Gordon Getty, a billionaire, philanthropist, and composer, recently announced the sale of his historic Greek-Roman villa, known as The Temple of Wings, located in Berkeley, with a listing price of $5 million, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
This distinguished property, perched in the Berkeley Hills, has been a cherished home for Getty and his late wife, Ann, for decades. Built in the early 1910s, the villa showcases striking classical Greek and Roman architectural elements, particularly its stunning exterior marked by 16 Corinthian columns linking the gazebo to the gardens.
As visitors approach along a cobblestone driveway lined with charming Parisian-style lampposts, they are greeted by lush greenery and towering trees, creating a tranquil setting. Nestled at 2800 Buena Vista Avenue, the villa is designed with separate north and south wings, offering breathtaking views of the bay and iconic landmarks.
Originally crafted by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck in 1911, the villa reflects a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. While it has been updated to accommodate modern amenities, much of its original charm remains intact, and it is conveniently located near the UC Berkeley campus.
Joel Goodrich from Coldwell Banker Realty revealed that Getty acquired the residence in 1994 and has chosen to list it following the passing of Ann in 2020. The property is co-listed by Adrienne Krumins and Anian Tunney from Grubb Co.
At 90 years old, Getty, the son of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, expressed his sentiments about the sale: “While it’s time to move on, The Temple of Wings will always represent a quiet place where beauty has time to rest before it blossoms.”
The villa boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms, twin dressing rooms, two entertainment areas, a library, and eight balconies. Additional features include a kitchen, laundry room, a three-car driveway, a semi-circular gazebo with Corinthian columns, and sprawling gardens on the south and east sides. Spanning 3,991 square feet, the villa sits on a generous 16,560 square-foot lot.
Originally built in 1914 by A. Randolph Monroe for attorney Charles Calvin Boynton and his artist wife, along with their eight children, The Temple of Wings carries a rich history. The Boynton matriarch notably taught local children the dance theories and techniques of her famous childhood friend, Isadora Duncan.
When the Gettys took ownership, the home had been vacant for some time, and Ann devoted years to its restoration, enhancing it with a collection of Art Deco pieces from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notably, last year, Jonathan Rendell, vice chairman at Christie’s Americas, auctioned over 400 items from The Temple of Wings in New York.
According to Alameda County tax records, the property is recognized as a Berkeley historical landmark and is included in the California State Historic Resources Inventory.
In addition to The Temple of Wings, Getty also owns a mansion in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.
