This classic shingle-style home, located in Berkeley’s cherished Elmwood neighborhood, embodies early 20th-century charm with its wrap-around porch and original millwork. Built to reflect timeless architectural elegance, it offers rich hardwood floors and period details such as a decorative fireplace and built-ins. Its prime location near College Avenue’s vibrant cafés, parks, and UC Berkeley highlights its historical and cultural significance. Priced at $1,095,000, the home features a flexible upper level ideal for a primary suite or additional living space, complemented by a lush garden with Meyer lemon and Gravenstein apple trees. This cherished residence grants an inviting blend of warmth, character, and community in a coveted East Bay location.
Front Porch Entrance
Wide front porch with robust square columns supporting a low-pitched roof, echoing Craftsman architectural style. The exterior combines weathered wooden shingles and horizontal siding painted in muted gray tones, lending a vintage yet sturdy appearance. Multi-pane windows enhance the historic charm, while brick steps and a paved pathway lead up to the porch, framed by lush ferns and shrubbery. The open, inviting design pairs natural textures with earthy colors, blending seamlessly into the surrounding greenery. The porch space offers a cozy sit-down area, emphasizing the home’s welcoming and timeless character.
Front Porch and Garden
Dark wooden steps lead up to a spacious covered porch with deep overhangs supported by square columns. The walls are clad in natural wood shingles, creating a rustic yet refined exterior. A large window with green-gray trim reflects the lush surroundings. The porch floor and steps are painted in a dark muted tone, contrasting with the warm wood shingle siding. Adjacent to the porch, a blooming tree with white flowers frames the scene, surrounded by a mulched garden bed and a brick pathway, adding a serene, inviting ambiance to this historic home’s front entrance.
Outdoor Deck Dining
Wooden decking creates a rustic outdoor dining space bordered by a natural, vine-covered railing. A rectangular wooden dining table with six matching chairs, all in weathered light wood tones, sits centrally. The adjacent house exterior is clad in weathered wooden shingles with black trim around the windows and a dark vent shutter, emphasizing a historic, coastal cottage aesthetic. Lush green trees surround the area, providing a private, serene atmosphere under a clear blue sky. Simple decor, including a pale ceramic centerpiece and rustic artichoke sculpture, adds subtle charm and visual interest.
Outdoor Deck Dining Area
A rustic outdoor deck adjacent to a historic home’s side, clad in weathered cedar shingles, presents a cozy dining space. The wooden deck flooring complements the wood-paneled wall, creating a warm, natural aesthetic. A simple rectangular wooden table is surrounded by six white and natural-toned folding chairs, blending contemporary casual with traditional charm. The railing and stairs, also wooden, subtly echo the deck’s tone, while lush greenery and mature trees envelop the area, adding privacy and a tranquil atmosphere. Black-framed windows punctuate the exterior wall, enhancing the nostalgic character and inviting natural light inside.
Outdoor Deck Dining
Wooden deck attached to a historic home, furnished with a rectangular weathered wood dining table and six chairs featuring modern slatted backs and seats. The railing is wooden and partially covered with natural, overgrown vines adding privacy and rustic charm. The backdrop includes lush greenery with trees and shrubs creating a serene, natural atmosphere. The house exterior is clad in wooden shingles stained a dark brown, complementing the natural wood tones of the deck. A small candle lantern is placed on a wall-mounted wooden shelf, enhancing the cozy, inviting outdoor ambiance perfect for casual meals and gatherings.
Backyard and Side Entrance
The exterior of this historic American home is clad in weathered cedar shingles, giving it a rustic yet charming cottage appeal. A small wooden deck with simple railing and a few steps leads to a side door entry. The deck includes a bench and a lantern, adding subtle warmth. The yard is embraced by mature shrubs and greenery bordering a narrow brick pathway that runs alongside the house, contrasting with the wood tones. The roof displays exposed eaves with visible rafters, highlighting traditional craftsmanship. Overall, the design conveys cozy, natural materials and intimate outdoor space.
Backyard Seating Area
A serene backyard corner with a wooden fence enclosing the space, creating privacy. The ground has a clean, green lawn bordered by a layer of mulch, adding natural texture and contrast. Dense shrubs and tall bamboo plants frame the area, contributing lush greenery and a sense of seclusion. A simple metal bench adorned with monochromatic cushions provides a subtle, comfortable seating option. The overall look blends rustic wood elements with fresh, vibrant foliage and clean landscaping, evoking a peaceful, inviting outdoor retreat with an understated, natural aesthetic.
Front Porch Entrance
The porch is elevated with several wide wooden steps leading up to it. Constructed mostly of dark stained wood, the porch has a rustic, craftsman-style aesthetic with thick square columns supporting the roof. The walls are clad in overlapping wooden shingles that give a textured, weathered look, enhanced by the natural light. A set of deep green framed windows offers a glimpse inside. In the foreground, delicate branches with white blossoms hang gently, adding a soft, natural contrast to the heavy timbers and muted tones of the porch, inviting a serene and welcoming entry.
Front Porch Seating Area
Elongated front porch with weathered wooden plank ceiling and shingle siding presents a rustic, inviting charm. Muted teal window frames with divided panes offer a vintage aesthetic, contrasting softly against natural wood tones. A simple wooden bench with cream cushions and a patterned throw pillow sits snugly near the corner, adding comfort and subtle decoration. Pale bluish-gray flooring completes the space, complementing the cool hues around. Lantern-style ceiling light adds nostalgic ambiance. The porch is sheltered, offering a cozy transitional space between the outdoors and interior, evoking a timeless early-20th-century American craftsman style.
Living Room Fireplace
Rich dark wood beams frame the ceiling and walls, contrasting strikingly against crisp white walls. The centerpiece is a grand brick fireplace with a stepped arch design, flanked by built-in shelves holding small decorative items. Two windows on either side allow natural light to softly illuminate the space. The seating area comprises a modern light gray sofa adorned with various textured pillows, paired with a pale armchair, all resting on a large geometric patterned rug that grounds the room. A round marble coffee table with geometric metal legs adds a touch of elegance, while subtle gold accents in lamps bring warmth.
Living Room Seating Area
The room displays a harmonious blend of modern comfort with historic architectural charm. White walls are accented by rich wood beams and trim, creating a grid pattern on the ceiling and walls that highlights the classic craftsmanship. A light gray tufted sofa adorned with a variety of textured pillows anchors one side, balanced by neutral upholstered armchairs. The centerpiece is a round marble coffee table with an angular metal base, resting on a large patterned rug that softens the warm hardwood floors. Built-in dark wood shelves flank a bank of windows, complemented by a white bench layered with pillows and a throw. Natural light filters in, illuminating the space’s cozy and inviting ambiance.
Living Room Alcove
Warm honey-toned hardwood floors stretch across the space, complementing the rich dark wood trim that frames the cream walls and ceiling. An open layout reveals a dining area connected by wide doorways bordered with the same dark wood moulding. Two built-in bookshelves flank a bank of wooden-framed windows, adding balance and charm. A white painted wooden bench with a textured grey throw and a patterned throw pillow creates a cozy reading nook. Soft light from a modern table lamp on a sleek black side table enhances the inviting, classic Craftsman aesthetic of this historic home.
Dining Nook and Buffet Cabinet
Rich, dark wood paneling and built-in cabinetry create a warm and inviting atmosphere here. The buffet cabinet features glass-front upper doors revealing white dishware, while the countertop holds crystal glassware and a tray of bottles, adding a touch of elegance. Through an open doorway, a cozy dining nook is visible, with a small round white table surrounded by black metal chairs with curved backs. Natural light floods the space from a large window, brightening the deep wood tones. A textured white rug grounds the dining area, and a vase with fresh flowers adds softness to the classic, historic charm.
Dining Room Area
A spacious dining area accentuated by rich, dark wood wainscoting and wide window frames contrasts against crisp white walls and ceiling. The ceiling features wooden beams that add architectural interest and warmth. A rectangular wooden dining table with a sturdy black metal frame sits atop a subtly patterned area rug. Surrounding the table are six modern, light beige upholstered chairs with minimalist metal legs. A modern brass chandelier with multiple candle-style bulbs hangs overhead, creating elegant lighting. A built-in wooden bench with cushions lines the wall beneath tall windows, offering additional seating or a cozy nook. The room’s entryway is framed by the same dark wood trim, leading into a similarly styled adjacent space.
Kitchen Sink Area
White cabinetry with bronze knobs lines the lower half beneath a wide wooden countertop with terracotta tiles. A double stainless steel sink with a modern faucet sits centered under two white-framed windows, bringing in abundant natural light and views of lush greenery. Above the sink, a large minimalist wall clock, with a simple white face and thin black hands, adds a modern touch to the otherwise classic kitchen look. On the countertop, a striped bowl with lemons, a soap dispenser, a small plant, and cups on a tray contribute subtle decorative accents. Warm hardwood floors flow seamlessly throughout.
Kitchen to Laundry
White walls and cabinetry contrast with warm, natural wood countertops and hardwood floors. A large window floods the kitchen with natural light, highlighting the simple yet charming cutlery and cutting boards arranged neatly on the counter. A small wooden stool with white-tipped legs sits against the wall beneath botanical artwork, adding a rustic touch. A dark green door with a glass panel leads to a separate laundry room painted in deep charcoal with vintage-style windowpanes. The laundry space contains a washing machine and wicker basket, blending practicality with the home’s historic character.
Cozy Bedroom Corner
The room reveals a tranquil bedroom corner with white textured walls and rich dark wood trim outlining the windows and baseboards, creating a warm contrast. Two large, single-hung windows offer abundant natural light and a view of lush greenery outside. A light grey tufted armchair with a blue accent pillow sits beside the windows, balanced by a vintage-inspired grey dresser with delicate legs, topped by a white round mirror and a geometric lamp. The bed, dressed in light pastel quilts and a textured white blanket, rests on a subtle grey and cream striped rug atop a dark hardwood floor, blending comfort with classic charm.
Bedroom with Bathroom Access
A cozy bedroom with neutral and soft tones, dominated by a white tufted headboard bed layered with textured beige and light gray bedding and decorative pillows. Matching white nightstands flank the bed, each topped with a modern lamp, offering symmetry and balance. Dark stained wooden trim runs horizontally around the white walls and frames the doors, adding warmth and historic charm. The room features wooden floors partially covered by a light striped area rug. A doorway reveals an adjacent bathroom with classic white tile flooring and walls, maintaining a light and airy aesthetic consistent throughout.
Bathroom Corner View
The corner of the bathroom includes a white bathtub with smooth edges set against a wall fully tiled with small white square tiles, creating a clean, minimalist look. A white shower curtain hangs from a simple curved rod. The floor features hexagonal white tiles outlined with subtle dark grout lines, adding vintage charm. A single window framed in white allows natural light and provides an outdoor view. To the right, a white toilet with a small decorative green plant on its tank and a framed butterfly art piece on the wall introduce light touches of color and natural elements, enhancing the otherwise monochromatic palette.
Cozy Bedroom
Soft white walls with a contrasting wood trim running horizontally give the room a warm, vintage character. The queen-sized bed is dressed with layered bedding, including a textured white comforter, a floral quilt, and decorative pillows in muted natural tones. A black metal headboard adds a subtle touch of industrial style, while two dark gray nightstands flank the bed, topped with white ceramic lamps casting a cozy glow. The hardwood floors, partially covered by a light rug, complement the solid wood door and window frames, enhancing the classic charm of this peaceful retreat.
Entry Hallway and Staircase
Warm wood paneling envelops the entry hallway, with intricate molding details crowning the top edges. The polished hardwood floor continues seamlessly into a staircase leading upwards, framed by crisp white walls that create contrast and brightness. A framed botanical print and a vibrant Henri Matisse artwork introduce subtle pops of color and visual interest. An elegant brass and glass floor lamp stands adjacent to a plush, mint velvet bench with a gold-finished metal base, enhancing the space’s inviting and tasteful aesthetic. The room to the left hints at a cozy living area with built-in shelving and mullioned windows.
Attic Living Space
Sloped wooden plank ceiling with exposed dark beams creates a warm, rustic atmosphere contrasting the clean white walls. Light hardwood flooring complements the natural wood tones overhead. The room is arranged as an open-concept living area incorporating a small dining space with a round white table and four modern white chairs featuring wooden legs. A seating area includes neutral-toned armchairs, a striped ottoman serving as a coffee table, and a minimalist couch. Decorative accents include a woven rug, a circular wall mirror with a nature-inspired frame, and potted greenery near a glass-paned door providing natural light and garden views.
Loft Living Area
Exposed wooden beams and planks cover the slanted ceiling, creating a rustic yet inviting atmosphere in this loft space. Natural wood flooring complements the ceiling, enhancing the warm, earthy tone. A round white dining table with modern white chairs sits on a large textured rug, balanced by a cozy sitting area with a patterned ottoman and a soft armchair. The walls are painted white, brightening the room and contrasting with the dark wood. Minimalistic decorations, including a round metal wall mirror and framed art by the window, add subtle character. Light floods in through three windows, overlooking lush greenery.
Attic Workspace
Sloped wooden ceilings and exposed beams create a warm, rustic atmosphere in this cozy attic space. White plaster walls contrast with rich, dark wood trim framing a small window that bathes the room in natural light. A simple white desk paired with a mustard-yellow chair sits beside the window, offering a bright and inviting workstation with minimalist décor accents, including a white lamp and a small green plant. A patterned woven wall hanging adorns a recessed niche, complementing the colorful geometric area rug that anchors the wooden floor. A built-in cushioned bench is tucked under another window, inviting quiet relaxation and enhancing the room’s charm.
Attic Lounge Area
Wooden sloped ceilings with exposed dark beams create a warm, rustic atmosphere in this cozy attic lounge. The white walls contrast with the natural wood tones of the ceiling and floor, brightening the space. Built-in wooden shelves are inset into the walls, holding woven baskets and a small green plant, enhancing organization and decor. Wicker furniture adds texture and a casual feel, complemented by a floral-patterned cushion and a white metal storage unit with additional woven baskets. A round decorative mirror and table lamp provide subtle charm. Hardwood floors are partially covered by a colorful patterned rug, adding softness and visual interest.
Cozy Attic Seating
A small, bright seating area tucked beneath a sloped, exposed beam ceiling painted white. The walls are crisp white, enhancing the airy, clean feel. A simple white daybed adorned with a variety of soft, neutral-toned and blue-gray pillows sits against the wall. Nearby, a white side table holds a contemporary lamp and a book. A rustic, intricately carved wooden hexagonal table anchors the center atop a striped beige-and-white rug. A geometric wooden mirror on the wall and a framed coastal print above the daybed add subtle artistic touches. A potted plant in the corner brings gentle greenery to the space.
Laundry Room and Toilet
Wood-paneled walls and ceiling painted in dark tones create a rustic, cozy atmosphere. A white washing machine contrasts sharply with the dark surroundings, positioned under a window that lets in natural light and reveals lush greenery outside. A framed artwork depicting a white fern leaf on a muted blue background hangs on the wall. A woven basket sits below, adding texture and warmth. The narrow space includes a door leading to a small toilet, where a round mirror hangs above a simple white toilet. A towel rack with a neat gray towel completes the utilitarian yet stylish space.
Listing Agent: Carrie McAlister of KW Advisors East Bay via Zillow