I loved getting to know this special house near Berkeley’s Solano Ave. Unlike most floor plans that are laid out in a linear fashion, this home has common rooms with mirror-image symmetry. The living room and dining room are given equal weight, each anchoring their own “wing,” connected by a sunny gallery. Each of the two common rooms enjoy the same south-western exposure, and each has a graceful arched window to capture ambient light. The effect of these two symmetrical spaces is to create an unusual feeling of spaciousness, and more than that, a sense of well-being. While we are rarely conscious of it, balanced spaces are naturally calming to most people, making us feel more grounded, oriented, and secure.
Notice the two symmetrical “wings”
The unusually wide arched window captures afternoon light and echoes the curve of the coved ceiling above.
This sunny gallery connects the two “wings.” This type of gallery may not be considered “functional” space by current standards, but it creates a wonderful fulcrum at the center of the symmetry.
The dining room is the mirror image of the living room. (Note that these are marketing images, posted on the Multiple Listings Service at the time of sale — not the new owners’ style.)
A message from the Buyers:
“We’ve been raving about Holly to everybody we know. It’s crazy how long we were trying to buy a house — then we found Holly on Yelp, and everything happened at lightning speed. From the first phone call, she was knowledgeable, thoughtful, strategic – an experienced problem-solver with a clear action plan. When we first met her in person at the house we wanted to buy, she came with her flashlight and began crawling under the building, checking the walls, going to all the places typical agents don’t even think to look. There were several competing bids, but Holly sealed the deal. She made everything so incredibly easy — working with her was awesome. She is 100% committed to your goals and making you happy. If you are looking for an honest, hard working, sharp and savvy and “on your side” agent, call Holly.”