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4

Bedrooms

3.5

Bathrooms

2,555

Sq. Ft.

4,182

Sq. Ft. Lot

Offered at
$
1,875,000

Video Tour

Historically Rich Residence Designed by Julia Morgan

See the article in SF Gate: https://www.sfgate.com/realestate/article/first-home-designed-famous-bay-area-architect-sale-19797549.php

Historically rich, this remarkable residence, in original form and detail as designed by famed architect Julia Morgan, offers a rich tapestry of intricate details and enduring elegance. A quintessential example of timeless California craftsmanship, the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath brown-shingle home is among Morgan's earliest works. With only three previous owners—one being Morgan herself—it stands as a rare historical gem, poised to welcome a discerning new steward into its storied legacy.

From the moment you approach the front porch, with its oversized arched door—a nod to the grandeur that awaits—you feel a sense of intimacy and scale in perfect balance. The entryway, stately yet inviting, draws you in with its rich wood tones and soft light, guiding you effortlessly toward a living room that is both refined and welcoming. The fireplace, wood-burning and functional, is a centerpiece of the room, casting warmth on quiet evenings or lively gatherings. Adjacent, a formal dining room continues the theme of quiet sophistication, with another fireplace anchoring the room in a sense of historical gravitas. The dining room flows seamlessly onto a spacious deck that overlooks a meticulously landscaped garden, creating an indoor-outdoor dynamic that feels both organic and intentional. Off to the side, a butler's pantry, a charming remnant of an earlier era, leads to a discreetly placed half bath and the kitchen that retains its original form and materials. Centered off the main entry, an elegant home office offers an ideal retreat for focused work or study, its bay window framing the outdoor greenery, while original millwork reminds you of the history embedded in every corner of the house.

Leading you to the second floor is the grand central staircase with a showstopping leaded glass bay window. Here you will find the primary bedroom, a haven of calm, with easy access to the hall bath and wood-burning fireplace. Three additional bedrooms—two boasting ensuite baths—ensure privacy and comfort. Attached to one of the bedrooms, a sunroom drenched in natural light connects to the lower level, where you will find additional office space for those who crave quiet focus or creative retreat, along with laundry facilities. To complete the second floor is access to the attic space tucked up a discreet staircase, disguised behind a door, for additional storage or potential future living space conversion. 

Outside, the garden is a haven of tranquility, its lush greenery offering a serene respite. Down the brick driveway, which acts as patio common with its neighbor, sits the redwood board and batten garage which has been fully finished out with skylights and raised wood floor to serve as a creative studio. Further in the garden is a matching shed, perfect for storing bicycles or use as additional storage. Both are easily accessible from the garden, an outdoor space that feels as thoughtfully designed as the home itself. 

This is a house that doesn’t merely offer shelter; it offers a life steeped in history, comfort, and quiet luxury, a testament to the enduring vision of its renowned architect. Ideally situated near the vibrant energy of College Avenue, this home offers effortless access to an array of cafes, boutiques, and fine dining. Within the top-ranking Berkeley school system, it is just moments from the esteemed UC Berkeley campus, the iconic Claremont Hotel Club & Spa, and the exclusive Berkeley Tennis Club, it also provides proximity to the tranquil trails of the East Bay Regional Parks and easy access to San Francisco.

Self-Guided 3D Tour

This fabulous new technology lets you go anywhere in the house simply by navigating with the arrow keys. Once you hit the play button be sure to click on the full screen button on the lower right to get the total immersive effect.

Photo Gallery

Property Feature List

•Entering through an elegant front porch with an oversized arched door, you're welcomed by a grand formal entryway that flows seamlessly into a sophisticated living room with a cozy fireplace. Adjacent to the living room is a formal dining room, also featuring a fireplace, which opens to a spacious deck and beautifully landscaped garden. Off the dining room, a butler’s pantry leads to a half bath and the newly updated kitchen. Centered off the entryway, there is an elegant home office. On the second floor, you'll find the primary bedroom with its own hall bathroom, along with three additional bedrooms—two with ensuite baths—and a sunroom that connects to the lower level, which includes laundry facilities and additional office space.
• Historic brown shingle single family home designed by Julia Morgan
• 2,555 living square feet
• 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
• 4,182 square foot lot
• Built in 1908
• Owners since it was built: Julia Morgan, Thadeus Joy, Claude Stoller. All Architects
• 3 functioning wood burning fireplaces in the living room, dining room, and primary bedroom
• Original study on main level with bay window and vintage molding
• High-efficiency hydronic heating system operated by the latest Nest Learning Thermostat

• The garden features a garage, a finished space which was used as an artists studio and workshop, along with a smaller storage shed. Both are easily accessible from the back garden.
• New interior paint (2024)
• Mostly new interior lighting fixtures (2024)
• Newly refinished floors (2024)
• New engineered wood flooring in the sunroom and lower laundry/office room
• Julia Morgan original trim details, all intact
• Central stair with bay window and vintage glass
• Servants side stair to butler’s pantry
• Newer roof (2021)
• Expansive attic with interior stairs for future projects or storage

Key Kitchen Features
• Grohe pull down gooseneck kitchen faucet with undermount stainless steel sink
• Carrera marble and butcherblock countertops
• Vintage O'Keefe and Merritt stove

• New designer chandelier lighting
• Pantry closet
• Vintage butler’s pantry

Key Bathroom Features
• Powder Room: Charming under stair location with stylish wall sconce (2024) and includes a storage cabinet.
• Hall bathroom: Features a spacious shower with Hans Grohe fixtures, a built-in shampoo shelf and multi-head system, marble top vanity sink, new floor and wall tile and new wall sconce and mirror (2024).

• Front Guest Ensuite Bathroom: Includes a separate WC with shower room featuring Grohe fixtures. Updated sconce lighting, new vanity, lighting and mirror (2024).
• Back Ensuite Bathroom: Features built-in vanity, shower-over-tub with large shampoo cubby, and updates including a new ceiling & wall sconce (2024). Grohe and Hans Grohe fixtures.

Key Plumbing & Electrical Features
• Certified sewer lateral
• Mostly copper plumbing

• New Romex wiring in crawl space (2024)
• Main panel upgrade (2024) and sub panel upgrade

Parking, Garden, and Location
• Gated landscaped garden with patio and planting beds
• Large deck off the dining room perfect for al fresco dining
• Storage shed/workshop
• 1 car garage perfect as studio space with skylight and 220 volt power outlet
• Brick driveway with tandem off street parking for appropriately sized vehicles (buyer to measure to ensure fit)
• Garbage storage corral

• Pergola with vines and lighting
• Fully fenced front garden
• Established large Redwood and Japanese Maple trees
• Located close to cafes, shops and restaurants on College Ave, UC Berkeley and Claremont Hotel Club and Spa, Berkeley Tennis Club, East Bay Regional Park trails, plus nearby to Peets Coffee, La Fournee Bakery, Baker & Commons, Summer Kitchen, and so much more. Close to the only movie theatre in Berkeley and an excellent bookstore.

Floorplan