A storied mansion in Berkeley that recalls the grandeur of early 20th-century architecture, 7361 Claremont Ave., is back on the market, listed at $2.199 million. The brick residence, fashioned with a nod to the castles of Europe, comprises multiple levels, stone stairways, and an intricate network of rooms and hidden fireplaces. Notably, the house also pays homage to its rumored history with a decorative nod to its Prohibition-era background, boasting a wall of Prohibition-era bottles in its garden.
The home's unique features, documented by listing agent Sante Sandhu of Luxe Real Estate, include five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and modern renovations like an updated kitchen. Nevertheless, Sandhu conveyed, in an interview with SFGATE, that it maintains its antique charm, adorned with connecting staircases, keystone arches, and fireplace bricks graced with century-old horseshoes. Sandhu also stated that the property has entitlements for two additional accessory dwelling units (ADUs). However, the current configuration includes a primary home and separate nanny quarters or caretaker cottage.
This hillside property was initially constructed for the prominent Biedenbach family at the outset of the 1900s. Over the years, it transitioned from a singular mansion into a five-plex with two extra dwellings. It has since been reverted in part to its original form as a single-family dwelling, according to Zillow’s listing. A lower level, at one time part of the mansion’s grand design, is currently serving as a rental space.
Setting it apart from neighboring properties on Claremont, the castle-like estate bears a facsimile to no other structures on the boulevard, a fact that nationally recognized architect and Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association member Jerri Holan noted in a past discussion. "7361 Claremont is a unique and beautifully intricate brick construction dissimilar to any other structure on Claremont, clearly built with extreme skill and preserved with care," Holan commented, as recounted by Sandhu to SFGATE. The property provides 10 bedrooms and five bathrooms across 6,532 square feet, appealing to buyers drawn by its combination of historical character, space, and the potential for additional development.
Beyond the interior's rich tapestry of architectural details, the exterior presents terraced landscaping interwoven with ivy and sequestered gardens that stretch upwards from the streetscape. As described on SFGATE, the mansion is optimally situated, offering proximity to the Claremont Club & Spa, UC Berkeley, and Garber Park and access to the amenities in the Claremont, Elmwood, and Rockridge neighborhoods. Whether the mansion catches the eye of a history aficionado or captures the heart of a connoisseur of fine architecture, 7361 Claremont Ave. represents a rare piece of Berkeley's history packaged in a modern living space.
