BLUEPRINT
EAST B AY
A N E W S L ET T E R B Y M I C H A E L P E R R Y
New-ish This month I wanted to shed some light on a few of my favorite local places even though they aren’t exactly ‘new’. . .
BANTER
The Spring Mansion in Thousand Oaks (Berkeley)
El Cerrito’s best (and only) wine bar ts like a glove. Owners Claire Sullivan and Devin Hohler opened up this gem back in April of ’23 and it’s been a hit ever since. Their focus is on small batch wines made organically. The space is warm, eclectic and very comfortable for many different occasions. They also serve very well priced small plates. 10368 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito. Hours Tues-Sat 4-9-ish.
OF ALL PLACES
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This store is pure foodie magic. It’s one part specialty grocery store and one part wine shop mixed with artistic energy. Joe & Celia Catalino opened in May of ’24 showcasing small production goods made locally and in Southern California whenever possible. In addition to the food treasures found here you can also nd outstanding, small batch wines and even get help pairing them with all types of cuisine. It’s also the perfect place to get a gift for the most picky of friends. 1841 Solano Ave, Berkeley Hours TuesSun 11-6
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NOV E MBE R 2024
BERKLEY’S HEARST CASTLE Last month I was out and about on a Thursday, getting a sneak peek at a house for a client when I stumbled upon an unbelievable property. As I turned o of Arlington Avenue and headed east onto San Antonio Ave I was struggling to nd parking. The street was narrow and without sidewalks it was even more challenging to nd a spot. The next thing I know I’m pulling into a little sliver of space in front of a chain link fence and that’s when I see it; a bright white, 12,000 sq ft grand estate t for international royalty. This was a mansion unlike any I’ve seen in Berkeley. Sometimes I’ll see massive homes and ask myself, “Would this be considered a mansion?”. This ‘house’ was unquestionably and unapologetically a mansion. It’s tucked into a 3 acre lot in Thousand Oaks just above The Arlington and juxtaposed to dozens of homes much more typical for the area. I’ve passed by it thousands of times and never even knew it existed. I was so intrigued (and a bit embarrassed to not have known about it). The one-of-a-kind residence was built in 1912 by banker, real estate mogul & mega entrepreneur, John Hopkins Spring. Born in San Francisco, Spring was heavily involved in prominent real estate developments throughout the East Bay. He is primarily responsible for the purchase and development of the land that would eventually be the city of Albany, the purchase and