130 Avenida Dr, Berkeley, CA 94708

"The most powerful moral influence is example." "Rationalism and Newtonian science has lured us into dark woods, but a new metaphysics can rescue us." "Exclusively oral cultures are unencumbered by dead knowledge, dead facts. Libraries, on the other hand, are full of them." - Huston Smith   Once owned by powerful philosophy professor and seeker Huston Smith, this serene place, with filtered bay views and green vistas, is currently owned by another deep thinker and it's clear why: the place is perfect for quiet meditation and relaxation. It's a virtual retreat from the chaos of daily life. Upon entering through the wooden gate, you are met with a garden that has been thoughtfully planted to reveal the beauty of every season. The main level of the home is open, airy and bright. There is a deck off the living room that provides a glimpse of the Bay in the distance. The living room/dining room combination is large and features hardwood floors and an entrance to the lovely updated kitchen, as well as the hallway that leads to the three bedrooms on the same level. The chef's kitchen boasts a superb center island and an eat-in breakfast area that look south onto a delightful patio. The washer and dryer are discreetly and conveniently hidden behind closet doors in this area as well. There is ample cabinet storage, a pantry, and a lovely layout of appliances. A sky suffused the whole room with even more sunlight. Off of the kitchen is a full bathroom, and the hallway which leads to all the bedrooms on this level. The rear-facing master bedroom suite is peaceful and looks out onto the patio area. The bathroom off of the master is sumptuous with its high-end fixtures. All of this is achieved with simple straightforward taste, nothing ostentatious here, just a beautiful, thoughtful layout of space. The middle bedroom is large and for a long time was used as a home office. The front facing bedroom is also large and light-filled. Near the kitchen is a door that leads to the downstairs portion of the house. This area can also be entered by an exterior door off the lovely front yard. Once inside, you'll find a complete unit. Although the house is a single family residence, this downstairs unit features two bedrooms, a galley kitchen (non-conforming) and a full bathroom. This level also houses tremendous storage as well as the home's utility room. The large one-car garage is at street level. The property is close to Tilden Park, and all the recreational potential that offers, as well as easy commutes to Oakland, Contra Costa County and UC Berkeley. A beautiful place for beautiful minds and hearts, this property is very special.