Tucked away at the end of a long driveway, almost entirely hidden from the street, 1245 Glen Avenue offers a rare opportunity to experience North Berkeley from an entirely different perspective. Set on approximately 17,000 square feet of lush, secluded grounds adjoining the historic Berkeley Rose Garden, this distinctive 1952 residence combines remarkable privacy, expansive outdoor living, and a fascinating connection to Berkeley’s architectural and cultural history.

The property unfolds as a private retreat, with mature trees, richly planted gardens, a swimming pool, cabana, and inviting outdoor patios. From a tiled deck overlooking the Rose Garden’s celebrated terraces, the setting feels worlds away from the city, yet North Berkeley’s shops, restaurants, parks, and cultural attractions remain close at hand.

The home’s main living level features three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, with a comfortable, understated character that reflects its mid-century origins. Expansive connections to the outdoors invite natural light and garden views into everyday life, while the surrounding grounds offer exceptional opportunities for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying Berkeley’s mild climate.

A separately accessed lower level provides additional living space, including a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. 

The home’s history is as distinctive as its setting. For more than four decades, it was the residence of Berkeley professors Julian & Zelda Boyd and their family. Their son, noted modernist designer Michael Boyd, grew up here and is credited with designing the property’s landscape, creating a compelling relationship between the private gardens and the historic public Rose Garden next door.

Since 2017, the current owners have invested substantially in the property’s essential infrastructure, including extensive electrical upgrades, underground utilities, solar panels with Tesla battery storage, updated heating systems, a replacement sewer lateral, and improvements to the pool and outdoor facilities. These investments provide a valuable foundation for the next owner’s vision, while the home’s interiors retain opportunities for further personalization.

With its extraordinary privacy, generous grounds, poolside living, distinctive history, and proximity to the best of North Berkeley, 1245 Glen Avenue is a property unlike any other – a secluded sanctuary woven into the landscape and history of one of Berkeley’s most beloved neighborhoods.

Home Energy Score = 10

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