With an architectural splendor reminiscent of the classic stylings of Bay Area architects like John Hudson Thomas, 646 Colusa is a magnificent modern renovation -- a 4BD/4.5BA, 2308 sq ft Traditional with sweeping bay views, four en suite bedrooms(!), resting on a tree-lined street in the vibrant Thousand Oaks neighborhood of Berkeley. Blending traditional high ceilings, crown moldings and luxurious upgrades, the home boasts French oak engineered hardwood floors, soft recessed lighting, exquisite pendant light fixtures, a sophisticated modern chef’s kitchen, opulent owner’s suite with spa-like bath, and three additional en suite bedrooms with modern baths. Oversized picture windows in most rooms overlook the bay, with stunning panoramic views of San Francisco, the Bay, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Treasure Island, and Mount Tamalpais. An enchanting back yard with multi-level decks is perfect for elegant entertaining. Near downtown Berkeley, the UC Berkeley campus, and just moments from Solano Avenue shops, restaurants, and bars, and the Kensington farmers market. For commuters, BART and AC Transit lines are nearby as well.
On the main level of the home, a spacious light-filled living room features a wide window overlooking the street with built-in cabinets below, ideally placed for a sunny window seat, and a beautifully tiled gas fireplace provides warmth for chilly evenings. At the other end of the room, a luminous picture window overlooks the bay with panoramic views of San Francisco city lights, the Bay and Golden Gate bridges, Treasure Island, and Mount Tamalpais.
Anchored by an expansive stone-topped island, the sleek chef’s kitchen is a delight with gleaming stone countertops and backsplash as well as abundant cabinetry for storage.The kitchen island itself rests beneath two dazzling Artika Swirl pendants and includes a breakfast bar, microwave drawer, storage cabinets, and multiple power outlets for your favorite appliances. The discerning home chef will appreciate the built-in Sub Zero refrigerator, Viking professional 6-burner gas range with stovetop grill, dual thermal convection oven and Viking hood, the Bosch dishwasher, and convenient wine fridge. Above the dual sink, a wide picture window offers a stunning view of the bay beyond, and built-in speakers for the Sonos sound system provide music to match your mood as you gaze out over the treetops.
Windows on two sides fill the adjoining formal dining room with light, creating an intimate space for dinners with extended family and friends. Also on this level is a conveniently placed powder room with a stone-topped vanity below a heated anti-fog mirror.
Upstairs, the fabulous owner’s suite boasts dual closets and huge windows overlooking the neighborhood and the bay. The adjoining spa-like bath is a marvel of creative architecture, with an AKDY soaking tub resting beneath the angled walls and ceilings of the dormer roof with a window overlooking the street. The accompanying large walk-in shower features Italian porcelain tile walls, honeycomb floor tiles with vertical drain, dual shower heads, and a frameless glass door. A floating vanity with dual sinks provides sufficient storage for the fluffy towels, foams, bubbles, and salts you will need for sumptuous bathing.
A second generous en suite bedroom on this level features large closets and windows to take in the sweeping view. The adjoining spacious bath is situated in the second dormer, featuring a large walk-in shower, with dramatically patterned Italian tile walls and floor, dual showerheads, and a frameless glass door.
Downstairs on the lowest level, sliding glass doors in the sunny family room open onto the spacious deck and enchanting back yard. On one side of the family room is an en suite bedroom with another set of sliding glass doors out to the deck. The adjoining bath features a walk-in shower with Spanish porcelain tile walls, and a stone-topped floating vanity. On the other side of the family room is another en suite bedroom, this one with windows facing the street. The adjoining bath boasts a shower over tub with decorative tile, and a stone-topped wall mounted vanity. Also on this level is a laundry closet with stacking washer and dryer, a substantial linen closet, and access to the basement and to the finished garage.
The back yard is truly a secret garden surrounded by trees for privacy, and large multi-level decks with separate seating areas for entertaining, alfresco family dinners, or just relaxing under the stars after a hectic day. The top level has two pergolas - one covered by trailing wisteria with built-in seating below. Raised beds contain a variety of beautiful flowers and shrubs, and climbing plants all around offer privacy and create a sense of tranquility and peace.
Wide steps lead down to the second level with additional room for seating beneath a mature Japanese maple.The bottom level is the largest of the three with LED landscape lighting, an expansive space surrounded by beautiful trees for shade and privacy and - an ideal spot for casual barbecues or elegant entertaining.
The home is moments from bustling Solano Avenue with its many shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Solano Stroll, which takes place each September, is a mile-long block party with music, dancing, food stands, community organizations, and its own parade.
Additional Highlights: 1-car attached garage with EVC outlet and interior access Basement storage Sonos sound system Built-in speakers in bedrooms and kitchen; all rooms are wired for speakers Dual flush toilets and energy-efficient appliances Six-zone smart Nest thermostat system for heating and air conditioning Hot water recirculation system LED lighting and LED dimmers throughout LED bathroom mirrors with anti-fog heating throughout Some WIFI controlled smart switches TV/LAN hookups in every room Picture windows on main level pre-wired for electric blinds Seismic retrofitting includes anchoring foundation blocks and mostly new foundation, shear walls on all levels, tie-downs to foundation and between levels ‚Öù” sheetrock throughout for lower noise and extra fire safety All new plumbing using PEX flexible piping for energy efficiency and earthquake resistance Tankless water heater New Electricity (200AMP) and Water supply lines to the house All new electrical, with all circuits AFCI and/or GFCI protected All new HVAC system with efficient rigid insulated ductwork
