Presented by Tasha Isolani

Gorgeous Berkeley Craftsman in Northbrae

$1,895,000


On a tree-lined street in the heart of Northbrae, one of the most coveted neighborhoods in North Berkeley, this thoughtfully updated 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom Craftsman is a true gem. Beautifully designed and expanded while maintaining its 1920s period charm, the home's updates include seismic strengthening, fully owned solar, EV charger, 200 amp service, heat pump with air conditioning, refinished hardwood floors, and landscaped front and back yards.  Upon entry, the period details greet you: warm wood tones of built-in cabinetry flank the rugged tapestry-brick fireplace, and soft light from wide picture windows bathes the interiors. The spacious kitchen is the heart of the home, with state-of-the art lighting, a central skylight, stainless steel appliances, custom Rivendell cabinetry, stone counters, and white oak plank flooring.  The open concept kitchen/dining room design, with a Herman Miller Nelson Pendant Lamp casting a warm glow on the central spaces, provides a wonderful setting to entertain. Additional updates include Marvin windows in all four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and kitchen, and skylights in each of the upstairs rooms.  The airy stairway features a vaulted ceiling and clerestory windows.  The split level floor plan allows for the central living spaces to be on a single level, with two bedrooms up a half flight of stairs, and two bedrooms directly below them.  The four bedrooms enjoy picture perfect views of the floriferous garden, and three have direct access to the back yard.  Enjoy coffee on the back deck, and watch the birds and butterflies as they explore the flowers, the garden beds and blueberry bushes, as well as the mature espaliered fig, apple, and plum trees that line the back fence.  A wide hallway offers level access to one bedroom and a full bath.  The level driveway offers easy parking for up to three cars.  Multiple interior closet areas offer plenty of storage; the garden shed is a convenient space for additional storage.  1033 Colusa Avenue is ideally located to walk, drive, ride, or take public transportation to some of the most well-loved shops and restaurants in North Berkeley.  Home Energy Score of 10.  BESO and Sewer Lateral compliant.
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Property Details

Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2.5
Square Feet 2,072 sq ft
Neighborhood Northbrae, Berkeley

Video Tour

Floor Plan

Floor plan

Floor plan

Floor plan

Site plan

Improvements

Improvements
 (All Completed with Permits)

2000-2001
Architect Tim Gray
Structural Engineer Eric Le Balanger
Licensed contractor Stuart Reinsch

Expansion and Seismic upgrade, French drains and retaining walls, all with architectural drawings, engineering, and permits.
Fully renovated and modernized kitchen with large pass-through to the dining room.  Updates  include stone counters, stainless steel appliances, extensive lighting upgrades, and skylight.
Bookshelves added to the top of the stairway, and to the lower bedroom;  desk space added to this bedroom.
Architect’s design of a vaulted ceiling over stairway with a skylight and clerestory windows, allows for the interior to be bathed in natural light.
Placed wood doors to all closets, bedrooms, and bathrooms
Added Marvin windows with screens in all four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and kitchen
Installed 5 skylights, one in both top floor bedrooms, another in the primary bathroom, one over the stairway and the fifth in the kitchen
Fully renovated 2.5 bathrooms with new plumbing, 
Improved electrical throughout. 
Multiple storage areas were added under the house, accessed through the downstairs hall and laundry room
Deck was added with access from the two upstairs bedrooms with exterior storage beneath
A garden/potting and storage  shed was built with double pane window, electricity and a garden sink
Landscaped back yard, (with  Rachio smart irrigation system installed more recently).   Plants include espaliered plum, apple and fig trees in the back yard, blueberries, and many flowers.  There is also a raised vegetable bed.  In the front yard there is a smoke tree and a native garden with manzanitas.  A lovely maple grows on the side yard.
A level driveway was built on the north side of the house which fits 3 cars
Fully fenced back yard with a side gate on both sides
Designed side entry so that there are no steps to a lower level bedroom and bathroom, with a wide hallway.

2014-2015
EV charging station

2017
Stainless steel gas range

2019
Bosch dishwasher

2020
Heat Pump with AC for whole house
Miele washer and heat pump dryer in the laundry room.

2023 
Solar panels
200 Amp Main panel 
Roof on both house and garden shed

2026
Seismic Shut-Off valve installed 
Sewer lateral replaced
Refurbished oak floors throughout the central living spaces, and new engineered oak plank flooring in the kitchen
New tile floors in 3 bathrooms
New Herman Miller Nelson Pendant Lamp in dining room
New stainless steel refrigerator 
New kitchen faucet
New interior paint

Explore the Neighborhood

Centered on Hopkins Street at the foot of the Berkeley Hills, this quiet, relaxed residential community consists of charming bungalows, California Craftsman homes, and English Tudors. Indian Rock, the largest example of the Northbrae rhyolite outcroppings in the neighborhood, is popular with climbers honing their skills.
Nearby green spaces include three-acre Cedar-Rose Park and Terrace Park. For those working on home horticulture projects, Berkeley Horticultural Nursery on McGee Avenue and Westbrae Nursery on Gilman Street offer advice, seeds, plants, and gardening tools.
Northbrae’s two-block long retail district may be small, but it is crammed with gourmet-food purveyors. It's possible to shop here like a European, going from store to store, purchasing everything you need for the week's dinner. Monterey Market (an institution for more than 50 years), Monterey Fish Market, Magnani Poultry, and Hopkins Street Bakery make Northbrae into a mecca for food lovers. Outdoor cafe Espresso Roma offers the opportunity to enjoy a latte in the glorious weather.
Northbrae is within walking distance to the North Berkeley BART and the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library. Designed by noted Bay Area architect Julia Morgan in the early 20th century, the latter building is one of the most stunning civic structures in Berkeley.

Tasha Isolani

Coldwell Banker Realty

Realtor

DRE:
#01912249
Mobile:
415.747.1283
Office:
415.747.1283

www.tashaisolani.com

Coldwell Banker Realty DRE#01908304

Schedule

Upcoming Events

Saturday

Sep 26

Open House Tours

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

Sep 27

Open House Tours

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

Oct 1

Broker Tours

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Saturday

Oct 3

Open House Tours

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

Oct 4

Open House Tours

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM