'Bay Regional' East Bay Gem

Here's a very special home in which, at twilight, "you can see through the house like a glass box," says listing agent Michele McKay of Coldwell Banker. "It's definitely about volume, space, and lightness…a comforting kind of home where you want to throw yourself down on the sofa and read a book."

Presented for the very first time since it was built in 1962, this mid-century gem is perched in the trees above Berkeley's 'Temple of the Wings,' a serene spot with views across San Francisco Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais.

Designed by architect Myra Brocchini in the Bay Regional architectural style, 3025 Buena Vista Way in Berkeley is listed by McKay at $1,950,000.

"It's a lovely home, and even if it didn't have the views, a very interesting one," says McKay, who trained with the home's architect in years prior to entering the real estate field.

"Though it's not a huge house, it has a big-house feel," she says, noting its "progressive design for the time, featuring high ceilings, extensive volume and space, with expanses of vertical glass and clerestory windows to maximize views and bring in natural light."

Two bedrooms, three full baths, and six decks fill the 2,610 square feet of living area on a 14,810-square-foot double lot. The main floor is upstairs, and designed to frame its panoramic views.

A wide entry gallery leads to spacious living areas and multiple deck levels. On the first floor you come into a broad gallery from the front door. Immediately on the left and right are two bedrooms, each with a bathroom and doors to the side garden and deck.

Heading to the right leads to an open kitchen with a dining area, and three decks off of that area. "You're basically walking around a central fireplace into the living room," McKay adds.

"If you go to the left, you access three decks from the living room, which has the view side to the Bay and Golden Gate, Sausalito, Angel Island, Tam, Richmond, the bridge, up to Novato," McKay says, "a very broad view that includes the City."