Architecture Wednesday: House of Balconies

You’ll almost feel as though you’ve stepped back in time when you enter this home in the Lafayette hills, a phenomenal split-level five-bedroom, three-bathroom luxury home built by renowned Mid-Century Modern architect Robert Klemmedson in 1959. This quintessential Mad Men-era masterpiece has been carefully restored to its modernist glory and is hitting the market for the first time in 60 years.

Known as “The House of Balconies” by when it was built, the home boasts soaring vaulted ceilings and expansive walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and multitude of decks and balconies that frame dramatic views of Mt. Diablo and vineyards dotting distant Lafayette hillsides.

The 3,170-square-foot house sits on a very private half-acre surrounded by mature oak, pine, and bay trees and features original slate floors with radiant heat, mahogany paneled walls, a sunken conversation pit next to a two-sided copper fireplace for sipping martinis, exposed beam ceilings, and multiple sliding glass doors that open onto decks and patio surrounding the pool.

Klemmedson’s architecture celebrates our connection to nature and geography; in this home he married indoor and outdoor spaces by extending a limestone wall from the Zen-like entryway into the living room’s stunning floor-to-ceiling stone wall and out again towards the backyard pool.

Known for his creative use of space, Klemmedson cantilevered the primary bedroom dramatically over the living room, creating a romantic interior balcony. This spacious suite includes a dressing room and serene bathroom with a sunken step-in shower, emerald fired tile, and lush views through vast windows and opens to a curved redwood deck with stairs leading down to the pool.

The home’s other bedrooms occupy a separate wing with its own staircase and cantilevered landing. Below this family bedroom wing, you'll find the den, game room/study, and bright laundry room.

The kitchen is substantially larger than many kitchens of the era and has been updated with high-end appliances, stone counters, and cabinetry. Designer features were added for today’s homeowners who love entertaining, including a peninsula bar with seating, a copper sink, wine refrigerator and a kitchen-to-patio pass-through is fitted with folding glass windows.

The backyard oasis also boasts a gas firepit, freshly laid lawn, the pool and those views and can be yours for a hair under $3M.

Dwell