Douglas Residence

A compact single-story house on the southeast corner of the Common, the Douglas house essentially turns its back on the Common to create an outdoor environment of its own facing the Berkeley Hills. The decision to orient the house to face east was most likely determined by the site: the flat terrain offered no view to the Golden Gate and proximity to the house next door threatened its privacy. An L – shaped building, Mrs. Douglas wanted a modern, functional home that would harmonize with her collection of antique furniture. The living room with its mammoth fireplace, lofty ceiling, and exposed rafters gives the house almost the feel of a mountain cabin but like the other homes on the Common, a wall of windows opens it to the garden.