KAREN RICHMOND PRESENTS
Two Charming Homes on one Lot - COVETED UPPER KENSINGTON
291 Purdue Avenue, Kensington
|Offered at: $1,048,000
This truly special property offers a rare chance to own two charming homes on one lot in coveted Upper Kensington, one of East Bay’s most beloved hillside neighborhoods.
Welcome to 291 Purdue Avenue, A classic 1939 main residence and a beautifully renovated 1940s one-bedroom cottage offer a sense of retreat, privacy, and possibility. Designed for flexible living, the property is ideal for hosting your guests, accommodating extended family, creating a sophisticated start-up office, or generating rental income.
THE MAIN RESIDENCE:
Set gracefully above the street with wonderful curb appeal, a welcoming courtyard, lawn, lavender-filled garden beds, and Magnolia tree create a beautiful setting for gathering, play and everyday enjoyment. Inside the main residence, picture windows fill the living space with natural light, while a classic brick fireplace and thoughtfully restored or replaced wood windows preserve the home’s original character. Just beyond, the dining room opens effortlessly to a lovely brick patio, creating an easy connection between indoor charm and outdoor living. A bright and sunny eat-in kitchen offers vintage appeal with fresh new updates, including new oak flooring, quartz countertops, a new sink and stainless-steel appliances. A small pantry and generous open workspace add function and possibility.
Upstairs, two sunny bedrooms provide comfort and charm, including one with filtered Golden Gate views and the other spacious enough for twin beds. Both share an updated bath with shower/tub combination, while an oversized hall closet provides convenient storage. Just off the kitchen and below the main level, the tandem two-car garage includes laundry and a flexible bonus area with potential for a home office, gym, or recreation space. Beautifully landscaped front and rear yards are enhanced by updated automatic irrigation, and a lovely brick hardscape offers places to relax, dine and entertain.
THE COTTAGE:
Privately tucked at the rear of the property the cottage-built legally in the 1940s-adds exceptional flexibility and value. Rented by artists through the years, this inviting one-bedroom, one-bath retreat has been reimagined with a contemporary renovation while retaining original details that lend warmth, texture, and authenticity. Expansive picture windows, vaulted ceilings, updated electrical, energy-efficient LED lighting, new wide-plank wood laminate flooring, and crisp white art walls create an airy, inspiring setting for living, working, or creating. The refreshed kitchen features soft gray cabinetry, butcher-block countertops, a mini stove, new sink & refrigerator. The updated bath includes quartz tub surrounds, new sink, and toilet. Whether envisioned as guest or in-law quarters, start-up office space, creative studio, or rental income, this delightful cottage is a standout bonus space with charm, function, and endless possibility.
PROPERTY PEACE OF MIND UPGRADES:
Prior Retrofitting/Bolting of the Main Home
Updated Electrical Panels
New Certified Sewer line,
New Sump Pump installed in Stairwell
Downspout Drain installed on Left Side of Home
New Sidewalk & Expanded driveway for two cars.
New MiraDRAIN Waterproof Drainage system installed around Cottage
New Roof on Cottage 2026
Don’t miss seeing this rare opportunity in prime upper Kensington location perfectly situated a half mile to the village for coffee, restaurants and shopping, within .07 miles from top-rated Kensington Hilltop Elementary. Commuters will love the convenience of nearby AC Transit options, while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate seamless access to the scenic Tilden Wilderness Trail System.
Welcome Home!
THE MAIN RESIDENCE:
Set gracefully above the street with wonderful curb appeal, a welcoming courtyard, lawn, lavender-filled garden beds, and Magnolia tree create a beautiful setting for gathering, play and everyday enjoyment. Inside the main residence, picture windows fill the living space with natural light, while a classic brick fireplace and thoughtfully restored or replaced wood windows preserve the home’s original character. Just beyond, the dining room opens effortlessly to a lovely brick patio, creating an easy connection between indoor charm and outdoor living. A bright and sunny eat-in kitchen offers vintage appeal with fresh new updates, including new oak flooring, quartz countertops, a new sink and stainless-steel appliances. A small pantry and generous open workspace add function and possibility.
Upstairs, two sunny bedrooms provide comfort and charm, including one with filtered Golden Gate views and the other spacious enough for twin beds. Both share an updated bath with shower/tub combination, while an oversized hall closet provides convenient storage. Just off the kitchen and below the main level, the tandem two-car garage includes laundry and a flexible bonus area with potential for a home office, gym, or recreation space. Beautifully landscaped front and rear yards are enhanced by updated automatic irrigation, and a lovely brick hardscape offers places to relax, dine and entertain.
THE COTTAGE:
Privately tucked at the rear of the property the cottage-built legally in the 1940s-adds exceptional flexibility and value. Rented by artists through the years, this inviting one-bedroom, one-bath retreat has been reimagined with a contemporary renovation while retaining original details that lend warmth, texture, and authenticity. Expansive picture windows, vaulted ceilings, updated electrical, energy-efficient LED lighting, new wide-plank wood laminate flooring, and crisp white art walls create an airy, inspiring setting for living, working, or creating. The refreshed kitchen features soft gray cabinetry, butcher-block countertops, a mini stove, new sink & refrigerator. The updated bath includes quartz tub surrounds, new sink, and toilet. Whether envisioned as guest or in-law quarters, start-up office space, creative studio, or rental income, this delightful cottage is a standout bonus space with charm, function, and endless possibility.
PROPERTY PEACE OF MIND UPGRADES:
Prior Retrofitting/Bolting of the Main Home
Updated Electrical Panels
New Certified Sewer line,
New Sump Pump installed in Stairwell
Downspout Drain installed on Left Side of Home
New Sidewalk & Expanded driveway for two cars.
New MiraDRAIN Waterproof Drainage system installed around Cottage
New Roof on Cottage 2026
Don’t miss seeing this rare opportunity in prime upper Kensington location perfectly situated a half mile to the village for coffee, restaurants and shopping, within .07 miles from top-rated Kensington Hilltop Elementary. Commuters will love the convenience of nearby AC Transit options, while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate seamless access to the scenic Tilden Wilderness Trail System.
Welcome Home!
Property Details
Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms
2
Square Feet
1,737 sq ft
Neighborhood
Kensington
Floor Plan
Floor plan
Explore the Neighborhood
Thanks to its proximity to the University of California, Berkeley campus, Kensington may boast the largest number of Nobel Prize winners of any community in the world. But one look at this neighborhood of large homes in the hilly streets above Berkeley, its commanding views of the Bay Area, and sunny terraced yards will explain why this community is one of the most sought after in the East Bay.
Famed architect Bernard Maybeck had a home on Purdue Street. The homes he designed here at the turn of last century have become an informal blueprint for the signature home in Berkeley. These well-proportioned homes are designed for family life and dinner parties. Shingle siding, rustic construction, and bright expansive vistas are the hallmark of the homes in Kensington.
Tilden Park provides the boundary to the east. Miles of biking and hiking trails, a miniature steam train, exhibition farm, merry go-round, and the naturally landscaped swimming hole at Lake Anza make Tilden a popular destination for families. Transportation via Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is convenient. Heading on Colusa Avenue leads to the El Cerrito Plaza BART station and a short drive down Arlington Avenue takes you to North Berkeley BART and North Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto neighborhood. There are two distinct shopping districts in Kensington.
El Cerrito means "the little hill" in Spanish, and the town that is perched on the hill above San Francisco Bay offers easy access to Interstate 80 and Interstate 580 to Marin. Hillside homes along the curving streets deliver sweeping views of San Francisco and sunsets over the Golden Gate Bridge.
El Cerrito's main shopping corridor is undergoing a rebirth, beginning with Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, which was restored from the former Cerrito Speakeasy Theater. Access to open space and parkland is extensive, with Arlington Park, Cerrito Vista Park, Hillside Natural Area, Huber Park, Poinsett Park, and Tassajara Park & Pottery Studio all nearby. The Ohlone Greenway is a popular trail with hikers and bikers.
The University of California, Berkeley is several miles away, and two Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations, at El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito del Norte, make commuting easy. El Cerrito Plaza is a major shopping center housing grocery stores, restaurants, bookstores, a pharmacy, and smaller mom-and-pop stores.
Famed architect Bernard Maybeck had a home on Purdue Street. The homes he designed here at the turn of last century have become an informal blueprint for the signature home in Berkeley. These well-proportioned homes are designed for family life and dinner parties. Shingle siding, rustic construction, and bright expansive vistas are the hallmark of the homes in Kensington.
Tilden Park provides the boundary to the east. Miles of biking and hiking trails, a miniature steam train, exhibition farm, merry go-round, and the naturally landscaped swimming hole at Lake Anza make Tilden a popular destination for families. Transportation via Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is convenient. Heading on Colusa Avenue leads to the El Cerrito Plaza BART station and a short drive down Arlington Avenue takes you to North Berkeley BART and North Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto neighborhood. There are two distinct shopping districts in Kensington.
El Cerrito means "the little hill" in Spanish, and the town that is perched on the hill above San Francisco Bay offers easy access to Interstate 80 and Interstate 580 to Marin. Hillside homes along the curving streets deliver sweeping views of San Francisco and sunsets over the Golden Gate Bridge.
El Cerrito's main shopping corridor is undergoing a rebirth, beginning with Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, which was restored from the former Cerrito Speakeasy Theater. Access to open space and parkland is extensive, with Arlington Park, Cerrito Vista Park, Hillside Natural Area, Huber Park, Poinsett Park, and Tassajara Park & Pottery Studio all nearby. The Ohlone Greenway is a popular trail with hikers and bikers.
The University of California, Berkeley is several miles away, and two Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations, at El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito del Norte, make commuting easy. El Cerrito Plaza is a major shopping center housing grocery stores, restaurants, bookstores, a pharmacy, and smaller mom-and-pop stores.
Karen Richmond
Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, Karen is a seasoned real estate professional whose in-depth understanding of market trends, attention to detail and excellent negotiation skills make her a pleasure to work with. She brings a unique blend of marketing experience and creative energy to her practice. Her proven track record assisting buyers and sellers, spans from multi-million dollar properties in Lamorinda, bungalows in Oakland/Berkeley, to the retirement community of Rossmoor and Walnut Creek. She takes great pride in matching the perfect home to the right buyer educating them along the way so they are able to investigate and make sound decisions. She consistently delivers white glove customer service and time and again her clients praise her for her loyalty and perseverance.
Karen holds a B.A. in Communication and Political Science from San Diego State University and attended The acclaimed Washington Center in Journalism and Graphic Arts in Washington, DC. She began her career in International Marketing and has traveled to over 50 countries. In 1999 she moved to the Bay Area with her husband and attributes her fascination with Real Estate to the architectural diversity of the unique neighborhoods where she has lived throughout the East Bay. Marketing homes was a perfect fit and in 2005 Karen transitioned into real estate working for a top 1% listing agent in Lamorinda for 8 years.
Karen has an eye for design, offers light staging and has a knack for transforming properties to get the highest possible price. She prides in working with Compass whose company vision and reputation compliment her exceptional service. Most of her business is through the referral of happy clients and she serves as a valued resource long after the transaction is done.
Karen holds a B.A. in Communication and Political Science from San Diego State University and attended The acclaimed Washington Center in Journalism and Graphic Arts in Washington, DC. She began her career in International Marketing and has traveled to over 50 countries. In 1999 she moved to the Bay Area with her husband and attributes her fascination with Real Estate to the architectural diversity of the unique neighborhoods where she has lived throughout the East Bay. Marketing homes was a perfect fit and in 2005 Karen transitioned into real estate working for a top 1% listing agent in Lamorinda for 8 years.
Karen has an eye for design, offers light staging and has a knack for transforming properties to get the highest possible price. She prides in working with Compass whose company vision and reputation compliment her exceptional service. Most of her business is through the referral of happy clients and she serves as a valued resource long after the transaction is done.
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Karen Richmond