Berkeley Rose Walk

When we were roaming around Berkeley on one of the pedestrian connections I mentioned, we stumbled upon the famous Rose Walk. This space is simply fabulous. What is it you ask? It is an open space pedestrian courtyard surrounding by an eclectic collection of highly detailed homes. Automobile access is from the rear, with alley loaded garages. This space has a plaza, and is extensively landscaped, including roses. I have been designing and pushing neighborhood planning like this for years, and was very pleased to find this space, built around the 192o’s I guess from the style of architecture. There is no front yard demarcation, all the spaces blend into one larger space. Wouldn’t a place like this be fabulous to live in?

This open space is heavily landscaped.

Gorgeous!

This walk leads to adjacent streets.

This is a classic pedestrian plaza, complete with seat walls.

Check out the detail on this fabulous home. While the styles vary, this level of detail is typical.


2 Responses to “Berkeley Rose Walk”

  • Arlene Baxter Says:

    Thanks for your comments about this wonderful property. It is my pleasure to represent for sale the four duplexes along the north edge of the garden, as well as the cottage that faces Codornices. The entire complex, including single family homes along the south edge, was designed as one project in 1924, right after the 1923 fire. The duplex pictured in your last photo was the earliest, built in 1924, with the final duplex that faces Euclid completed in 1936. It is truly the “original Urbanism,” that the New Urbanism can only hope to emulate. But it would be very difficult to equal the quality of Gutterson’s design for the buildings, let alone the majesty of Maybeck’s public walk.
    If anyone truly would like to make this their home they are welcome to contact me through the website. The complex, totaling 9570 sq.ft. is listed for sale at $3.68M.
    Thanks so much for your post!

    Arlene Baxter
    Berkeley Hills Realty
    510.717.1799

  • Arlene Baxter Says:

    I see the website I referenced does not show up in my post, so if folks wanted to see more photos of Rose Walk, as well as read descriptions by building, about the architect and about the Mills Act which reduces property taxes for landmarks, please visit: http://www.RoseWalkComplex.com
    Thanks again!

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