Architectural legacy meets California tranquility in this AIA-recognized residence by acclaimed architect Donald Olsen. Built in 1967 for his close friends the Ruth Family, this mid-century modern architecture includes a friendly floorplan with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, showcasing Olsen’s signature integration of geometry, light, and nature. Built on a secluded knoll-lot of approximately 0.38 acres around a magnificent heritage coastal live oak and perched above a serene creek, the home captures the essence of Berkeley’s architectural and natural beauty. Thoughtfully preserved and meticulously improved, the property features walls of glass, original hardwood floors, seismic upgrades, landscape renovations by RDG Landscape Architects including a full native-plant and creek restoration, illuminated walkways, and the exterior patio is embossed with San Francisco cobblestones. A custom O2 Treehouse floats among the oaks, adding playfulness to the refined design. Set in the prestigious Claremont neighborhood, this property offers ADU or multi-generational potential and effortless access to the Claremont Club & Spa, Rockridge BART, and freeway access.
Sold for $3,660,000 on 11/19/25
$3,660,000
256 The Uplands, Berkeley, CA 94705
4beds
3,516sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1967
0.38 Acres Lot
$3,646,300 Zestimate®
$1,041/sqft
$7,212 Estimated rent
Home value
$3,646,300
$3.32M - $4.01M
$7,212/mo
Zestimate® history
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What's special
Zillow last checked: 8 hours ago
Listing updated: November 19, 2025 at 05:18pm
Listed by:
Anne Feste DRE #01265201 510-757-4787,
Vanguard Properties
Bought with:
Robert Parker, DRE #01923837
Compass
Source: bridgeMLS/CCAR/Bay East AOR,MLS#: 41116364
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 3
Kitchen
- Features: Breakfast Nook, Laminate Counters, Dishwasher, Disposal, Microwave, Range/Oven Free Standing, Refrigerator
Heating
- Zoned
Cooling
- None
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Microwave, Free-Standing Range, Refrigerator
- Laundry: Hookups Only, Laundry Room, Sink
Features
- Storage, Breakfast Nook
- Flooring: Concrete, Hardwood, Tile, Vinyl
- Basement: Crawl Space
- Number of fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace features: Gas Starter, Living Room
Interior area
- Total structure area: 3,516
- Total interior livable area: 3,516 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Attached, Int Access From Garage, Off Street, Guest, Parking Lot, Garage Door Opener
- Garage spaces: 2
Features
- Levels: Tri-Level
- Stories: 3
- Exterior features: Back Yard, Front Yard, Garden/Play, Terraced Up, Entry Gate, Landscape Back, Private Entrance, Stream Seasonal
- Pool features: None
- Fencing: Fenced
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Forest, Trees/Woods
Lot
- Size: 0.38 Acres
- Features: Irregular Lot, Secluded, Private
Details
- Parcel number: 644255332
- Special conditions: Standard
- Other equipment: Other
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Mid Century Modern
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Stucco
- Foundation: Slab
Condition
- Existing
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1967
Details
- Builder name: Donald Olsen
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: No Solar
Community & neighborhood
Security
- Security features: Security Gate
Location
- Region: Berkeley
Other
Other facts
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 11/19/2025 | Sold | $3,660,000+26.2%$1,041/sqft |
Source:  bridgeMLS/CCAR/Bay East AOR #41116364 | ||
| 11/12/2025 | Pending sale | $2,900,000$825/sqft |
Source: bridgeMLS/CCAR/Bay East AOR #41116364 | ||
| 10/31/2025 | Listed for sale | $2,900,000+20.8%$825/sqft |
Source: bridgeMLS/CCAR/Bay East AOR #41116364 | ||
| 12/10/2015 | Sold | $2,400,000+7.4%$683/sqft |
Source: bridgeMLS/CCAR/Bay East AOR #40715773 | ||
| 10/3/2015 | Price change | $2,235,000-10.6%$636/sqft |
Source: Pacific Union International Inc. #40715773 | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | -- | $2,841,048 +2% |
| 2024 | $39,194 +2% | $2,785,344 +2% |
| 2023 | $38,416 +1.6% | $2,730,744 +2% |
Find assessor info on the county website
Neighborhood: Claremont
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 7/10John Muir Elementary SchoolGrades: K-5Distance: 0.4 mi
- 9/10Willard Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 1.2 mi
- 9/10Berkeley High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 2 mi
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Estimated market value
$3,646,300
Get a cash offer in 3 minutes
Find out how much your home could sell for in as little as 3 minutes with a no-obligation cash offer.
Estimated market value
$3,646,300