Berkeley Hills Realty

Set high above Tilden Park’s lush canyon, this extraordinary retreat blends architectural beauty with immersive natural surroundings. Built in 1978 and reimagined by acclaimed sculptor Rob Firmin, it is a private mountain lodge among the treetops, where expansive views and abundant natural light create a sense of serenity just minutes from the Bay Area’s cultural and culinary amenities.

Firmin’s renovation opened walls, expanded sightlines, and strengthened connections between living spaces, resulting in a home that feels both intimate and expansive. Nearly every room is oriented toward the canyon, with soaring hawks, rustling trees, and ever-changing light becoming part of daily life.

The dramatic living room is anchored by a monumental stone fireplace beneath vaulted wood ceilings and skylights that flood the space with natural light. The adjacent chef’s kitchen combines luxury appliances, including a Café French-door double wall oven and five-burner gas cooktop, with richly veined stone countertops and generous workspaces designed for effortless entertaining.

The dining area captures breathtaking canyon views, and the deck beckons outdoor dining or morning coffee. Three of the home’s five bedrooms enjoy direct access to canyon-facing decks. On the lower level, a bedroom opens to a secluded deck with a hot tub overlooking the tranquil landscape.
The primary suite is stunningly unique, featuring luminous alabaster double sinks, a spacious walk-in shower, and exquisite custom tilework highlighted by an illuminated alabaster and marble floor medallion.

A standout feature is the remarkable artist’s studio, originally designed as Firmin’s personal workspace. Inspired by Nordic design traditions and historic artist ateliers, the studio features soaring ceilings, large north-facing skylights, solar-spectrum lighting, expansive display walls, a deep work sink, and oversized folding doors that allow large-scale projects to move seamlessly between indoors and out. Canyon views and spectacular reverse sunsets inspire any professional.

Practical amenities include abundant storage, solar panels, an EV charger, and energy-efficient mini-split heat pumps. A gentle ramp provides convenient level-in access, while a separate exterior entrance and lower-level access offer flexibility for multigenerational living, guests, or potential ADU conversion.

It’s a home that allows its residents an escape while enjoying the very best of all that the Bay Area has to offer.

642 Beloit Ave, Kensington
5 Bedrooms
2.5 Baths
2,330 Sq Ft
Listed at $1,495,000

Tracy Sichterman
#01205767

Linda Van Couvering
#01417020

642 Beloit Avenue, Kensington presented by Tracy Sichterman and Linda Van Couvering 642 Beloit Avenue, Kensington, CA 94708, Presented by Tracy Sichterman and Linda Van Couvering

Private Open House in Kensington, Send Your Buyers!
We are having a private open house This Sunday, June 14th from 2:00-4:00, despite the nearby road construction. Send your artist clients! It has arguably the best art studio in the Bay Area. The space would offer a great office for any profession, or even (gasp!) a fancy garage.

642 Beloit Avenue, Kensington
5 Bedrooms
2.5 Baths
2,330 Sq Ft (measured)
$1,495,000

Tracy Sichterman #01205767
Linda Van Couvering #01417020

642 Beloit Ave

Immaculate Walter Dixon "Modest Mansion". Renowned Bay Area architect Walter Dixon designed many storybook-style homes in 1928 as an hopeful optimistic counter to post-WW1 sentiment.
1915 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Berkeley
6 Bedrooms
4.5 Baths
4,420 Sq Ft (measured)
$2,350,000
Listed by Romney O'Connell #01468613

1915 Thousand Oaks Blvd Berkeley CA 94707 | Active Immaculate Walter Dixon "Modest Mansion". Renowned Bay Area architect Walter Dixon designed many storybook-style homes in 1928 as an hopeful optimist

Sunny and So Walkable!
Charming Berkeley bungalow in an unbeatable location just moments from Solano Avenue. This sweet home features beautiful hardwood floors, great natural flow, and a warm, welcoming feel throughout.
~
858 Neilson Street, Berkeley
2 Bedrooms
1 Bath
Plus cottage with 1/2 bath
$899,000
~
Listed by Romney O'Connell #01468613 and Soren O'Connell #02132262
~
More at

858 Neilson Street, Berkeley presented by Romney O'Connell and Soren O'connell 858 Neilson Street, Berkeley, CA 94707, Presented by Romney O'Connell and Soren O'connell

Sunny, vibrant, and full of charm, this Mediterranean-style residence in the Albany flats offers timeless character and rare flexibility with a fully permitted detached ADU. Rich in color, lush gardens, and preserved original details, this home lives beautifully inside and out.
~
1059 Talbot Ave, Albany
3 Bedrooms
3 Baths
1,981 Sq Ft
$1,350,000
~
Listed by Tracy Sichterman #01205767 and Mykah Larkins #01380576
~
More at

1059 Talbot Ave Albany CA 94706 | Active Sunny, vibrant, and full of charm, this Mediterranean-style residence in the Albany flats offers timeless character and rare flexibility with a fully