Bay Space ‘Home of Balconies’ on the market for first time in 60 years

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

Until now, there have been only two owners of 1064 Via Alta, a historic midcentury modern home designed by architect Robert Klemmedson. Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Klemmedson built many Bay Area homes during his career, including the 3,170-square-foot home he designed for John Ford, a Bay Area salesman. 

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

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Though its five-bedroom, three-bathroom interior features many hallmarks of midcentury design, the Lafayette house is one of a kind. In 1962, the San Francisco Examiner featured the home on the cover, dubbing the abode “The House of Balconies” and lauding these outdoor spaces that surround the home.

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

Inside, the stamp of Klemmedson’s unique midcentury modern aesthetic is everywhere, including the floor-to-ceiling double-sided fireplace with slate and copper hearth, the sunken living room, the original stonework walls, wood paneling, cantilevered ceilings, and an entire wall of glass overlooking the back patio and pool. 

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

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Both families who have owned this house since the late 1950s have sought to preserve it, and that conservation wasn’t always easy. Listing agent Linnette Edwards of Abio Properties described the process of restoring the home’s mahogany paneled walls to their original red-gold as particularly arduous. “The wood had become quite dark and grayish over time,” Edwards wrote in an email to SFGATE. “The seller worked with a designer and team for several months to painstakingly sand and bring out this warm strawberry blond hue. This was no quick task, considering the vast amount of paneling in the home. They must have passed over each section 4-5 times!”

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

The home has received modern renovations, notably in the kitchen and bathrooms, but the updates in no way detract from the original intention of the home’s design.

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

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The most recent owners of 1064 Via Alta had it for over 60 years. Edwards told SFGATE that, according to the family, “when they bought the home in the ’60s, it was the largest loan/mortgage Lafayette had seen at that time (approximately $65,000).” When it debuted on the market on July 6, 2023, the asking price was $2.8 million. Within a week, the property was pending. On Aug. 3, it sold for $3.4 million.

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

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Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

Lafayette’s “House of Balconies” sold in less than a month at nearly 30% over asking.

Christian Klugmann

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