Timeless Appeal

White-washed oak plank flooring, a seamless kitchen and great room, and windows galore add to the appeal of this mid-century modern home.

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This mid-century modern Skyline home fits an active lifestyle to a T.

In the latter seasons of Mad Men, Don Draper’s period-perfect Manhattan penthouse played a leading role. Had the troubled ad man made his way to Northern California long enough to discover the charms of the Bay Area, fans might have gotten another season, and the mid-century modern home at 6130 Skyline Blvd. would have landed the part.

Built in 1959 by Berkeley architect Robert Ratcliff, this masterpiece is uniquely situated on a flat three-quarter-acre parcel of land along the eastern side of Skyline. With its expanse of windows, beamed and vaulted ceilings, and signature blend of interior and exterior space, it’s the kind of home mid-century modern enthusiasts lose their minds over.

“I have a small following for mid-centuries and contemporary homes,” said Sotheby International Realty’s agent Anthony Cassel. “When I find one of this caliber, I do a lot of early marketing outside of the Bay Area metro. Prospective buyers come from all over.

The four-bedroom, three-bath 3,300-square-foot home underwent a renovation in the 1990s to add a second floor. The addition, designed by one of Ratcliff’s understudies, moved the master suite upstairs, increasing square footage and privacy, while remaining indiscernibly true to the original concept.“This home is unique because of its level space. Most hillside homes have to make do with decks for outdoor living,” said Cassel. “Homes in locations like this have timeless, international appeal.”

However, at nearly 60 years old, the near pristine home needed some updating.

Working with Gary Sabre of Nurture Source and Ryan Bucko Design, mid-century modern renovation specialists, Cassel’s team removed an L-shaped bookcase surrounding the original kitchen—a dark, cramped, and strictly utilitarian space. The re-imagined kitchen now opens to the great room, separated by a period-perfect slatted wood screen that adds visual interest and structural support.“We didn’t want to destroy or detract from Ratcliff’s design,” said Cassel. “Instead, we sought to improve upon a few things, while staying true to the design and period.”

Renovations to the home also included removing the original, unrevivable wooden parquet floors and carpets, replaced with new oak hardwood. Stained a unique white wash, the distinctive wide plank flooring unifies flow throughout the house.

“I envision an active couple, whose children are grown, who love to hike or mountain bike, living here,” said Cassel. “That’s the demographic that’s been interested in this home.”Then, there’s the view. Framed by a forest of trees, the home’s great room, grounds, and patio space feature picture-postcard views of San Francisco Bay. Secluded and private, the home is minutes from Montclair, Piedmont Avenue, and College Avenue shopping districts and close to a number of East Bay Regional parks. The best of both worlds, to be sure.

Or this scenario: Don Draper reunites with Megan, purchases the Ratcliff, opens an agency in Oakland, quits smoking, joins AA, and buys a couple of mountain bikes. It’s all downhill from there.

The tree-shrouded home is sleek, flowing, and open, with inspring views. It feels secluded yet is close to retail hubs.
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