Owned by a gifted artisan woodworker and beautifully remodeled with exquisite craftsmanship, thoughtful upgrades, and many custom details, 1045 Talbot is a 3BD/2BA, 1613 sq ft Mediterranean on a 5000 sq ft lot in Albany (including a separate 1BD/1BA apartment) and a detached back yard structure for use as a home office or creative studio. Hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, arched doorways, sun-drenched rooms, custom finishes, and gorgeous bamboo accents create a dreamy, inviting ambience, while stylish upgrades provide modern convenience.
The home features a custom eat-in chef’s kitchen, stylish modern baths, an expansive back deck, and raised beds for at-home organic gardening. Ideally located, the home is just blocks from coveted Albany schools and moments from acclaimed Solano Ave amenities, the popular Berkeley Natural Grocery and Westbrae Biergarten. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the home is also near the Ohlone Greenway and the Albany Bulb park and art installation connecting to the Bay Trail with spectacular views of the bay.
Behind a low gate beneath a charming arbor, the front yard is a delightful urban garden with a stone pathway leading to a patio perfect for meeting neighbors or putting your feet up after harvesting your vegetables. Steps lead to a small porch with traditional cutouts and a custom Douglas fir railing.
The front door opens onto a spacious entryway with ingenious built-in Douglas fir cabinets and drawers for storage. Through an arched doorway with decorative niches typical of the architectural style, a gracious living room is lit by soft recessed lighting and an arched picture window overlooking the front garden. On one side of the room is a custom built-in desk, and on the other, a wood-framed brick fireplace is flanked by double-hung windows.
Through another arched doorway, the stunning custom chef’s kitchen is a gorgeous blend of style and function with hardwood floors, cork countertops, decorative tile backsplash, and burnished Douglas fir cabinets and drawers. Beneath a distinctive pendant light, the bamboo-topped breakfast bar is ideal for casual meals, and a unique bay window seat offers a spot for a guest to chat with the cook during meal prep. The discerning home chef will appreciate the Bosh glass top range, integrated Miele dishwasher with Douglas fir panel, and the Fischer Paykel refrigerator.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area features built-in bamboo bench seating and custom bamboo shelves for cookbooks or display of your favorite kitchen collectibles. A matching wood-framed glass door is perfectly placed for carrying drinks and hors d’oeuvres to the expansive back deck.
Up the beautiful oak staircase, an intricate bamboo railing runs along the landing leading to the light-filled primary bedroom with large double-hung windows on two sides. At the other end of the home, the cheerful secondary bedroom features sunny corner windows, a cloud-inspired pendant light, and generous walk-in closet.
Remodeled using a water motif, the shared bath enjoys a beautiful river rock floor, deep tub with aqua glass tile backsplash, and walk-in shower with marching glass tile walls, frameless glass door, and river rock floor. A wide floating trough sink with dual faucets sits below a large mirrored cabinet.
Off the kitchen in a split-level configuration is a spacious in-law, guest, or au pair suite with private entrance. Built and outfitted by the owner with loving care, these rooms are a study in elegant woodwork. The unit includes a living room with built-in bench seating, kitchenette, full bath with shower over tub, and bedroom with built-in bamboo drawers for storage and a closet with a natural wood pocket door.
The large, gated backyard is perfect for summer entertaining with a water washed concrete patio and an expansive multi-level deck hardscaped with bench seating. A storage closet houses front loading washer and dryer, and a detached structure at the back of the yard has been fully wired and finished with bamboo floors and large sliding glass window and doors - perfect for a private home office or studio.
Additional Highlights: 5000 square foot double Albany lot Marvin Windows throughout Radiant heat Enhanced insulation Sump pump for drainage
