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Melanie Peterson-Katz

melanie@melaniesellshomes.com +1(925) 765-4444

Listed by Tracy Sichterman • Berkeley Hills Realty

$ 1,495,000

Est. payment | -/mo

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,330 SqFt

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$ 1,495,000

Est. payment | -/mo

Save Video Tour

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,330 SqFt

Key Details

Property Type Single Family Home

Sub Type Detached

Listing Status Coming Soon

Purchase Type For Sale

Square Footage 2,330 sqft

Price per Sqft $641

Subdivision Upper Kensington

MLS Listing ID 41137689

Bedrooms 5

Full Baths 2

HOA Y/N No

Year Built 1978

Lot Size 8,840 Sqft

Property Sub-Type Detached

Source Bridge AOR

Property Description

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.

Location

State CA

County Contra Costa

Interior

Heating Heat Pump, Wall Furnace, Fireplace(s)

Cooling Heat Pump

Flooring Engineered Wood

Fireplaces Number 1

Fireplaces Type Gas, Living Room, Stone

Fireplace Yes

Window Features Skylight(s)

Appliance Dishwasher, Double Oven, Gas Range, Plumbed For Ice Maker, Refrigerator, Dryer, Washer, Gas Water Heater

Laundry Dryer, Gas Dryer Hookup, Laundry Room, Washer, Inside, Upper Level

Exterior

Garage Spaces 2.0

Pool None

View Canyon, Hills, Panoramic

Private Pool false

Building

Lot Description Sloped Down, Wood

Story 3

Foundation Pillar/Post/Pier, Earthquake Braced

Water Public

Architectural Style Custom

Others

Special Listing Condition Standard

© 2026 BEAR, CCAR, bridgeMLS. This information is deemed reliable but not verified or guaranteed. This information is being provided by the Bay East MLS or Contra Costa MLS or bridgeMLS. The listings presented here may or may not be listed by the Broker/Agent operating this website.

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Melanie Peterson-Katz

Partner | Lic# 00890767

melanie@melaniesellshomes.com

+1(925) 765-4444

3390 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA, 94549, USA

642 Beloit Ave Kensington, CA 94708

Melanie Peterson-Katz

Key Details

Location

Interior

Exterior

Building

Others

Nearby Locations

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642 Beloit Ave