642 Beloit Ave, Kensington, CA 94708

$1,495,000

Set high above Tilden Park’s lush canyon, this extraordinary retreat blends architectural beauty with immersive natural surroundings. Built in 1978 and reimagined by acclaimed sculptor Rob Firmin, it is a private mountain lodge among the treetops, where expansive views and abundant natural light create a sense of serenity just minutes… Read More from the Bay Area’s cultural and culinary amenities. Firmin’s renovation opened walls, expanded sightlines, and strengthened connections between living spaces, resulting in a home that feels both intimate and expansive. Nearly every room is oriented toward the canyon, with soaring hawks, rustling trees, and ever-changing light becoming part of daily life. The dramatic living room is anchored by a monumental stone fireplace beneath vaulted wood ceilings and skylights that flood the space with natural light. The adjacent chef’s kitchen combines luxury appliances, including a Café French-door double wall oven and five-burner gas cooktop, with richly veined stone countertops and generous workspaces designed for effortless entertaining. The dining area captures breathtaking canyon views, and the deck beckons outdoor dining or morning coffee. Three of the home’s five bedrooms enjoy direct access to canyon-facing decks. On the lower level, a bedroom opens to a secluded deck with a hot tub overlooking the tranquil landscape. The primary suite is stunningly unique, featuring luminous alabaster double sinks, a spacious walk-in shower, and exquisite custom tilework highlighted by an illuminated alabaster and marble floor medallion. A standout feature is the remarkable artist’s studio, originally designed as Firmin’s personal workspace. Inspired by Nordic design traditions and historic artist ateliers, the studio features soaring ceilings, large north-facing skylights, solar-spectrum lighting, expansive display walls, a deep work sink, and oversized folding doors that allow large-scale projects to move seamlessly between indoors and out. Canyon views and spectacular reverse sunsets inspire any professional. Practical amenities include abundant storage, solar panels, an EV charger, and energy-efficient mini-split heat pumps. A gentle ramp provides convenient level-in access, while a separate exterior entrance and lower-level access offer flexibility for multigenerational living, guests, or potential ADU conversion. It’s a home that allows its residents an escape while enjoying the very best of all that the Bay Area has to offer. Read Less

Courtesy of Tracy Sichterman, Berkeley Hills Realty 510-524-9888

Listing Snapshot

Days Online

Last Updated

Jun 10, 2026

Property Type

Single Family Residence

Beds

Full Baths

Partial Baths

Square Ft.

2,330

Lot Size

0.2 Acres

Year Built

1978

MLS Number

41137689

30 Days Snapshot Of 94708

$1.78M

-9%

(avg) sold price

+144%

homes sold

+11%

(avg) days on market

Snapshot

Area Map

Additional Details

Fence

Fencing: "Fenced"

Appliances & Equipment

Appliances: "Double Oven", "Gas Range", "Refrigerator", "Dryer", "Washer"

Building

Building Area Total: 2330, Construction Materials: "Wood Siding", Living Area: 2330, Year Built: 1978, Level - Street: "0.5 Bath", "No Steps to Entry", "Main Entry"

Cooling

Cooling: "Heat Pump", Cooling Included

Exterior Features

Exterior Features: "Back Yard", "Garden", "Landscape Front", "Low Maintenance"

Fireplaces

Fireplace Included

Floors

Flooring: "Engineered Wood"

Garage

2 garage spaces

Heating

Heating: "Heat Pump", "Fireplace(s)", Heating Included

Interior Features

Interior Features: "Storage"

Laundry

Features: "Dryer", "Laundry Room", "Washer"

Lot

Lot Features: "Sloped Down", Lot Size Acres: 0.2, Lot Size Area: 8840, Lot Size Square Feet: 8840, Parcel Number: 5702530105

Parking

Parking Features: "Converted Garage"

Pool

Pool Features: "None"

Property

Property Condition: "Existing", Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence, View: "Canyon", "Hills", "Panoramic"

Roof

Roof: "Composition Shingles"

Sewer

Sewer: "Public Sewer"

Utilities

Electric: "Photovoltaics Seller Owned", Water Source: "Public"

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