Stylish and Serene
This charming updated two bedroom, two bath home has much to love and admire, including a living room with fireplace that has been refaced with tumbled stone tile, lovely windows that act as picture frames and add to the ambiance of the home, and hardwood floors throughout. The spacious formal dining room is a wonderful space for entertaining. A stylishly remodeled galley kitchen opens to the cozy breakfast room.
Just off the dining room are a few steps that lead up to two generously sized bedrooms. One of the bedrooms has a small balcony and both overlook the lovely level garden. They both have the benefit of the beautifully remodeled bathroom, which excites with its generous use of Italian porcelain tile on the floor and walls and makes a tasteful statement. A few steps down from the kitchen is the conveniently located laundry room, and adjacent is an additional bonus space that has been used as both an office and a home gym. A second bathroom has also been remodeled with small mosaic aquamarine tiles and a modern sink with an angled vanity that adds flair.
This area of the home steps directly out to the garden with lawn and patio areas. The garden is perfect for al fresco dining and as a quiet retreat from the day’s busy pace.
Located on a serene, flat street in the small and close-knit community of Kensington, this appealing split-level home is in a very desirable neighborhood, in close proximity to bus lines, as well as the Colusa Circle shops that include Semifreddi’s, a flower shop, a local grocery and the weekend farmers’ market. Also easily accessible are Solano Avenue shops and restaurants, with all its amenities. This amiable neighborhood adds to the allure of this welcoming home.
Neighborhood
One look at this neighborhood of large and smaller homes in the 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 in Kensington. 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.
Kensington benefits from close proximity to University of California Berkeley. 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 restaurants. There are two distinct shopping districts in Kensington, Arlington Avenue and Colusa Circle where the Farmers Market is found regularly. This property is just down the street from this popular local destination where one can have a pizza, coffee or meet up with friends.
