and bathrooms; Parex tinted tri-color stucco exterior; recently refinished living room, dining room and kitchen floors; recessed lighting; delightful lighting fixtures; entry closet, fenced yard, washer, dryer and refrigerator are included; convenient Claremont Heights location with access to Elmwood, Rockridge and Montclair shopping, cafes and transportation; Berkeley mailing address; Oakland municipality (property taxes, schools, etc); built in 1998; on the market for the first time.

The RealQuestProfessional Property Detail Report indicates that the house has 2355 square feet and the lot size is .56 acre (24,208 square feet). The square footage figures have not and will not be verified by the sellers or listing agent.

This information was supplied by the sellers and/or other sources. Broker believes this information to be correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction.