A Hand Made Home

The Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association relays the charming story of Bernard Maybeck’s first house as told by his first client, Charles Keeler:

Mr. Maybeck told me that when I was ready to build a home there, he would like to design it. He told me that he would make no charge for his services as he was interested in me and wanted to see me in a home that suited my personality.

“But I have no idea of building,” I explained. “I bought a lot only as an investment.” “Well,” he persisted, “You may change your mind. If you do, let me know. I want to design a home for you.” Mr. Maybeck is a very persistent man, and in his quiet fashion generally managed to have his own way. But this time fate seemed to have intervened. In 1893 I married Louise Bunnel of San Francisco.