Welcome to 1985 Tunnel Road - THE Saxophone House! Secluded in Berkeley Claremont Hill, this Tunnel Road Castle designed by Ace Architects is a stunning piece of art featuring some of the most whimsical looks. Built in 1996 for an amateur jazz player, you will appreciate the details throughout this home by its magnificent and magical presence, the swirling golden staircases, captivating curved balconies with treble-clef railings, and the massive striking saxophone towers. With over 4,000 sq ft of living space, currently being used as a 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths mansion, with a separate au pair room, sitting on nearly 10,000 sq ft lot, this three stories atrium-like building has plenty of space to entertain with sweeping canyon views from the picturesque windows, gourmet kitchen with sub-zero refrigerator, gleaming hardwood floor, cozy fireplace, game room from a converted garage, a luxurious primary suite on the entire third level with symmetrical aesthetics, custom-built circular bed, 2 walk-in closets, an elegant primary bath with double sinks, sunken jetted tub, and incredible views of the Claremont Hill off multiple balconies. Can you see yourself hosting a grand party in this castle or enjoying the incredible sunset view from the deck? A must see to appreciate.
Single-familyProperty Type
1996Year Built
9,334 sq ftLot Size
$596Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
3 car garageParking
Listed by Derek Han•DRE #01738860• BHG Reliance Partners
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #41024609
May 26, 2023
Sold
$1,750,000
$429/sq ft
May 18, 2023
Pending
—
May 4, 2023
Pending
—
Apr 19, 2023
Listed
$1,997,000
$489/sq ft
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #40876043
Mar 3, 2020
Sold
$1,479,000
$362/sq ft
Jan 30, 2020
Pending
—
Jan 14, 2020
Price Changed
$1,495,000
$366/sq ft
Nov 5, 2019
Price Changed
$1,595,000
$391/sq ft
Sep 23, 2019
Price Changed
$1,645,000
$403/sq ft
Sep 11, 2019
Price Changed
$1,695,000
$415/sq ft
Aug 21, 2019
Price Changed
$1,795,000
$440/sq ft
Jul 26, 2019
Listed
$1,895,000
$464/sq ft
The renowned Ace Architects, called the court jesters of California architecture by Vanity Fair, bring their sense of fun and whimsy to one of the Claremont Hills’ most stunning landmarks, the Saxophone House. Built in 1997 for an amateur jazz player, the home delights the child in each of us with its swirling gold staircases, enchanting curved balconies with treble-clef railings, and commanding saxophone towers. The home’s interior has grand, magical spaces for entertaining, and is both light-filled and surprisingly private. You’ll enjoy the sweeping canyon views, the chef’s kitchen with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, the slate and hardwood flooring, and the spacious three-car garage. This home is not to be missed.
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #40549161
Jun 27, 2012
Sold
$842,000
$206/sq ft
May 9, 2012
Pending
—
Apr 27, 2012
Relisted
—
Mar 29, 2012
Listing Removed
—
Mar 21, 2012
Price Changed
$849,000
$208/sq ft
Mar 21, 2012
Relisted
—
Dec 28, 2011
Listing Removed
—
Oct 27, 2011
Listed
$998,000
$244/sq ft
+15
Handsomely re-tuned and redone contemporary masterpiece in close-in Claremont Hills location. This expansive 3-story home boasts 3+ bdrms & 3+ baths including an enormous master suite on over 4,000 sq ft of enchanting and whimsically inspired design overlooking commanding canyon. Open Sun 5/6 2-4.
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #40451774
Mar 18, 2011
Sold
$560,000
$137/sq ft
May 2, 2010
Pending
—
Apr 23, 2010
Price Changed
$599,000
$147/sq ft
Mar 31, 2010
Price Changed
$679,000
$166/sq ft
Mar 11, 2010
Price Changed
$879,000
$215/sq ft
Mar 11, 2010
Relisted
—
Feb 22, 2010
Listing Removed
—
Feb 20, 2010
Listed
$679,000
$166/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$25,945 (−16.8%)
$546,210 + $1,274,490
$1,820,700
2024
$31,202 (+33.7%)
$546,210 + $1,274,490
$1,820,700
2023
$23,329 (+1.6%)
$535,500 + $1,249,500
$1,785,000
2022
$22,953 (−8.2%)
$457,259 + $1,066,938
$1,524,197
2021
$25,016 (+10.6%)
$457,259 + $1,066,938
$1,524,197
2020
$22,624 (+4.1%)
$448,296 + $1,046,025
$1,494,321
2019
$21,728 (+43.8%)
$452,574 + $1,056,006
$1,508,580
2018
$15,115 (+5.3%)
$443,700 + $1,035,300
$1,479,000
2017
$14,357 (+8.0%)
$273,376 + $637,878
$911,254
2016
$13,288 (+0.5%)
$273,376 + $637,878
$911,254
2015
$13,220 (−1.6%)
$268,016 + $625,371
$893,387
2014
$13,431 (−0.1%)
$258,821 + $603,916
$862,737
2013
$13,449 (+50.5%)
$258,821 + $603,916
$862,737
2012
$8,936 (+5.8%)
$257,652 + $601,188
$858,840
2011
$8,449 (+2.0%)
$168,000 + $392,000
$560,000
2010
$8,283 (−1.4%)
$70,117 + $457,689
$527,806
2009
$8,400 (+7.4%)
$69,593 + $454,268
$523,861
2008
$7,823
$69,758 + $455,349
$525,107
Tax history for 1985 Tunnel Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$25,945 (−16.8%)
$546,210 + $1,274,490
$1,820,700
2024
$31,202 (+33.7%)
$546,210 + $1,274,490
$1,820,700
2023
$23,329 (+1.6%)
$535,500 + $1,249,500
$1,785,000
2022
$22,953 (−8.2%)
$457,259 + $1,066,938
$1,524,197
2021
$25,016 (+10.6%)
$457,259 + $1,066,938
$1,524,197
2020
$22,624 (+4.1%)
$448,296 + $1,046,025
$1,494,321
2019
$21,728 (+43.8%)
$452,574 + $1,056,006
$1,508,580
2018
$15,115 (+5.3%)
$443,700 + $1,035,300
$1,479,000
2017
$14,357 (+8.0%)
$273,376 + $637,878
$911,254
2016
$13,288 (+0.5%)
$273,376 + $637,878
$911,254
2015
$13,220 (−1.6%)
$268,016 + $625,371
$893,387
2014
$13,431 (−0.1%)
$258,821 + $603,916
$862,737
2013
$13,449 (+50.5%)
$258,821 + $603,916
$862,737
2012
$8,936 (+5.8%)
$257,652 + $601,188
$858,840
2011
$8,449 (+2.0%)
$168,000 + $392,000
$560,000
2010
$8,283 (−1.4%)
$70,117 + $457,689
$527,806
2009
$8,400 (+7.4%)
$69,593 + $454,268
$523,861
2008
$7,823
$69,758 + $455,349
$525,107
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
3
Baths
4
Stories
3
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
9,334 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1996
Sq. Ft.
4,083
Year built
1996
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Alameda County
APN
048H762101004
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 27, 2026.
RH-4
S-10
S-9
Hillside Residential - 4 Zone
The intent of the RH-4 Zone is to create, maintain, and enhance areas for single-family dwellings on lots of 6,500 to 8,000 sq ft and is typically appropriate in already developed areas of the Oakland Hills.
Zone overlays
Scenic Route Combining Zone
Fire Safety Protection Combining Zone
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Day care facility
Housing-Other
Fire house
Police station
Feb 11, 2026 • Final
R) - reroof certificate (building)
Roofing
Apr 13, 2023 • Final
Rm) - mechanical - 1 & 2 unit residential (building)
Replace a 5 ton air conditioning unit with a similar unit in the same location at a single-family home.
HVAC
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
Has Attached Garage
Garage Spaces: 3
Covered Spaces: 3
Parking Features: Attached, Int Access From Garage, Off Street
Interior
Virtual Tour
Bathroom Information
# of Bathrooms Total: 4
# of Bathrooms Full: 3
# of Bathrooms Partial: 1
Other Bathrooms Included Features: Shower Over Tub, Tile, Updated Baths
Primary Bathroom Included Features: Bidet, Skylight, Split Bath, Tile, Tub with Jets, Updated Baths, Double Sinks, Multiple Shower Heads, Window
Interior Features
Interior Features: Dining Area, Family Room, Stone Counters, Eat-in Kitchen, Kitchen Island, Updated Kitchen
Appliances: Dishwasher, Electric Range, Disposal, Oven, Range, Refrigerator
Laundry Features: Dryer, Laundry Room, Washer
Upper Level Features: 2 Bedrooms, Primary Bedrm Suite - 1
Street Level Features: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Laundry Facility, Main Entry
Property information provided by bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR when last listed in 2023. This data may not match public records. Learn more.