If you were looking for an excuse to channel your inner goddess today, we have the perfect avenue for it, in the form of a spectacular architectural gem that oozes Old World sophistication — and brings a piece of Ancient Greece into the hills of Berkeley, California.
Known as the Temple of Wings, the impressive Greco-Roman-style villa was built in the early 1900s and was originally designed by legendary architect Bernard Maybeck.
A historic landmark and one of Berkeley’s most recognizable private homes, the imposing structure has a grand outdoor pavilion with 16 Corinthian columns that makes it look like it was plucked right out of the ancient Acropolis citadel in Athens, Greece.
The property is listed for $5,000,000 with Joel Goodrich of Coldwell Banker Realty, and Adrienne Krumins and Anian Pettit Tunney with The Grubb Company. And we’re here to give you a quick tour of the spectacular house and fill you in on its storied past.
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The Temple of Wings: One of Berkeley’s most unique homes
Now listed for the first time since 1992, the architecturally distinct home known as the Temple of Wings is located in the La Loma Park neighborhood at 2800 Buena Vista Way.
With both South and East gardens, a stately exterior, views overlooking the Bay Area’s biggest landmarks, and carefully revamped interiors — split into two separate wings — it’s one of Northern California’s most unique real estate offerings.
A mix of classical Greek and Roman architecture
The Temple of Wings was originally envisioned in 1911 by legendary architect Bernard Maybeck, who designed many of the Bay Area’s most treasured buildings.
Maybeck’s design was altered by the time the house was built a few years later, with A. Randolph Monro completing it in 1914. The house then burned down and had to be rebuilt a decade later, with its design undergoing further changes.
In its present form, the one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece borrows elements from both Roman and Greek classical architecture, with its dramatic façade featuring 16 soaring Corinthian columns.
Harks back to a time when Berkeley was known as the “Athens of the West”
Historically, the unique property served as the home and dance studio of Florence Treadwell Boynton, a famed artist, educator, and dancer.
“As a building, the Temple of Wings enhanced the interrelationship of art and daily life,” the Berkley Architectural Heritage Association’s website states, “symbolizing Berkeley’s reputation at the turn of the 20th century as the “Athens of the West.”
The house where modern dance was born
The house’s eccentric owner, Florence Treadwell Boynton, is remembered as “California’s chief exponent of rhythmic gymnastics,” and for promoting her “Open Air Motherhood” parenting philosophy that maximized children’s outdoor time. She was also a childhood friend and admirer of Isadora Duncan, an internationally famous dancer.
Credited as a main force in bringing interpretive dance to the mainstream, Isadora was a major inspiration for Boynton, who later educated generations of Berkeley children in the theories and techniques of the legendary dancer, with the lessons all taking place in her grand house.
It burned down to the ground in 1924
The house was destroyed in a 1923 fire, with only the reinforced concrete Corinthian-style columns surviving the blaze. But Mrs. Boynton had it rebuilt around the original columns.
So while the present two-story house isn’t necessarily a faithful replica of the original, it was constructed within the framework of the original columns.
Now owned by a Getty heir
In 1994, billionaire oil heir Gordon Getty and his wife Ann purchased the century-old Berkeley house. Gordon Getty is the fourth child of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, for whom the Getty Museum is named. The J. Paul Getty Trust, his eponymous art foundation (which also operates the museum), is the world’s wealthiest art institution.
Ann and Gordon Getty heavily restored the century-old home
Under the Getty family’s stewardship, the house was painstakingly restored and furnished with fine and decorative arts that honored the rich eclecticism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, according to past coverage.
The house is divided into two wings
Spanning 3,991 square feet of living space, the house has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 2 half baths, 2 entertaining spaces, and a library/den. It’s split into a North and South Wing that span the house’s two levels.
Large living areas in both wings
There are two large living areas, one in each wing of the house, with the North Wing also containing a large chef’s kitchen with upscale appliances.
A primary suite with a skylight
Also set in the North Wing is the serene primary suite, which features 3 separate balconies that overlook the San Francisco Bay.
See also: This historic home off Lombard St. has some of the best views in all of San Francisco
The primary bath has cathedral ceilings
Another standout space in the house is the supremely elegant primary bathroom. The wood-clad bathroom has cathedral ceilings (with a skylight), a marble fireplace, a floating marble bath, and a separate walk-in shower.
The entertaining pavilion is the home’s most striking feature
But the space that truly sets the Temple of Wings house aside is its grand entertainment pavilion framed by its imposing Corinthian columns.
The double-story, open-air Roman pavilion is quite literally the heart of the home, offering access to the verdant outdoors and the two wings, and featuring a double staircase that leads up to a mezzanine level.
Unless you count the views
Though admittedly, the views might be an even bigger draw than the open-air pavilion. The Berkeley house enjoys dramatic views encompassing the Oakland and San Francisco
Skylines, the Berkeley Marina, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The landmark home is on the market for $5M
Recognized as a historic landmark and listed in the California State Historic Resources Inventory, the Temple of Wings is truly a trophy property.
And for $5 million, one lucky buyer will get to add a piece of Berkeley architectural history to their collection. Wondering who that lucky buyer might be? As are we — so we’ll make sure to keep an eye out on this one and update you as soon as it finds its newest resident.
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