One of the Quirkiest Homes in Berkeley Just Hit the Market for $1.2M

Late musician Charles MacDermed set out to build a different kind of dwelling in 1970s—and the unfinished house recently listed for the first time.
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Location: 1112 & 1110 Sterling Avenue, Berkeley, California

Price: $1,189,000

Year Built: 1974

Footprint: 1,800 square feet

Lot Size: 0.15 acres

From the Agent: "This unique building concept by late owner, artist, and composer Charles MacDermed—but alas, never fully realized—soars in the Berkeley Hills. The owner described it as ‘a nest cupped aloft to the open air and light protected by perfect geometry.’ It’s substantial in its current steel structure, and you could add your own equally interesting and visionary designs by repurposing what is a very dynamic living area. The top floor has voluminous space and light, lending itself to a modern, open living plan while the middle and bottom levels and extensive outdoor deck allow you to create your private life among interior and exterior art and beauty. The sale includes two parcels, giving the buyer the opportunity to secure ample privacy or to build. This listing marks the first time the property has ever surfaced the market."

Perched in the heart of Berkeley Hills, the unfinished home overlooks the Bay Area and is located just a 30-minute drive from San Francisco. 

Perched in the heart of Berkeley Hills, the unfinished home overlooks the Bay Area and is located just a 30-minute drive from San Francisco. 

One of the Quirkiest Homes in Berkeley Just Hit the Market for $1.2M - Photo 2 of 5 -
MacDermed planned to transform the top level into an open music studio.

MacDermed planned to transform the top level into an open music studio.

One of the Quirkiest Homes in Berkeley Just Hit the Market for $1.2M - Photo 4 of 5 -
"Charles MacDermed has achieved, almost singlehandedly, a highly admirable, if yet unfinished, work of unsurmountable vitality and richness," notes Bay Area architect William J. Schwarz, AIA. "His Sterling Avenue house is a supreme and precious accomplishment deserving of respect and reverence as a manifestation of one person’s inspired vision."

"Charles MacDermed has achieved, almost singlehandedly, a highly admirable, if yet unfinished, work of unsurmountable vitality and richness," notes Bay Area architect William J. Schwarz, AIA. "His Sterling Avenue house is a supreme and precious accomplishment deserving of respect and reverence as a manifestation of one person’s inspired vision."

1112 & 1110 Sterling Avenue in Berkeley, California, are currently listed together as is for $1,189,000 by Gerry Bakalian of East Bay Property. All offers are due by August 23rd.

Dwell Staff
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