London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Dec 25, 2025

A Beautifully Restored Midcentury in the Berkeley Hills

A Beautifully Restored Midcentury in the Berkeley Hills

Under the guidance of the home’s original architect, Tom Lowe, the current owners performed a 10-year renovation that includes a garage-turned-ADU.

Another slice of architectural history is up for grabs in the Bay Area. Dating back to 1975, the multilevel dwelling, originally designed by prolific architect Tom Lowe, sits nestled in the hills of Berkeley, California.



After acquiring the Berkeley home in 2011, current owners Kate and Casey McEachern renovated the space from top to bottom and even converted the garage into an ADU.

"This home adheres to the midcentury ethos of architecture blending with the environment," says Kate McEachern, who, along with her partner, Casey, purchased the property from the original owners in 2011. "We were stunned by the view of Claremont Canyon the first time we walked in."



The interior of the converted garage boasts matches the primary residence.

Throughout the last 10 years of ownership, the McEacherns have treated the residence to a thoughtful restoration-and even leaned on Tom Lowe for advice. "I reached out to him in 2017 and he surprised us by dropping by for an impromptu visit," says Kate. "We sat with Lowe for hours, probing him about the design process and why he made certain decisions."



"What makes the ADU special is that it is one of only about 20,000 Airbnb Plus homes globally," says Kate. The couple installed large horizontal windows to take advantage of the canyon views.



Patterned wallpaper adds vibrant color to the ADU’s otherwise all-white bathroom.

At three stories, the residence spreads across 2,314 square feet, and includes a garage that was converted into a turnkey ADU in 2015. "At the time, I was a senior designer for Airbnb Plus and our unit was certified as one of only about 20,000 Plus properties globally," states Kate. "The income from renting out the unit has covered the cost of our mortgage since the conversion, which allowed us to further invest in renovating and restoring the space."



A bold yellow door extends a warm welcome inside the main residence. "When we first visited the home, we were captivated by how well the forest-green exterior blended with the surrounding wooded environment," notes Kate.



The main entrance leads to the top floor, where a great room featuring an open floor plan awaits.

Drenched in natural light, the main residence offers an open floor plan, encompassed by extensive glazing which allows sweeping canyon views. Vaulted wood ceilings contrast with the surrounding white walls, creating an overall sense of openness and calm.



A textured tile wall elevates visual interest in the dining area, while a corner fireplace in the living room pays homage to the minimalism of the midcentury aesthetic.

"We wanted to preserve as many original details as possible to honor the architecture while modernizing the space," explains Kate. "We meticulously restored every inch of the home with period-specific details, like Concrete Collaborative terrazzo and Heath Ceramics tile." Other notable updates include a new roof, solar panels, and an electric vehicle charging station.



Another view of the living room showcases the home’s original post and beam construction.



A long terrace on the top floor extends the living spaces outdoors.

"For us, the architecture plus the location made it the perfect home," says Kate. "It's sited just a few minutes from Rockridge and Elmwood, but feels completely private and secluded with hiking trails at the end of the street." Keep scrolling to see more of the property, now listed for $1,399,000.



The galley kitchen comes with all new appliances, a ceramic backsplash, and plentiful storage.



An additional family room awaits off the kitchen-a space which can easily be converted into a breakfast nook or office area.



In total, the main residence features three bedrooms. The primary en suite presents a calming retreat, complete with ample closet space and a spa-like bath.



Another one of the bedrooms opens up to an additional terrace overlooking the landscape.



A view of the back facade highlights the home’s extensive glazing and outdoor space.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
UK Mortgage Rates Edge Lower as Bank of England Base Rate Cut Filters Through Lending Market
U.S. Supermarket Gives Customers Free Groceries for Christmas After Computer Glitch
Air India ‘Finds’ a Plane That Vanished 13 Years Ago
Caviar and Foie Gras? China Is Becoming a Luxury Food Powerhouse
Hong Kong Climbs to Second Globally in 2025 Tourism Rankings Behind Bangkok
From Sunniest Year on Record to Terror Plots and Sports Triumphs: The UK’s Defining Stories of 2025
Greta Thunberg Released on Bail After Arrest at London Pro-Palestinian Demonstration
Banksy Unveils New Winter Mural in London Amid Festive Season Excitement
UK Households Face Rising Financial Strain as Tax Increases Bite and Growth Loses Momentum
UK Government Approves Universal Studios Theme Park in Bedford Poised to Rival Disneyland Paris
UK Gambling Shares Slide as Traders Respond to Steep Tax Rises and Sector Uncertainty
Starmer and Trump Coordinate on Ukraine Peace Efforts in Latest Diplomatic Call
The Pilot Barricaded Himself in the Cockpit and Refused to Take Off: "We Are Not Leaving Until I Receive My Salary"
UK Fashion Label LK Bennett Pursues Accelerated Sale Amid Financial Struggles
U.S. Government Warns UK Over Free Speech in Pro-Life Campaigner Prosecution
Newly Released Files Shed Light on Jeffrey Epstein’s Extensive Links to the United Kingdom
Prince William and Prince George Volunteer Together at UK Homelessness Charity
UK Police Arrest Protesters Chanting ‘Globalise the Intifada’ as Authorities Recalibrate Free Speech Enforcement
Scambodia: The World Owes Thailand’s Military a Profound Debt of Gratitude
Women in Partial Nudity — and Bill Clinton in a Dress and Heels: The Images Revealed in the “Epstein Files”
US Envoy Witkoff to Convene Security Advisers from Ukraine, UK, France and Germany in Miami as Peace Efforts Intensify
UK Retailers Report Sharp Pre-Christmas Sales Decline and Weak Outlook, CBI Survey Shows
UK Government Rejects Use of Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Aid for Ukraine
UK Financial Conduct Authority Opens Formal Investigation into WH Smith After Accounting Errors
UK Issues Final Ultimatum to Roman Abramovich Over £2.5bn Chelsea Sale Funds for Ukraine
Rare Pink Fog Sweeps Across Parts of the UK as Met Office Warns of Poor Visibility
UK Police Pledge ‘More Assertive’ Enforcement to Tackle Antisemitism at Protests
UK Police Warn They Will Arrest Protesters Chanting ‘Globalise the Intifada’
Trump Files $10 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against BBC as Broadcaster Pledges Legal Defence
UK Says U.S. Tech Deal Talks Still Active Despite Washington’s Suspension of Prosperity Pact
UK Mortgage Rules to Give Greater Flexibility to Borrowers With Irregular Incomes
UK Treasury Moves to Position Britain as Leading Global Hub for Crypto Firms
U.S. Freezes £31 Billion Tech Prosperity Deal With Britain Amid Trade Dispute
Prince Harry and Meghan’s Potential UK Return Gains New Momentum Amid Security Review and Royal Dialogue
Zelensky Opens High-Stakes Peace Talks in Berlin with Trump Envoy and European Leaders
Historical Reflections on Press Freedom Emerge Amid Debate Over Trump’s Media Policies
UK Boosts Protection for Jewish Communities After Sydney Hanukkah Attack
UK Government Declines to Comment After ICC Prosecutor Alleges Britain Threatened to Defund Court Over Israel Arrest Warrant
Apple Shutters All Retail Stores in the United Kingdom Under New National COVID-19 Lockdown
US–UK Technology Partnership Strains as Key Trade Disagreements Emerge
UK Police Confirm No Further Action Over Allegation That Andrew Asked Bodyguard to Investigate Virginia Giuffre
Giuffre Family Expresses Deep Disappointment as UK Police Decline New Inquiry Into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Claims
Transatlantic Trade Ambitions Hit a Snag as UK–US Deal Faces Emerging Challenges
Ex-ICC Prosecutor Alleges UK Threatened to Withdraw Funding Over Netanyahu Arrest Warrant Bid
UK Disciplinary Tribunal Clears Carter-Ruck Lawyer of Misconduct in OneCoin Case
‘Pink Ladies’ Emerge as Prominent Face of UK Anti-Immigration Protests
Nigel Farage Says Reform UK Has Become Britain’s Largest Party as Labour Membership Falls Sharply
Google DeepMind and UK Government Launch First Automated AI Lab to Accelerate Scientific Discovery
UK Economy Falters Ahead of Budget as Growth Contracts and Confidence Wanes
Australia Approves Increased Foreign Stake in Strategic Defence Shipbuilder
×