Nestled along Cordornices Creek in Berkeley, the Turner-Matthews home is a testament to a bygone era. Formerly owned by Hollywood writer Robert Shaw, it hosted luminaries like D.H. Lawrence and Oppenheimer’s students. The house, designed by artist Shirley Turner and her brother Steven Matthews, reflects the Arts and Crafts aesthetic. Unique features include a curved living room mirroring the topography of the land, a 15-ft tall stone fireplace of local stone, and redwood-adorned structures evoking a magical treehouse. The property comprises the main house and a 1919 cottage, blending historic charm with modern comfort. Updates seamlessly integrate with original architecture, preserving the home's essence. Surrounded by nature, it enjoys a symphony of birdsong and the melodies of the Cordornices Creek. A mature garden designed by Berkeley landscape architect David Bingham adds to the serenity. Positioned high on a hill, the Turner-Matthews home stands as a visual spectacle that transcends traditional architecture, inviting residents to immerse themselves in its rich history and natural beauty.
Single-familyProperty Type
1915Year Built
8,789 sq ftLot Size
$958Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
1 car garageParking
Listed by Tracy Sichterman•DRE #01205767• Berkeley Hills Realty
Listed by Mykah Larkins•DRE #01380576• Berkeley Hills Realty
Bought with Out Of Area Out•DRE #88888888• OUT OF AREA - NON MEMBER
Unique layout gorgeous view nice area, high ceiling, Must see!
3 years ago• May not reflect the current state of the home
Mona Kaewtong
Redfin Associate agent
Sale history for 54 Tamalpais Rd
Date
Event
Price
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #41045490
Jan 23, 2024
Sold
$2,100,000
$668/sq ft
Jan 10, 2024
Pending
—
Dec 6, 2023
Listed
$1,895,000
$603/sq ft
+55
Nestled along Cordornices Creek in Berkeley, the Turner-Matthews historic home is a testament to a bygone era. Formerly owned by Hollywood writer Robert Shaw, it hosted luminaries like D.H. Lawrence and Oppenheimer’s students. The house, designed by artist Shirley Turner and her brother Steven Matthews, reflects the Arts and Crafts aesthetic. Unique features include a curved living room mirroring the topography of the land, a 15-ft tall stone fireplace of local stone, and redwood-adorned structures evoking a magical treehouse. The property comprises the main house and a 1919 cottage, blending historic charm with modern comfort. Updates seamlessly integrate with original architecture, preserving the home's essence. Surrounded by nature, it enjoys a symphony of birdsong and the melodies of the Cordornices Creek. A mature garden designed by Berkeley landscape architect David Bingham adds to the serenity. Positioned high on a hill, the Turner-Matthews home stands as a visual spectacle that transcends traditional architecture, inviting residents to immerse themselves in its rich history and natural beauty.
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #41045492
Jan 23, 2024
Sold
$2,100,000
$668/sq ft
Jan 10, 2024
Pending
—
Dec 6, 2023
Listed
$1,895,000
$603/sq ft
Public Records
Jul 26, 1996
Sold
$490,000
$156/sq ft
Public Records
Jun 4, 1992
Sold
$330,000
$105/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$33,006 (+115.4%)
$642,600 + $1,499,400
$2,142,000
2024
$15,321 (+3.1%)
$642,600 + $1,499,400
$2,142,000
2023
$14,855 (+2.2%)
$276,975 + $560,108
$837,083
2022
$14,534
$266,221 + $538,362
$804,583
2021
$14,530 (+6.7%)
$266,221 + $538,362
$804,583
2020
$13,619 (+5.2%)
$261,002 + $527,808
$788,810
2019
$12,940 (+2.0%)
$258,326 + $522,396
$780,722
2018
$12,690 (+3.9%)
$253,262 + $512,155
$765,417
2017
$12,213 (+4.1%)
$243,429 + $492,271
$735,700
2016
$11,731 (+1.5%)
$243,429 + $492,271
$735,700
2015
$11,561 (−0.1%)
$238,657 + $482,620
$721,277
2014
$11,573 (−0.4%)
$230,468 + $466,060
$696,528
2013
$11,621 (+3.8%)
$230,468 + $466,060
$696,528
2012
$11,201 (+2.1%)
$229,428 + $463,957
$693,385
2011
$10,973 (+1.2%)
$224,930 + $454,861
$679,791
2010
$10,845 (−1.0%)
$220,520 + $445,943
$666,463
2009
$10,957 (+4.5%)
$218,872 + $442,612
$661,484
2008
$10,482
$219,393 + $443,665
$663,058
Tax history for 54 Tamalpais Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$33,006 (+115.4%)
$642,600 + $1,499,400
$2,142,000
2024
$15,321 (+3.1%)
$642,600 + $1,499,400
$2,142,000
2023
$14,855 (+2.2%)
$276,975 + $560,108
$837,083
2022
$14,534
$266,221 + $538,362
$804,583
2021
$14,530 (+6.7%)
$266,221 + $538,362
$804,583
2020
$13,619 (+5.2%)
$261,002 + $527,808
$788,810
2019
$12,940 (+2.0%)
$258,326 + $522,396
$780,722
2018
$12,690 (+3.9%)
$253,262 + $512,155
$765,417
2017
$12,213 (+4.1%)
$243,429 + $492,271
$735,700
2016
$11,731 (+1.5%)
$243,429 + $492,271
$735,700
2015
$11,561 (−0.1%)
$238,657 + $482,620
$721,277
2014
$11,573 (−0.4%)
$230,468 + $466,060
$696,528
2013
$11,621 (+3.8%)
$230,468 + $466,060
$696,528
2012
$11,201 (+2.1%)
$229,428 + $463,957
$693,385
2011
$10,973 (+1.2%)
$224,930 + $454,861
$679,791
2010
$10,845 (−1.0%)
$220,520 + $445,943
$666,463
2009
$10,957 (+4.5%)
$218,872 + $442,612
$661,484
2008
$10,482
$219,393 + $443,665
$663,058
*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
Beds
3
Baths
3
Stories
1.5
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
8,789 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1917
Sq. Ft.
2,318
Year built
1915
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Alameda County
APN
060 247302601
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 28, 2026.
R-1H
H
Single Family Residential District - Hillside Overlay Zone
The purpose of the Single-Family Residential (R-1) district is to: Recognize and protect the existing pattern of development in the low-density, single-family residential areas of the city consistent with the General Plan; Make housing available for persons who desire detached housing and a relatively large amount of usable open space; Protect adjacent properties from unreasonable obstruction of light and air; and Permit community facilities such as religious assembly uses, schools, parks, and libraries which serve the local population and are not detrimental to the immediate neighborhood.; The purpose of the Hillside (H) overlay zone is to: implement General Plan policies for hillside development; protect the safety and health of residents where steep topography, unusual street conditions and proximity to the wildland-urban interface create severe risk from wildfire; protect the character of Berkeley's hillside areas and their immediate environs; give reasonable protection to views yet allow appropriate development of all property; and allow modifications in standard setback and height requirements when justified because of steep topography, irregular lot pattern, unusual street conditions, or other special aspects of the hillside areas.
Zone overlays
Hillside Overlay Zone
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
Garage Spaces: 1
Covered Spaces: 1
Parking Features: Garage Faces Front
Interior
Virtual Tour
Bathroom Information
# of Bathrooms Total: 5
# of Bathrooms Full: 5
Interior Features
Interior Features: Bonus/Plus Room, Library
Appliances: Dishwasher, Gas Range, Refrigerator, Dryer, Washer
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.