Formerly the home of John Adams - contemporary composer and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music - 1509 Holly is an exceptional 4BD/2BA 1817 sq ft Craftsman with a warm and exciting modern interior. Built in 1918 and remodeled to blend traditional hardwood floors, high ceilings, and period built-ins with stylish upgrades including a home theater system, sophisticated eat-in chef’s kitchen, modern baths, as well as eco-friendly solar panels and a Tesla wall charger in the detached garage. The home enjoys partial hillside views, beautifully landscaped front and back gardens, and close proximity to parks, shops, and the North Berkeley farmers market. Moments from North Berkeley BART.
Stairs from the street lead up through the beautifully landscaped front yard, a peaceful space filled with roses, succulents, lavender, and grasses. An Ipe bench is a perfect place to watch the sun set in the evening.
The traditional Craftsman front door opens onto an expanse of burnished hardwood floors with decorative inlay. The light-filled living room has a home theater system with an overhead movie projector and Sonos Playbar. High windows on one wall flank a fireplace with custom stone surround and wood mantle. The gracious formal dining room enjoys traditional wainscoting and plate rails, beamed ceiling, and period built-in hutch with drawers and cabinets.
The spacious and beautifully remodeled eat-in kitchen features expansive stone countertops and subway tile backsplash, abundant cabinets, an open breakfast nook, and sunny windows. This home chef’s delight also includes some of the best tools of the trade: a Miele dual fuel range with Tatsumaki hood, Bosch dishwasher, and Sub-Zero fridge.
Between the two bedrooms on this level is a bath with a subway-tiled shower over tub and pedestal sink. One bedroom features glass-paned French doors opening onto a light-filled bonus space that could be configured as a sitting room, office, sunroom, or nursery. From there, a glass door opens onto the beautiful back garden. Across the hall is a laundry area with stacked washer/dryer and a second full bath with step-in shower and pedestal sink.
Upstairs, two generous bedrooms face the back garden. One bedroom enjoys a walk-in closet and corner windows with a view of the Oakland hills. The second bedroom, also with a walk-in closet, features sliding glass doors that open onto a railed balcony overlooking the back garden and a beautiful view of the hills beyond.
The professionally landscaped back and side gardens are truly enchanted spaces, with a no-mow lawn surrounded by mature persimmon and dogwood, and magnolia trees with beds of 100 varieties of roses, lavender, sage, hibiscus, and native grasses. Beneath a towering magnolia tree, the expansive deck is ideal for entertaining with a sophisticated firebowl hardscaped table and seating - a perfect place for a casual barbeque or intimate alfresco dining. Lush trees and bushes create a sense of privacy in the side garden with bench seating and raised beds planted with strawberries and veggies. Beneath a rose-covered arbor, a separate gate opens onto the front yard.
All of this is located in North Berkeley, where the “Gourmet Ghetto” is home to world-renowned Chez Panisse and other independent restaurants. Berkeley’s acclaimed produce haven, Monterey Market, is right around the corner along with Magnani butcher, Cafe Roma and local favorite, Gioia pizzeria. The larger city of Berkeley offers a wealth of entertainment and outdoor activities including music and art festivals, street fairs, exhibits.
Additional Highlights: Custom window coverings Solar panels – owned Detached single car garage with Tesla wall charger Newer roof Home theater with hi-def projector and Sonos Playbar Tankless water heater Sonic fiber optic installed Nest thermostat Partial basement for storage
