Behind a whimsical gated lattice fence and shaded by an enormous Monterey Pine, 2319 California Street is a 5+BD/2.5BA light-filled Craftsman-style home in Central Berkeley. Featuring gleaming hardwood floors, oversized windows, stylishly updated baths and eat-in chef’s kitchen, this is a home full of comfort and tranquility. A generous deck in the beautifully landscaped backyard is ideal for outdoor entertaining, and the finished detached accessory building is currently configured as an extensive home office space with 1+BD, common space and bath. moments from the Berkeley Rep and Aurora theaters, weekly farmers market, and excellent downtown amenities.
The windowed entryway opens onto a spacious living room with gleaming oak floors and large windows overlooking the tree-lined street. Two additional windows flank the converted Dimplex electric fireplace which provides ambiance and warmth without creating smoke or using fossil fuels. Through the open doorway is a formal dining room, lit by high transom windows.
Adjacent to the dining room, the updated eat-in chef’s kitchen features a charming checkerboard tile floor, tile backsplash with decorative accents, and a Bosch gas range. Beneath the vaulted ceiling with skylight, the kitchen peninsula provides ample space for meal prep as well as a breakfast bar for quick meals. Plentiful custom cabinets and open shelving offer abundant space for the most well-stocked pantry. Off the kitchen, louvered doors enclose a washer and dryer, and custom energy-efficient multi-paned French doors open onto the peaceful deck.
On the other side of the home are 2 bedrooms, each with sunny windows and large closets. The bedrooms share a full bath with a decorative tile shower over extra-large tub, custom vanity, and a window of glass brick that provides light without sacrificing privacy. A conveniently placed linen closet in the hall offers ample storage space.
Upstairs, the spacious owner’s suite features tall windows overlooking the lovely backyard and views of the Berkeley hills. A vaulted ceiling that follows the peaked roofline, and additional oversized windows on the adjacent wall make this a light-filled retreat. Behind French doors, a walk-in closet provides abundant storage.
Natural light pours through a skylight in the sunny adjoining bath with its custom, stone-topped vanity and large walk-in shower with gleaming tile and decorative glass brick accents. A jetted tub with tile surround is ideal for a long soak after a stressful day.
Also on this level, a guest room ideal for use as an office or nursery is lit by large multi-paned windows, and a vaulted ceiling creates a sense of space and tranquility.
The beautifully landscaped back garden is a peaceful space to relax at the end of a busy day surrounded by tall bushes, mature trees, flowering plants, and a profusion of fragrant roses and bright hydrangeas. The spacious deck and patio are ideal for an alfresco meal or outdoor entertaining for family and friends.
The finished accessory building has ADU potential and is currently configured as a multi-room office with a glass-paned door, a large common area with huge closet, a half bath, and 2 smaller rooms, each with windows on 2 sides.
This lovely home is centrally located in the vibrant city of Berkeley with its small-town vibe and diverse community. Itself an urban oasis away from the stresses of Silicon Valley, Berkeley also enjoys the relaxed feel of a university town with many small restaurants and shops, as well as varied celebrations, music festivals, street fairs, and art exhibits.
Additional Highlights: Remodeling work done by Levitch Associates Paved driveway with tandem parking Energy-efficient forced air furnace Tankless water heater with timer system Earthquake gas shutoff system Dual pane windows and French doors Owned security system Upgraded foundation with earthquake bolting and bracing Rainbird irrigation front and back Motion detecting security lights
