Amazing Berkeley Compound - Page 2

Influenced by his unconventional upbringing, Judd Boynton developed an appreciation for art and dance. After traveling the world and serving in World War II, he bought up many nearby lots, on what is commonly known as Panoramic Hill, among them the Dwight Way property.

Boynton, inspired by architects Maybeck and Frank Lloyd Wright, and his own studies at the Sorbonne, "Judd became a major force in developing Panoramic Hill," the narrative continues. "He built, or had a hand in building many houses on the Hill, including the 3367-3455 Dwight Way compound, 3444 Dwight Way, 567 Panoramic Way, and most notably 701 Panoramic."

Salvaging beams from shipyards to use as columns, enormous glass windows for walls, and "concrete floors with radiant heat like the floors in the Temple, very different but clearly derivative."

Fulfilling his dream of living in one of the units, and renting the others to artists "who would share their musical and literary visions in warm conversations over cocktails" overlooking San Francisco Bay, Boynton is said to have entertained writers Aldous Huxley, Anais Nin, Henry Miller, and Theodora Kroeber; and directors Jean Renoir and John Huston. He rented houses to Cecil Brown, Arlene Blum, and Richard Cousins.

Boynton, according to the narrative, "believed that artists should live in houses that inspire their art, and they should inspire each other through their art, proximity to nature, and sense of community. He created this compound from that place in his heart."

An interesting story told by Boynton is that he built 3373, the rear house, "as a pied-a-terre for himself as he traveled back and forth to Puerta Vallarta during the filming of 'The Night of the Iguana,' frequently visiting [director[ John Huston's movie set." He later moved up the hill to 3455, and then to 701 Panoramic Way, a house he called 'Pegasus.'

The main house of the compound is a lovely mid-century 3,785-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 4-bath wood-and-glass structure featuring a fireplace, and hardwood floors throughout.

An enclosed garage is on-site, with abundant parking offering the possibility of parking an RV, and up to nine cars in uncovered spaces.

Two units can currently be shown, one a 2-bedroom, the other a studio. Gordon says, "It would be great for an owner who understands the spirit of the place to live in one of the units, and defray the mortgage costs with the rent."

For a virtual tour of this truly unique property, click here.