1309 Arch St, Berkeley

The "First Bay Region" refers to a unique architectural style that flourished in the San Francisco Bay Area from approximately 1880 to the early 1920s. Also known as the First Bay Tradition or San Francisco Bay Region Tradition, it was a regional interpretation of the Eastern Shingle Style, characterized by a link to nature, the use of redwood, and a focus on craftsmanship and asymmetry

Today we feature an intriguing First Bay Region home designed by Paul Needham. It boasts an unusual combination of plaster with half timbering and shingles at the exterior and even more surprises inside. Needham is not particularly well known today, but he was a member of the influential Hillside Club in Berkeley along with Maybeck and Keeler and the others. He was nearly kicked out of the group at one point because he was erecting temporary houses in the hills to allow poor people to live in nicer environs. It was a fairly progressive idea at the time that was not appreciated by the other members.

Needham’s homes were never typical craftsman affairs and this one is no exception. The detailing inside is highly creative with a combination of box beams and board and batten on the ceilings. It is a great example from one of our lesser known Bay Region designers.

Exceptional Arts & Crafts work of art designed by Paul Needham in the First Bay Region architectural style, circa 1908. Old growth redwood beamed ceilings, board and batten walls, a hand tooled copper fireplace, leaded windows, built in cabinetry and benches, finely crafted woodwork and an intentional nod to asymmetry set this home apart. San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate bridge views provide a sense of connection to the larger region, while the expansive gardens ground the home in Berkeley’s natural beauty. Retaining its original character, the home has also been carefully brought into the 21st century with important structural upgrades including a replaced foundation, plumbing, electrical and heating upgrades. Quality remodeling over the years including the kitchen and bathrooms, plus a lovely and spacious lower level for guests, home office or extended family. Close to the famed North Shattuck gourmet corridor, favorite parks, trails, downtown Berkeley and easy access to transportation options.