Valerie Ruma Presents

Exceptional Berkeley Hills View Home

Offered at $1,650,000

706 Hilldale Avenue, Berkeley

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Berkeley Hills View Cottage Designed by Famed Local Architect Henry Higby Gutterson

Perched gracefully in the Berkeley Hills just above Marin Circle and just below Tilden Park, sits 706 Hilldale Avenue, an exceptional Arts and Crafts residence designed in 1930 by famed local Berkeley architect Henry Higbee Gutterson.  This home has been lovingly cared for by the same family for almost 50 years and now they are ready to pass it on to its next care takers.     Spanning 2156 square feet of mostly single floor living you will find not only gorgeous architecture in the high beamed ceilings of the great room with an oversized fireplace and a wall of built-in bookshelves and storage, but cozy nooks throughout.  From the front patio accessible by French doors from the dining room to the unique soaking tub with it’s view of a private outdoor area.  Let’s not forget the custom designed office in the sky on the top floor that takes such amazing advantage of the view that you’ll never want to leave.  Even the kitchen which is more traditional has a peekaboo view of the Bay and a large skylight overhead to illuminate the room while you are creating a feast.  The current owner loved to cook in this kitchen, which while not super sized, has many really useful features such as a “California Cooler” cupboard that vents to the outside to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh naturally.  The kitchen features all brand new stainless steel appliances with the exception of the hood over the range which was so iconic it even has a warming tray and special heat lamps built in.  This is truly a cook’s kitchen.  But, if you don’t feel like cooking some days, the famed Berkeley Gourmet District featuring the Cheese Board, Sauls Deli and Chez Panisse are just minutes away and at your service.  However, many a large dinner party and or solstice gathering has been held in this home over the years by the family who originally hailed from Sweden.  The cherry on top is the lower level studio apartment, au pair or in-law suite with full bath and compact electric kitchen, accessible by interior stairs or by a separate private entrance from the gated back garden.  Even the studio has its share of Bay views.  All these amenities are surrounded by a gorgeous garden with gentle walkways and lots of greenery in front and a mostly blank canvas for the new owner in the back yard.
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Property Details

Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 3
Square Footage 2,156 sq ft
Neighborhood Berkeley Hills

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Neighborhood

Perched above the city and offering the best  panoramic views in the entire Bay Area, North Berkeley Hills is an incredibly peaceful residential neighborhood, yet not far from the hustle and bustle of the city’s more urban areas. Homes in the neighborhood are built in a variety of styles and feature spacious patio decks, manicured lawns and lushly landscaped gardens. 

Depending on where you live, North Berkeley Hills residents can enjoy views of the San Francisco and Oakland skylines, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Mount Tamalpais. For even more great views plus a variety of great outdoor activities, residents can take a short trip to nearby Tilden Regional Park. Park amenities vary between free and paid activities. Free activities available at TIlden Park include a beautiful botanical garden, the Little Farm, and nearly 40 miles of scenic hiking trails. For a small fee, the public can also swim at Lake Anza, take a spin on the Merry-Go-Round, or enjoy a round of golf at Tilden Park Golf Course.

Some residents in the southern part of North Berkeley Hills are within walking distance of the thriving retail district on Solano Avenue. Featuring a wide variety of stores, shops, and plenty of great restaurants, including:
Safeway Community Markets: Located at the southwest corner of Solano and Fresno Avenues, this is a great place to check off everything on your grocery list.
Noor & Sons Rug Gallery: Find handcrafted Oriental Rugs for your home, as well as rug cleaning and repair services.
Peet’s Coffee: It all started in Berkeley, and this location is ideal for your morning cup of coffee before you begin your commute.
Additionally, foodies who love a variety of cuisines are just a short walk or drive away from the infamous Gourmet Ghetto neighborhood.

Despite its elevated location, North Berkeley Hills is extremely transit-friendly. The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District bus lines that serve the neighborhood drop residents at the Downtown Berkeley BART station for a quick commute to downtown San Francisco. Berkeley Hills residents who live near the western section of the neighborhood are less than one mile away from the heart of UC Berkeley, making it a great area for faculty and administrators to live.

Valerie Ruma

Realtor

DRE:
#01887220
Mobile:
510.579.3614

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Jun 18

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9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Jun 20

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Jun 21

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Sunday

Jun 28

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