Timeless Mediterranean Villa Designed by Renowned Architect

Old World romance embodies this East Bay Mediterranean Villa in El Cerrito, California. Designed by renowned architect Clarence Tantau, the sprawling 4,400 square foot villa known as “Casa de las Flores” is perched on a level, half-acre lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Built-in 1927 for a prominent banking family, master craftsmanship is highlighted throughout the villa. Its many exquisite details are endless, from the finely finished plaster, hand-carved, and intricately patterned wood-beamed ceilings soaring nearly twenty feet high, the Italian carved travertine fireplace mantel, to the ornate, original lighting and hardware fixtures.
 
Tantau made a point of capturing San Francisco Bay views from nearly every room. Upon entering the villa through the grand foyer, the expansive formal living and dining rooms are connected through a light-filled central gallery and mahogany double doors. The villa’s H-shaped floorplan is centered around an interior courtyard and exquisite garden, ideal for entertaining and relaxation. The second level is accessed by a grand staircase, illuminated by a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind stained glass window. Here you will find three bedrooms, including the master suite and on-suite balcony overlooking the courtyard. The second master suite also accesses the courtyard from the ground floor. The villa’s allure is furthered by a library, home office/artist’s studio, a four-car tandem garage, multiple terraces, patios, and meandering paths through the established Mediterranean gardens. Welcome to your timeless paradise.