Location: Berkeley, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA (Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose Airports;) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Den, 3 Baths (Sleeps 6)
Keywords: Home
This family-friendly Julia Morgan designed classic home on a two acre estate adjacent to UC Berkeley fields, hillside and forest was built for the MacFarlane family in the 1920s. The generously appointed three plus bedroom, three bath home was described by Morgan's biographer, Sara Boutelle, as the Berkeley architect's hidden masterpiece.
The stunning view of downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate bridge and southern Marin County from the vantage point of the veranda of the finest estate on Panoramic Hill is surpassed only by the quiet charm of the solidly built home with its fascinating nooks and crannies.
The house was built in typical Morgan style, with generous sized rooms, sturdy redwood beams and large, solid windows allowing a magnificent light to fill the well appointed space. Outside, Morgan's design included sturdy trellises overhung with scented wisteria to complete the sense of space, with cobbled walkways, rock gardens, ponds and mighty redwoods as part of the estate living
Set on a natural, gently sloping, transition in the woods on Panoramic Hill the property has a creek running through it with a bridge and path leading to a beautiful hillside estate view of the San Francisco Bay. Wild turkeys, deer, a flock of wild band tailed pigeons and migrating birds co-inhabit the estate, and yet you are only a few blocks away from the University as well as shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Higher up the hill there are miles of hiking and running trails.
The house also has a private garden in a fenced yard. It has had modifications to make it more comfortable yet it retains the charm of an older home living.
The owners have preserved the integrity of Morgan's design by keeping the original butcher block counters in the kitchen, as well as the spacious pantry, but the kitchen has been updated with new appliances and the home has recently been redecorated. The kitchen comes fully stocked with pots, pans, dishware, and cutlery.
There is also a formal dining room and living room with cathedral ceilings and a full San Francisco Bay view framed by California native oaks.
The upper floor has three bedrooms, and a den. Each bedroom has its own separate bath. The upper garden bedroom has a queen sized bed and den, with separate entrance.
There is a very roomy master bedroom/sitting room with a king sized bed and bath. The third suite has a small bedroom with twin sized trundle bed (pull out bed underneath) and a living room with two sofa/beds.
There is central (forced air) heating, Wi-Fi hi-speed internet,washer/dryer. No cable TV sorry! It's a retreat from all that. The Pacific Film Archives and Berkeley's many movie theaters and theatres are walking distance.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Gas Fireplace
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Jetted Tub in Bath
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Ocean View
- Water View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Hiking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$350/$450 day. $2100/$2800 week. Discount w/3 month+ rental. Long term preferred.
Separate charge for parties,weddings, receptions. $150 cleaning fee.
Higher rates for holiday rentals (May through September) and major holidays.
We prefer checks. 3.5% credit card charge.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Julia Morgan House in the Berkeley Hills
Year Purchased: 1974
Why the Owner Chose Berkeley
Set in the Berkeley hills, it is both urban and rural.
The Unique Benefits at this House
It is a serene retreat while being totally accessible to UC Berkeley and the city.
Great running trails in the hills that connect to Tilden Park and Claremont Canyon
Owner's Map of Berkeley
Tom and Nhu Miller have lived in this property with their extended family since 1974. Tom is a lawyer in Oakland. Nhu was a journalist and consultant to Atlantic Philanthropies in Ha noi. They divide their time between Berkeley and Ha noi and other parts of the world, developing projects for their non-profit organization, Green Cities Fund.
Property Photos
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- Living Room - Berkeley Vacation Home with Wi-Fi; View of Downtown & Golden Gate Bridge; Close to Biking & Hiking Trails
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- Dining area - Berkeley Vacation Home with Wi-Fi; View of Downtown & Golden Gate Bridge; Close to Biking & Hiking Trails
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- Upper foyer - Berkeley Vacation Home with Wi-Fi; View of Downtown & Golden Gate Bridge; Close to Biking & Hiking Trails
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- Master bedroom
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- Upper garden bedroom
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- Upper garden
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- Rear living room and adjoining bedroom
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- Back bedroom
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- Kitchen and pantry
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- Master bedroom bath
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- Lower foyer
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- Our daily Turkeys
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- Sunset San Francisco Bay view
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- Night view of dining and living room areas
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- outdoor dining
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- the path to the garden
Traveler Reviews (11)
Great Berkeley experience!
Guest: Sarah
(Medford, OR)
Date of Stay: 10/22/10
Review Submitted: 10/25/10
It was a wonderful and beautiful home. I enjoyed our stay very much!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Beautiful and spacious house
Guest: Emily D.
(Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10
Review Submitted: 08/22/10
Great place to hang out with friends and family. The incredibly spacious living room is on the top floor which means you look out into the tree tops as well as getting a view of the Bay. Feels like a posh tree house. The art on the walls is wonderful - food for the soul and mind. The kitchen, while a little basic in its equipment, is easy to work in and connects directly with the large dining room and cozy outdoor dining area. The only drawback is that it's a bit of a hike (up hill) to get there from the shopping areas of Berkeley and the drive around hairpin turns is a bit challenging. However, there is off-street parking which is a big plus in this area. Very relaxing and warm space and very friendly and helpful hosts who live right next door. Highly recommended. We loved our time there and were sorry to have to leave. Emily D., Brooklyn, NY
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, age 55+.
Wonderful
Guest: Kris & Bob
(San Luis Obispo, CA )
Date of Stay: 12/11/09
Review Submitted: 08/10/10
This is a beautiful home in a beautiful location. A perfect place to get away and be close to the city as well. I would highly recommend this exceptionally clean and well appointed home. Tom and Nhu were very friendly and helpful.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Absolutely wonderful house, property, location, and owners
Guest: Cathy
(Baltimore, MD)
Date of Stay: 05/14/10
Review Submitted: 08/03/10
Our family had stayed in the Berkeley Hills before, so we knew how wonderful the views and setting were; however, this house was by far the most spectacular! It is a fantastic home to rent for any purpose--ours was for our daughters graduation from Berkeley--and it made the occasion so very special. Tom and Nhu are most hospitable and there to meet your every need! We so enjoyed the views we didn't want to leave the property--but Berkeley beckons with all it has to offer. The house is a great location for visitors to the college and we loved having the trails so close by. Truly a wonderful opportunity that this house is available to rent--beautifully maintained and so very comfortable in every way.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
Guest: Sally
(McMinnville, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/14/10
Review Submitted: 03/14/10
My four siblings and I were so delighted with our stay in Nhu and Tom's historic and beautiful home in the verdant hills of Berkeley. Morning coffee on the back terrace. A view of the sunset over the Bay from the living room. Supper in the cozy dining room near the fireplace. The house is spacious, bright, very clean, with a full kitchen, and lovely gardens. Loved our walked to the Botanical Gardens. It was absolutely perfect for our reunion, and Nhu and Tom are wonderful hosts, friendly and easy- going. We wished we could have stayed a lot longer than our 3 nights. Next time!
Recommended for:
Guest: Valentina Febres
(Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/14/10
Review Submitted: 03/14/10
The opportunity of getting a whole family together is priceless, and we were lucky to enjoy it even more because of the personal and dedicated treatment we received from the owners, from the very beginning doing the contract until following up with the stuff we left behind. The house is perfect for family gatherings, it's spacious and charming.
Recommended for:
Guest: Dale and Bob Israel
(Georgia)
Date of Stay: 03/04/10
Review Submitted: 03/04/10
I can't rave enough about our stay at the Julia Morgan House. The house is absolutely charming and the view over the city was gorgeous. Nhu (the owner) went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure we were comfortable. She really became a good friend. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this beautiful home...you'll love it!
Recommended for:
Guest: Bill Michel
(Bend, Or)
Date of Stay: 03/04/10
Review Submitted: 03/04/10
The is a wonderful home - like a tree house in the woods above the University, a beautiful view of the Bay with an easy walk to town. Very comfortable and social setup both in doors and outside. Gracious owner/hosts right next door if there are any questions.
Recommended for:
Julia Morgan House Berkeley
Guest: Marcy and Bob Colescott
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/05/09
Review Submitted: 12/09/09
We loved being here. The tranquility and spaciousness of your home refreshed our spirits. Your gracious touches made us feel welcome. Thank you for sharing your space, trees and turkeys.
Recommended for:
Julia Morgan House Berkeley
Guest: Liz Simmons
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/03/09
Review Submitted: 12/09/09
We inaugurated this lovely vacation home here in the Berkeley hills. Great place! Fantastic views and a huge improvement over hotel stays when we visit our son in Berkeley. It is one of the best and most fun places I have ever rented!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #258234
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