The Temple of Wings is coming on the market for $5,000,000, to be listed with Joel Goodrich of Coldwell Banker Realty, along with Adrienne Krumins and Anian Tunney of the Grubb Co.

Nestled in the hills of Berkeley, California, the Temple of Wings stands as a striking testament to classical architecture and the enduring legacy of the Getty family. With its 16 Corinthian columns and sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, this Greco-Roman villa is an unexpected yet enchanting presence in a city known for its eclectic charm and architectural diversity.

As the estate comes onto the market for the first time in decades, it offers a glimpse into a unique blend of history, art, and personal sanctuary.

A Vision Rooted in Nature and Movement

The Temple of Wings was conceived in the early 1910s, a period when the ideals of outdoor living and the therapeutic benefits of nature were gaining popularity. Designed for attorney Charles C. Boynton and his wife, Florence Treadwell Boynton, the villa was more than just a home; it was a space where Florence could explore her passions for modern dance and progressive parenting. Florence was a strong advocate of the "open-air motherhood" movement, which encouraged children to spend time outdoors as a way to foster physical and mental well-being.

The original design of the villa, spearheaded by the renowned architect Bernard Maybeck and completed by A. Randolph Monroe, was a marvel of open-air architecture. The structure featured canvas walls that could be drawn back, transforming the home into an open pavilion where the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living blurred. This unique feature made the Temple of Wings an ideal venue for Florence’s movement classes, which were heavily influenced by her childhood friend and famed choreographer, Isadora Duncan.

A Resilient Legacy

In 1923, a devastating fire ravaged the villa, leading to significant reconstruction. Despite this setback, the essence of the Temple of Wings—its connection to nature, its celebration of movement and art—remained intact. The property continued to be a family home for the Boyntons, passing through several generations before it eventually caught the eye of another influential family: the Gettys.

The Getty Era: A Renaissance of Classical Elegance

When Gordon and Ann Getty acquired the Temple of Wings in the 1990s, the property had been largely dormant, its dance studio closed since the 1980s. However, the Gettys, both passionate about the arts and classical culture, saw the potential to restore the villa to its former glory while infusing it with their personal aesthetic.

Ann Getty, a renowned interior designer, led the restoration efforts, transforming the villa from a neglected relic into a vibrant home that reflected her love for classical art and architecture. The canvas walls were replaced with more permanent structures, interior stairways were added, and the original stone and woodwork were painstakingly restored. The result was a harmonious blend of the villa's historical roots and the Gettys' refined tastes.

Under the Gettys’ stewardship, the Temple of Wings became a personal retreat, a place where they could escape the demands of their public lives and immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. The villa also served as a venue for hosting events, continuing the Boynton legacy of the home as a space for artistic and cultural gatherings.

A Living Work of Art

The interior of the Temple of Wings was as much a work of art as the architecture itself. The Gettys furnished the villa with pieces from their extensive art collection, including fine paintings and stained glass windows that added a layer of cultural richness to the home. The north wing of the villa, with its frescoed ceilings and marble fireplace, served as a grand entertaining space, while the south wing, with its stone and shell flooring, provided a more intimate setting for relaxation and reflection.

The villa’s primary bedroom, located upstairs in the north wing, boasted three balconies offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, a daily reminder of the beauty and serenity that defined life at the Temple of Wings.

A New Chapter

Following Ann Getty’s passing in 2020, the Temple of Wings is now being offered for sale, marking the end of an era for this historic estate. While much of the Gettys’ art collection has been auctioned to benefit their philanthropic foundation, the villa itself remains a testament to the couple’s love of beauty, art, and classical design.

As the Temple of Wings enters the market, it offers a rare opportunity for a new generation to become stewards of this extraordinary property. More than just a home, the villa is a living piece of history, a place where the past and present converge in a celebration of art, nature, and enduring legacy. For those with an appreciation for architectural history and classical elegance, the Temple of Wings stands as a timeless sanctuary, ready to inspire and enchant its next owners.