81 Eagle Ridge Place, Blackhawk, California

7 BED | 8 FULL + 6 HALF BATHS | 4.54 ACRES | 26,627 SF

OFFERED AT $24,998,000

An architecturally stunning gated estate designed and built for the late Ken Behring and his wife Pat perches at the top of Eagle Ridge on 4.5 acres overlooking his beloved Blackhawk Country Club, Mt. Diablo, and surrounding hillsides. 

On the market for the first time since it was built for this East Bay philanthropist, Blackhawk and real estate developer, and former owner of the Seattle Seahawks, this estate is a masterpiece of design, craftsmanship, and luxury and the dream of an extraordinary visionary who took 5,000 acres of rolling hills at the base of Mt. Diablo and created Blackhawk, one of the most sought-after communities and treasure for those seeking an exclusive East Bay residence. 

Thoughtfully planned, carefully built, and meticulously curated, this estate is a work of art inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater masterpiece in Pennsylvania and featured in the 1989 issue of Designer's West Magazine. It is a collaboration of internationally acclaimed talent, including the renowned Doug Dahlin of the Dahlin Group in partnership with Behring, celebrity interior designer Steve Chase, legendary landscape architect Kimio Kimura, celebrated lighting designer Craig Roberts, and prominent contractor Michael DeBene. 

Undoubtedly one of the more extravagant homes and a height of luxury and timeless aesthetic rarely reached within the gates of the country club, this magnificent residence is also the result of technical efforts that propelled a unique vision to reality.  

The design skillfully integrates indoor and outdoor spaces with gardens and waterfalls, utilizing the best materials from soaring Brazilian teakwood ceilings and stunning Idaho quartz to a quarry worth of Utah flagstone. 

The gated driveway circles around the water feature and sculpture, "Campobello Di Mazara," created by California Artist Salvatore Pecoraro and commissioned by the Behrings in 1986. The sculpture soars 18 feet high over a blue reflecting pool, and weighs 17 tons. Created in Italy and California, the piece is comprised of cast bronze, travertine, and Italian marble. 

More than 26,600 square feet of luxurious living and opulent entertaining spaces on two levels are connected by staircases and an elevator and showcase custom furniture and several original art pieces, including sculptures. 

Enter this ultra-private sanctuary, stroll the pathways that bridge expansive multi-level koi ponds, and pass a waterfall, plaster pool, and spa that looks like a natural lagoon on a secluded tropical island. Take in the outdoor dining pavilion with a custom neon-light glass ceiling, a full kitchen, and a bar adjacent to a lighted tennis court dramatically cantilevered over the hillside. 

A step through the glass front door reveals a discerning use of wood, glass, stone, and abundant natural light to create a richly layered interior that awes the senses. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic unobstructed views, exquisite stonework flows inside and out, ceilings soar to great heights, and the soothing melody of water cascades into a lower-level pool. 

Extraordinary event venues, expected in an estate of this magnitude, are equally impressive. An approximately 7,000-square-foot granite-floor ballroom illuminated by nine crystal chandeliers suspended from mirrored and black ceilings shimmering with silver speckles features multiple plush lounges, including a walk-around bar of nightclub proportions. Car enthusiasts will be thrilled with a hidden door that rolls up and is designed to allow for a priceless collection of automobiles to be driven under the gleaming lights and take center stage. Adjacent to the ballroom is a full caterers' kitchen. Also, on this level is another exceptionally designed gathering space, a 10,000-bottle temperature-controlled wine room behind floor-to-ceiling glass, and a tasting room featured in the Wine Spectator Magazine. 

Much of the main level is devoted to an open-concept floor plan with several vignettes, including a formal living room. The family room, the centerpiece for sizeable gatherings on the main level, can easily accommodate 40 people and includes a walk-around full-size bar that seats 10, a pool table/game area, and a home theater with plush seating. 

A spacious dining room with a wall of built-in cabinetry, view windows, and a fireplace is designed to accommodate large gatherings and several tables. 

The chef's kitchen and casual dining area have sliding glass doors that access a kitchen garden and outdoor dining patios. Granite slab counters with three sinks and a large island offer several cooking stations. Multiple appliances include ovens, electric and gas cooktops, ice makers, warming drawers, and dishwashers. A scullery kitchen also has additional counter space and appliances. 

Four en suite bedrooms include a primary suite designed for ultimate relaxation unmatched in luxurious amenities, including floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize inspiring views of Mt. Diablo. The suite features a soaring ceiling and extensive built-ins, including a desk, a fireplace, and a plush sitting area. A full kitchen is also discreetly located, making it convenient for those late-night snacks. Custom lighting and art niches line the hallway to a Bali-inspired en suite. The spa room is lined with lush ferns and rock walls and features a dual-sided fireplace, a soaking tub, a steam shower, a sauna, and a room for quiet meditation and yoga. The ceiling retracts for ultimate stargazing while enjoying a soak in the hot tub. A hidden door allows access to the swimming pool. 

Three additional bedrooms are located on the lower level, and all include en suites, large closets, and sliding glass doors to outdoor view patios.   

Additional features include an office and powder room off the kitchen, a laundry room with two sets of washers and dryers, and two detached apartments, ideal for caretakers, located just inside the gates. These apartments each feature one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen, and view decks.