Luxury Living in the Elmwood Neighborhood of Berkeley
The home at 2914 Piedmont Avenue is a stunning fusion of 1920s architecture and 21st century concept and technology. The combination of design elements, use of sustainable and green materials, sophisticated color choices and luxurious amenities plus a walk-score of 97 out of 100 make this property an incredible value.
The concept for the house is elegant and uncluttered. The rich oak and mahogany detailing of the original 1922 house has been preserved.
The original architect devised a San Francisco style Ocean District home designed to draw maximum sunlight. There is a wall of windows that extends the full width of the graciously proportioned living room. The office and dining room are constructed as room-sized bays with windows on three sides for maximum sun exposure. The formal entry and the hall at the top of the stairs are spacious and light.
The gourmet kitchen is well designed for people who love to cook. There is a pot-filler spigot above the six-burner Viking range, concrete counters and deep stainless steel sinks. The cabinets are rift sawn oak and provide ample storage. The floors in the kitchen and baths in the main living area are heated, and timers can be set so floors are warm and inviting when you are ready for your coffee and shower.
A remote-controlled skylight with rain sensor floods the kitchen, hallway and stairs down to the family room and guest quarters with natural light and ventilation.
The spacious family room boasts space for TV viewing, pool table, game table and play area. The modern stained concrete floors for the family room, guest area, and laundry room are heated by a hydronic radiant heating system. French doors from the family room open to a landscaped garden area. The large and well-designed laundry room also doubles as an exercise room. There is a wall mounted TV, a Fisher & Paykel AquaSmart washing machine and dryer, a folding area plus ample storage. The current owners maintain a treadmill in this room.
On the first floor, Ethernet enters the house at the “media center,” which services the second floor office, first floor family room, and 2 bedrooms. There are no visible wires to complicate furniture arrangement. Wiring for surround sound speakers is offered in the family room, and integrated stereo speaker cables serve both the formal living room and kitchen.
Although a car is not a necessity in this convenient Elmwood location, there is an attached garage with interior access next to a large “mudroom” with plenty of storage. The garage is spacious enough for cars, storage and workshop.
This exquisite home won the People’s Choice Award for the Build It Green Tour in 2006 and has been featured as an example of a “green” remodel on local television.