Located in the heart of the vibrant Rockridge neighborhood, 5522 Taft is a single-level 2+BD/2BA 1345 sq ft Craftsman Bungalow, beautifully maintained and stylishly updated. Elegant period details include burnished hardwood floors, box beam ceilings with crown molding, Clinker brick fireplace, bay and double-hung windows, and traditional built-in cabinetry. The updated eat-in kitchen and modernized baths provide comfort and convenience, and a spacious owner’s suite features a bonus/office/nursery space and full bath. Other features include a front sun porch, enclosed backyard with mature landscaping, off-street parking, and a convenient storage shed.
Situated in an area affectionately known as the Golden Triangle, the home is ideally placed near excellent Rockridge amenities yet far enough from the freeway to enjoy the quiet of this tranquil neighborhood. Near College Avenue restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, markets, and the Claremont Country Club, the home is also conveniently situated for commuters near Rockridge BART, the TransBay bus line, and AC Transit.
Steps lead up to the front door through the lushly landscaped yard with mature trees, hedges, and succulents. The traditional Craftsman corner porch has been enclosed with large multi-pane windows, creating a lovely sun porch ideal for morning coffee or just soaking up the sun on a winter afternoon.
Inside, the high-ceilinged entryway opens onto a light-filled living room with large sunny windows overlooking the street. Flanked by traditional built-in shelves and high multi-pane windows, a Clinker brick fireplace with tile hearth graces one wall.
The elegant formal dining room features gleaming hardwood floors, box beam ceiling, and a second fireplace. An expansive built-in vintage hutch on one wall houses cabinets and drawers below for storage and leaded glass-doored shelves above for serving pieces or collectibles.
Adjacent to the dining room, the modern eat-in chef’s kitchen retains the built-in period hutch along one wall, but has been updated with stone countertops and travertine tile backsplash, a 5-burner gas range with griddle, Bosch dishwasher, and built-in microwave. Gleaming wood cabinets provide ample storage, and windows above the dual sink catch the afternoon sun. Off the kitchen is a laundry room with charming shiplap walls, vintage pull-down drying racks, and a door opening onto the backyard.
The stylish owner’s suite is lit by an oversize window, and a huge walk-in closet with shelves provides abundant storage. Through a pocket door, the adjacent light-filled bonus space could be configured as an office, private sitting area, or nursery. The adjoining full bath features patterned tile floor, vanity, and walk-in shower with tile floor and subway tile walls. A separate entrance leads to the backyard.
The second bedroom glows in the light of a wide bay window and connects to a full bath with distinctive tile floor, freestanding vanity, and a tile shower over tub with decorative tile accents. A second door opens onto a hallway with a vintage horizontal linen closet with drop-down doors.
The gated backyard features a lush lawn and patio framed by a variety of plants and trees, including lavender, flowering princess tree, and hydrangeas.
Situated in the thriving Rockridge neighborhood, the home sits mere blocks from the iconic Market Hall European-style marketplace and College Avenue amenities. Opportunities for outdoor activity abound just moments away at Lake Temescal, the community-built Frog Park, and the festive DMV farmer’s market on Sundays.
Additional Highlights: Tandem off-street parking Newer 2-story foundation by Jim Duval of Duval Construction Passive French drain system Seismic upgrades Upgraded electrical panel Storage shed
