Picture a home that’s not just a place to live, but a work of art. A masterpiece crafted with precision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to luxury. That’s precisely what you’ll find when you step inside the Ken Behring House, nestled in the exclusive community of Blackhawk, California.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Eugene Behring |
| Date of Birth | June 13, 1928 |
| Date of Death | June 25, 2019 |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $495 million in 1997; described by press as a billionaire |
| Known For | Real estate developer, former owner of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks |
| Current Residence | Ken Behring passed away in 2019. His famous former home, the Behring Estate, is located in Blackhawk, California. The estate is a 27,000 sq ft mid-century modern property on 4.5 acres in the prestigious Blackhawk Country Club community near Danville, California. It was auctioned for over $12 million in 2024 after previously listing for $25 million. |
Ken Behring, a visionary real estate developer, philanthropist, and former owner of the Seattle Seahawks, has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture with this stunning estate. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater, the Ken Behring House is a testament to the power of design and the limitless possibilities of the human imagination.
Historical Background of the Ken Behring House
Before we dive into the architectural wonders of the Ken Behring House, let’s take a moment to understand the man behind the vision. Ken Behring’s legacy in real estate development spans from Florida homes to the prestigious Blackhawk community and country club in California.
It was in 1988 that Behring acquired and developed his private reserve at Blackhawk, setting the stage for the creation of his magnum opus. Collaborating with renowned architect Doug Dahlin, Behring embarked on a journey to bring his vision to life. This home would seamlessly blend the best of mid-century modern design with the breathtaking beauty of nature.
With a net worth that allowed for no compromises, Behring spared no expense in the construction of his dream home. The result? A 4.54-acre hilltop estate that stands as a testament to his prominence and his unwavering commitment to excellence.
Architectural Inspiration and Design Philosophy
At the heart of the Ken Behring House lies a deep appreciation for the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, particularly his masterpiece, Fallingwater. The house embraces the core principles of Wright’s design philosophy, seamlessly integrating the structure with its natural surroundings.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture Design | Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic “Fallingwater” house. Mid-century modern style with strong indoor-outdoor integration, waterfalls, terraces, and gardens. Architect was Doug Dahlin, a prominent California residential architect. Interior features Brazilian teakwood ceilings, Idaho quartz, and Utah flagstone sourced from a quarry owned by Behring. |
| Specifications | – Size: Approximately 26,647 to 27,000+ sq ft living space on multiple levels. – Bedrooms: 7 bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom, plus 2 detached 1 bed/1 bath apartments with kitchens and decks. – Bathrooms: About 10.5 to 14 full/half bathrooms total. – Ballroom: 7,000 sq ft with marble floors and nine crystal chandeliers. – Kitchens: 4 kitchens including chef’s kitchen, scullery, outdoor kitchen, and one adjacent to primary suite. – Wine Cellar: 10,000-bottle temperature-controlled cellar with glass walls and tasting room. – Special rooms: Primary bedroom suite has sitting room, dual-sided fireplace, private kitchen, Bali-inspired spa area with hot tub and retractable roof, steam shower, sauna, meditation/yoga room. – Parking: 7 spaces (4-car garage, 3-car carport, golf cart garage). – Outdoor amenities: Tennis court cantilevered over hillside, multi-level koi ponds, plaster pool and spa with waterfall, outdoor dining pavilion with kitchen. |
| Address/Location | Blackhawk Country Club, Danville, California, USA. Located on a gated 4.54-acre hilltop estate with panoramic views. |
| Worth/Price | Previously listed around $25 million; sold at auction for about $12.1 million. Ken Behring’s net worth was about $495 million in 1997 (approx. $943 million in 2023 dollars). |
| History | Ken Behring was a prominent real estate developer who developed the Blackhawk community and Canyon Lakes in San Ramon, California. He purchased the Seattle Seahawks in 1988, sold in 1997. The house was built in 1988. The design pays homage to Fallingwater and was featured in the 1989 Designer’s West Magazine. The estate was famous for Ken Behring’s extensive car collection, which included classic and legendary cars. The landscaping includes Japanese terracing done by landscape architect Kimio Kimura. Ken Behring passed away in 2019. |
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The mid-century modern style is evident in every aspect of the home, from the clean lines and expansive windows to the use of natural materials like Brazilian teakwood ceilings, Idaho quartz, and Utah flagstone quarry. The goal was to create a space that blurred the lines between indoor and outdoor living, inviting nature in at every turn.
Behring’s vision was to create a home that not only served as a functional living space but also as a work of art. The architecture reflects his lifestyle and his appreciation for the finer things in life, from the meticulously crafted gardens to the stunning water features that grace the property.
Exterior Features and Landscaping Marvels
As you approach the Ken Behring House, the first thing that strikes you is the sheer scale of the estate. Spanning 4.54 acres on a gated hilltop in Blackhawk, this is a property that commands attention and inspires awe.
The exterior features are a testament to Behring’s commitment to creating a true oasis. Multi-level koi ponds add a sense of tranquillity, while the large plaster pool and spa, complete with a waterfall, offer the perfect place to unwind and relax.
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For those who love to entertain, the outdoor dining pavilion with a full kitchen is a dream come true. And for the sports enthusiast, the tennis court cantilevered over the hillside is a marvel of engineering and design.
The most striking feature of the exterior is the Japanese-style terraced gardens, designed by the renowned Kimio Kimura. These gardens are a work of art in their own right, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Interior Architectural Highlights
Step inside the Ken Behring House, and you’ll find yourself in a world of luxury and sophistication. With approximately 26,600+ square feet of living space spread across multiple levels, this is a home that offers endless possibilities.
The house boasts seven bedrooms, each with its own en suite bath, including two detached apartments with kitchens and view decks. But it’s the primary bedroom suite that truly steals the show. This private home within a home features a sitting room with a dual-sided fireplace, a full kitchen for convenience, and a Bali-inspired spa room with a retractable roof hot tub, steam shower, sauna, and meditation space.
For the culinary enthusiast, the grand chef’s kitchen is a dream come true. With multiple sinks, a scullery, and access to the garden patio, this is a space designed for both functionality and entertaining.
The most impressive feature of the interior is the 10,000-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar with floor-to-ceiling glass walls. This is a space that not only showcases Behring’s love of fine wine but also serves as a stunning architectural feature in its own right.
And let’s not forget the impressive 7,000-square-foot ballroom, complete with nine crystal chandeliers, a walk-around bar, and a hidden car collector’s entrance. This is a space that’s perfect for hosting grand events and showcasing Behring’s legendary vintage car collection.
Throughout the home, natural light floods in through expansive windows, while soaring ceiling heights create a sense of grandeur and space. The integration of custom hand-designed sculptures and art installations adds a touch of personality and sophistication to every room.
Ken Behring’s Luxurious Amenities and Lifestyle Features
The Ken Behring House is more than just a home—it’s a lifestyle. Every amenity and feature has been carefully chosen to reflect Behring’s tastes and his appreciation for the finer things in life.
For the car enthusiast, the estate offers ample parking and garage space, including a four-car garage, a three-car carport, and a golf cart garage. But it’s the hidden car collector’s entrance that truly sets this property apart, offering a space to showcase Behring’s legendary vintage car collection.
The use of fine materials throughout the home, including stone from Behring’s own quarry, adds a touch of personalisation and luxury to every space. And the integration of Behring’s art collection into the estate creates a sense of continuity and sophistication.
But the most incredible luxury of all is the opportunity to live within the prestigious Blackhawk Country Club community. With private club access, world-class golf courses, and top-notch security, this is a truly unparalleled lifestyle.
Market Value and Real Estate Significance
With a listing price of $25 million, the Ken Behring House sets a new standard for luxury real estate in the Blackhawk area. The home’s auction and sale history highlight the demand and exclusivity of this one-of-a-kind property.
But the significance of the Ken Behring House goes far beyond its market value. This is a home that stands as a monumental example of luxury residential architecture, showcasing the best of mid-century modern design and the integration of nature into the living space.
In many ways, the Ken Behring House is the ultimate realisation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for Fallingwater. It’s a home that seamlessly blends form and function, art and nature, luxury and livability.
Where Does Ken Behring Currently Live?
Ken Behring resided in Blackhawk, California, with his wife Patricia. He was well known for developing the Blackhawk community, a large country club community in Northern California. However, Ken Behring passed away on June 25, 2019. Therefore, he no longer lives anywhere.
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