Presented by
Laura Arechiga
Classical Berkeley
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Offered at: $1,895,000
1490 Arch Street, Berkeley
Property Details
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Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms
2
Square Footage
2,539 sq ft
Neighborhood
North Berkeley
Description
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A Timeless Arts & Crafts in North Berkeley
Built at the turn of the century, this classic Berkeley brown shingle epitomizes the best of Arts and Crafts architecture. Perfectly positioned in the heart of North Berkeley, this home offers an effortlessly charming, elegant backdrop for modern life, enhanced by thoughtful updates like gas fireplaces, radiant heat, a newer foundation, and lush landscaping. Believed to have been built by Captain Marston and his family in the late 1800s, this home is nestled among other historic residences that define the neighborhood.
A World of Rich Detail
The main floor exudes a timeless, welcoming charm, defined by rich redwood trim, intricate wainscoting, pocket doors and original fireplaces. In the living room, built-in shelving adds character, while a side deck creates a seamless transition to the outdoors. The dining room, anchored by a magnificent bay of windows, offers a bright perspective of the verdant gardens. Discreetly integrated into the wainscoting is a secret door that opens to a private office overlooking stone paths and a peaceful patio. At the heart of the home, the kitchen serves as a sun-drenched hub, complete with a central island and a custom eat-in nook featuring handcrafted Douglas fir benches. Nearby, a pantry hall leads to a thoughtfully remodeled bathroom, elegantly finished with a walnut vanity, a skylight, and marble tiling.
Retreats and Flexible Spaces
The wide staircase, accented by grand landings, leaded and stained-glass picture windows, and an artisan light fixture, leads to the upper level. Here, all three bedrooms and the other bath are spacious, with two bedrooms adjoining a wonderful sleeping porch—an ideal flexible space for a play area or second home office, with a peek of the bay. The lower floor expands the living area with a bonus family room, a freestanding fireplace, and ample storage, making it a flexible area perfect for sprawling out or a private guest space. This level also includes a spacious laundry area, a dedicated workshop and bench, and incredible shelved storage.
Magical Gardens and Modern Convenience
Outside, the property transforms into a magical garden, meandering through peaceful nooks and featuring artful landscaping touches. It’s filled with perennials, draping wisteria, ferns, and flowering shrubs, set against moss-lined stone walkways. Tucked within this lush sanctuary, a charming tortoise habitat remains—a whimsical testament to the home’s storied past. The garden also features a detached studio/office with French doors, perfect for a creative workshop or a set-back, private office. For city living, the property features an ingenious charging arm built to extend over the sidewalk, offering a convenient car charging solution for street parking.
To live in the heart of North Berkeley is to embrace the best of all worlds, it offers a lifestyle defined by intellectual energy, art, quiet residential charm, and some of the finest culinary experiences in the country. Whether you're heading to a lecture at the University or grabbing a casual bite at Saul’s Deli, life here feels both deeply rooted in history and vibrantly connected to the present.
Built at the turn of the century, this classic Berkeley brown shingle epitomizes the best of Arts and Crafts architecture. Perfectly positioned in the heart of North Berkeley, this home offers an effortlessly charming, elegant backdrop for modern life, enhanced by thoughtful updates like gas fireplaces, radiant heat, a newer foundation, and lush landscaping. Believed to have been built by Captain Marston and his family in the late 1800s, this home is nestled among other historic residences that define the neighborhood.
A World of Rich Detail
The main floor exudes a timeless, welcoming charm, defined by rich redwood trim, intricate wainscoting, pocket doors and original fireplaces. In the living room, built-in shelving adds character, while a side deck creates a seamless transition to the outdoors. The dining room, anchored by a magnificent bay of windows, offers a bright perspective of the verdant gardens. Discreetly integrated into the wainscoting is a secret door that opens to a private office overlooking stone paths and a peaceful patio. At the heart of the home, the kitchen serves as a sun-drenched hub, complete with a central island and a custom eat-in nook featuring handcrafted Douglas fir benches. Nearby, a pantry hall leads to a thoughtfully remodeled bathroom, elegantly finished with a walnut vanity, a skylight, and marble tiling.
Retreats and Flexible Spaces
The wide staircase, accented by grand landings, leaded and stained-glass picture windows, and an artisan light fixture, leads to the upper level. Here, all three bedrooms and the other bath are spacious, with two bedrooms adjoining a wonderful sleeping porch—an ideal flexible space for a play area or second home office, with a peek of the bay. The lower floor expands the living area with a bonus family room, a freestanding fireplace, and ample storage, making it a flexible area perfect for sprawling out or a private guest space. This level also includes a spacious laundry area, a dedicated workshop and bench, and incredible shelved storage.
Magical Gardens and Modern Convenience
Outside, the property transforms into a magical garden, meandering through peaceful nooks and featuring artful landscaping touches. It’s filled with perennials, draping wisteria, ferns, and flowering shrubs, set against moss-lined stone walkways. Tucked within this lush sanctuary, a charming tortoise habitat remains—a whimsical testament to the home’s storied past. The garden also features a detached studio/office with French doors, perfect for a creative workshop or a set-back, private office. For city living, the property features an ingenious charging arm built to extend over the sidewalk, offering a convenient car charging solution for street parking.
To live in the heart of North Berkeley is to embrace the best of all worlds, it offers a lifestyle defined by intellectual energy, art, quiet residential charm, and some of the finest culinary experiences in the country. Whether you're heading to a lecture at the University or grabbing a casual bite at Saul’s Deli, life here feels both deeply rooted in history and vibrantly connected to the present.
Property Tour
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Neighborhood
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This popular Berkley neighborhood is known by at least a few names, including Gourmet Gulch, North Shattuck ,and Gourmet Ghetto. Located less than a mile north of Downtown Berkley, Gourmet Ghetto is often considered the birthplace and epicenter of California Cuisine.
The homes in the Gourmet Ghetto range from well-preserved Victorian-style homes to bungalows and meticulously preserved Craftsmans. In fact, the eclectic mix of real estate in the Gourmet Ghetto garners so much attention, the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association conducts regular neighborhood tours in the area. Thanks to the nearby BART Station and central shopping district, the Gourmet Ghetto is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Everything from Oakland to the bustling Downtown San Francisco area is less than an hour commute from Gourmet Ghetto. Oakland Medical Center is less than 20 minutes from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and residents can be at Google’s headquarters in less than 45 minutes. UC Berkeley is just a mile away, making Gourmet Ghetto a great place for students, faculty, and staff to call home.
Live Oak Park, located near Shattuck Avenue between Eunice and Rose Streets, is ideal for a variety of events and recreation. Amenities include basketball courts, a volleyball court, lighted tennis courts, picnic areas, and an open-air theater which hosts children’s plays and Shakespearean productions. Just east of Live Oak Park is the Berkeley Art Center, which proudly displays a variety of exhibits, art openings, and lectures.
The true origin story of the moniker 'Gourmet Ghetto' is contested, but it's easy to see how the name came about. The strip of Shattuck Avenue between Cedar and Vine streets is anchored by Alice Waters' world-famous Chez Panisse Restaurant & Café, The Cheese Board Collective, and the original Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Each of these restaurants have been icons in the neighborhood for decades and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. Simply put, the area is a laid-back mecca for those who want to eat, drink, and live well. Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association conducts regular neighborhood tours in the area. Thanks to the nearby BART Station and central shopping district, the Gourmet Ghetto is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Everything from Oakland to the bustling Downtown San Francisco area is less than an hour commute from Gourmet Ghetto. Oakland Medical Center is less than 20 minutes from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and residents can be at Google’s headquarters in less than 45 minutes. UC Berkeley is just a mile away, making Gourmet Ghetto a great place for students, faculty, and staff to call home.
The homes in the Gourmet Ghetto range from well-preserved Victorian-style homes to bungalows and meticulously preserved Craftsmans. In fact, the eclectic mix of real estate in the Gourmet Ghetto garners so much attention, the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association conducts regular neighborhood tours in the area. Thanks to the nearby BART Station and central shopping district, the Gourmet Ghetto is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Everything from Oakland to the bustling Downtown San Francisco area is less than an hour commute from Gourmet Ghetto. Oakland Medical Center is less than 20 minutes from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and residents can be at Google’s headquarters in less than 45 minutes. UC Berkeley is just a mile away, making Gourmet Ghetto a great place for students, faculty, and staff to call home.
Live Oak Park, located near Shattuck Avenue between Eunice and Rose Streets, is ideal for a variety of events and recreation. Amenities include basketball courts, a volleyball court, lighted tennis courts, picnic areas, and an open-air theater which hosts children’s plays and Shakespearean productions. Just east of Live Oak Park is the Berkeley Art Center, which proudly displays a variety of exhibits, art openings, and lectures.
The true origin story of the moniker 'Gourmet Ghetto' is contested, but it's easy to see how the name came about. The strip of Shattuck Avenue between Cedar and Vine streets is anchored by Alice Waters' world-famous Chez Panisse Restaurant & Café, The Cheese Board Collective, and the original Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Each of these restaurants have been icons in the neighborhood for decades and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. Simply put, the area is a laid-back mecca for those who want to eat, drink, and live well. Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association conducts regular neighborhood tours in the area. Thanks to the nearby BART Station and central shopping district, the Gourmet Ghetto is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Berkeley.
Everything from Oakland to the bustling Downtown San Francisco area is less than an hour commute from Gourmet Ghetto. Oakland Medical Center is less than 20 minutes from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and residents can be at Google’s headquarters in less than 45 minutes. UC Berkeley is just a mile away, making Gourmet Ghetto a great place for students, faculty, and staff to call home.
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Laura Arechiga
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Laura Arechiga