Open Homes Photography
This California listing sure “angled” its way into an all-out bidding war.
A midcentury-modern home in the Berkeley Hills outside of San Francisco — and one designed by the locally prominent architect John Hans Ostwald — has sold for $1.6 million, marking a breathtaking increase that was more than double the listing’s asking price.
What’s more, the striking hexagonal residence, which asked $795,000 for sale, only spent two weeks on the market, The Post has learned.
Listed on Feb. 6, the property went into contract 14 days later, fetching 101% over the list price in a frenzy of buyer interest that saw more than 30 offers, 70 private showings, 300 inquiries and more than 1,000 visitors swarm its open houses.
Needless to say, the home’s explosive demand caught listing agent, Jodi Nishimura of Kai Real Estate, off guard.
“We knew that the [midcentury-modern] vibe and hexagon shape of the home would be interesting, but did not expect as many people to be drawn to the home,” she told The Post.
The listing kicked off with a brokers’ tour on Feb. 5, followed by a late-day open house where “people were in awe at the incredible sunset during the twilight hours.”
By the weekend, the Saturday open house burned through 100 brochures in just two and a half hours, while Sunday saw an unrelenting stream of visitors.
“One of our open houses counted over 300 people,” Nishimura said.
Priced as a “teaser” in a competitive East Bay market, the home’s allure among many prospective buyers stemmed from a perfect storm of factors, with Nishimura citing the ask, its design, its location and market conditions.
This architectural treasure, named the Foley House, was commissioned in 1963 by a dental hygienist who remained its sole owner until her recent passing.
Spanning 1,300 square feet, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence boasts panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County, all framed by its distinctive geometric design and pristine original features.
Exposed redwood rafters, refinished oak floors, a copper fireplace, and period details like grass cloth wallpaper and bubble lampshades have been meticulously preserved since its construction more than six decades ago.
Ostwald, a Berlin-born architect who transitioned from law to design, left his mark on the Bay Area with his Swiss-inspired functional aesthetic. Known for blending homes seamlessly with their natural surroundings, he collaborated with California luminaries like Richard Neutra, while also designing local landmarks such as the Bancroft Center and St. John’s Presbyterian Church.
“What dental hygienist can commission a home in Berkeley in this era?” Nishimura quipped, later adding, “It’s a very rare property. There are a bunch of [midcentury] homes in the area but this is one of the most unique.”
And it was a lure for many.
The buyer pool ranged widely, from “young professionals who are enamored with [midcentury] architecture” to architects and designers of all ages.
The winning bidder, who offered $1.6 million, had a personal connection to Ostwald’s work.
“The buyer fell in love with the architect by visiting a friend’s home designed by the same architect, so when this became available they really wanted [it],” Nishimura said.
The Berkeley Hills location didn’t hurt either, with neighbors like Robert Reich, the journalist Michael Pollan, and director Michael Lewis adding a touch of star power to the community.
All this said, and as for the broader market, Nishimura sees a resurgence.
“The luxury market in San Francisco is coming back strong. And top neighborhoods in the East Bay are doing very well,” she said. “There continues to be such a dearth of inventory and this is such a desirable place to live that competition remains fierce for the best homes.”