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Gorgeous Updated Berkeley Brown Shingle in the Northbrae Neighborhood
$2,125,000
912 Indian Rock Avenue, Berkeley
Presented by
Arlene Baxter
Arlene Baxter
Prominent Features
This classic brown-shingle home, originally known as the William B. Leland house, was designed by Willam Bradley Mead in 1912. This area was chosen by numerous prominent architects of the time, including John Hudson Thomas, Walter Ratcliff, and Julia Morgan, for their preferred building sites. Once the personal residence of noted architect Hans Ostwald, and in the Ostwald family for the past 80 years, this home offers an exceptional blend of vintage design, a treasured North Berkeley location, and thoughtful upgrades that honor the Arts & Crafts tradition:
You are welcomed into a gracious, light-filled living room wrapped in original Douglas fir, with built-ins, a tiled fireplace, and an extensive bench where you can sit and enjoy views overlooking the back garden and beyond. A generous dining room features coved ceilings, wainscoting, curated period-appropriate lighting, and access to the remodeled kitchen. With new custom cabinetry, stone counters, stainless appliances, and an induction cooktop, it is a joy to cook in, as well as to enjoy front garden views. A charming breakfast nook complements the home’s warm, handcrafted character.
The central stairwell leads up to a gracious landing from which to access the sleeping rooms and bonus spaces. A luminous primary bedroom enjoys a newly remodeled bath with quartz shower and glass door, and marble hex flooring. From this room you enjoy glorious views of the bay, and from the adjoining sunroom you get to expand those views to take in much of the Bay area. We’ve staged this as a sitting room, but it would make a wonderful office, or…perhaps a buyer may wish to create a grand primary bathroom. We’ve just remodeled the hall bathroom with a modern take on subway tile, a handsome marble topped vanity and coordinating marble hex flooring.
Each of the bedrooms enjoys a bonus space, and the paneled bedroom enjoys a built-in window seat, built-in shelving, and its adjoining bonus room could also be used as a nursery, or possibly as an office. A third bedroom also enjoys a charming window seat, and a view of the park across the street. A second sunporch provides a great office space or small artist studio.
At the lower level you’ll find a recently reshaped family room with newly installed floors, and yet another bonus space which we’ve imagined for yoga or meditation. There is also a full bathroom with claw-foot tub, and new toilet and sink, and this level could also provide a welcome guest suite. An area with separate access offers space for storage or a small workshop. This full-height area has both internal access from upstairs, as well as direct access to the very spacious back garden. There’s plenty of room for al fresco dining, as well space for sitting in sun or shade. This expansive back garden might also accommodate a secondary building or ADU, depending on the buyers’ needs. The garden has been landscaped primarily with California natives, and also features fruit and olive trees, and a dry fountain. The rocks that edge the pathways are local Northbrae rhyolite, the same stone that comprises nearby Indian Rock and Mortar Rock Parks. This impressive property is just minutes from Solano Avenue, the Monterey Market district, and Berkeley’s famed gourmet district—it's East Bay living at its very best!
According to public records this home occupies 2282 square feet (most likely just the primary two floors) on a lot of over 6400 sq. ft.
- kitchen and bathrooms fully remodeled
- all new stainless appliances, including induction stove
- kitchen eating area created
- extensive foundation and seismic work
- updated electrical to 200 amp service
- removal of knob & tube wiring
- installation of attic insulation to R30
- updated plumbing
- reconditioned steam radiator system
- new heat-pump water heater
- powder room and electric laundry closet added
- freshly painted interior and exterior
- original oak and fir flooring refinished
- curated new lighting throughout
- new landscaping featuring California natives and fruit trees
- tandem parking for multiple vehicles
- sewer lateral and BESO compliant
You are welcomed into a gracious, light-filled living room wrapped in original Douglas fir, with built-ins, a tiled fireplace, and an extensive bench where you can sit and enjoy views overlooking the back garden and beyond. A generous dining room features coved ceilings, wainscoting, curated period-appropriate lighting, and access to the remodeled kitchen. With new custom cabinetry, stone counters, stainless appliances, and an induction cooktop, it is a joy to cook in, as well as to enjoy front garden views. A charming breakfast nook complements the home’s warm, handcrafted character.
The central stairwell leads up to a gracious landing from which to access the sleeping rooms and bonus spaces. A luminous primary bedroom enjoys a newly remodeled bath with quartz shower and glass door, and marble hex flooring. From this room you enjoy glorious views of the bay, and from the adjoining sunroom you get to expand those views to take in much of the Bay area. We’ve staged this as a sitting room, but it would make a wonderful office, or…perhaps a buyer may wish to create a grand primary bathroom. We’ve just remodeled the hall bathroom with a modern take on subway tile, a handsome marble topped vanity and coordinating marble hex flooring.
Each of the bedrooms enjoys a bonus space, and the paneled bedroom enjoys a built-in window seat, built-in shelving, and its adjoining bonus room could also be used as a nursery, or possibly as an office. A third bedroom also enjoys a charming window seat, and a view of the park across the street. A second sunporch provides a great office space or small artist studio.
At the lower level you’ll find a recently reshaped family room with newly installed floors, and yet another bonus space which we’ve imagined for yoga or meditation. There is also a full bathroom with claw-foot tub, and new toilet and sink, and this level could also provide a welcome guest suite. An area with separate access offers space for storage or a small workshop. This full-height area has both internal access from upstairs, as well as direct access to the very spacious back garden. There’s plenty of room for al fresco dining, as well space for sitting in sun or shade. This expansive back garden might also accommodate a secondary building or ADU, depending on the buyers’ needs. The garden has been landscaped primarily with California natives, and also features fruit and olive trees, and a dry fountain. The rocks that edge the pathways are local Northbrae rhyolite, the same stone that comprises nearby Indian Rock and Mortar Rock Parks. This impressive property is just minutes from Solano Avenue, the Monterey Market district, and Berkeley’s famed gourmet district—it's East Bay living at its very best!
According to public records this home occupies 2282 square feet (most likely just the primary two floors) on a lot of over 6400 sq. ft.
3D Virtual Tour
Exceptional Northbrae Location
This home enjoys a coveted location, nestled between the most popular North Berkeley neighborhoods for their abundance of amenities. From independent stores, world-class and diverse restaurants, and specialized services, North Berkeley is an ideal location for those who wish to be less dependent on their cars, and who enjoy exploring the natural and architectural beauty of the area.
The namesake of this street, Indian Rock, is the largest example of the Northbrae rhyolite outcroppings in the neighborhood. Along with Mortar Rock Park, directly across from this listing, they are popular with climbers honing their skills. But this is also an important cultural heritage site. The mortar rocks with their deeply carved pockets were used by the native Ohlone people to grind flour from the acorns harvested from the California Live Oak trees that populate this area.
Nearby green spaces include John Hinkel, Codornices and Live Oak Parks as well as the nearby Berkeley Rose Garden. 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, and lots of inspiration!
In addition to the rock parks, this home is just up the block from another local treasure: the John Galen Howard fountain with the bear cubs, which is now decked out for the holidays. From there you can head west and all of the pleasures of Solano Avenue are within a few short blocks. Bookstores, boutiques and favorite restaurants line this popular commercial strip. Head down Monterey Avenue and you find the ever-popular Monterey Market and a row of wonderful independent shops. 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. Head south to the gourmet district, with so many popular and delicious destinations, from Saul’s, Masse’s, Cheeseboard, the original Peet’s coffee, and of course Chez Panisse.
Northbrae is within close proximity to the North Berkeley BART and the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library. The North Berkeley library was designed in the Spanish Revival-style by James W. Plachek, a noted Berkeley architect who also designed the city's Central and Claremont branch libraries.
The namesake of this street, Indian Rock, is the largest example of the Northbrae rhyolite outcroppings in the neighborhood. Along with Mortar Rock Park, directly across from this listing, they are popular with climbers honing their skills. But this is also an important cultural heritage site. The mortar rocks with their deeply carved pockets were used by the native Ohlone people to grind flour from the acorns harvested from the California Live Oak trees that populate this area.
Nearby green spaces include John Hinkel, Codornices and Live Oak Parks as well as the nearby Berkeley Rose Garden. 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, and lots of inspiration!
In addition to the rock parks, this home is just up the block from another local treasure: the John Galen Howard fountain with the bear cubs, which is now decked out for the holidays. From there you can head west and all of the pleasures of Solano Avenue are within a few short blocks. Bookstores, boutiques and favorite restaurants line this popular commercial strip. Head down Monterey Avenue and you find the ever-popular Monterey Market and a row of wonderful independent shops. 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. Head south to the gourmet district, with so many popular and delicious destinations, from Saul’s, Masse’s, Cheeseboard, the original Peet’s coffee, and of course Chez Panisse.
Northbrae is within close proximity to the North Berkeley BART and the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library. The North Berkeley library was designed in the Spanish Revival-style by James W. Plachek, a noted Berkeley architect who also designed the city's Central and Claremont branch libraries.
Arlene Baxter
The Agency
2012 REALTOR of the Year, BAR
- DRE:
- #01209552
- Mobile:
- 510.717.1799
www.GreenBungalows.info
I'll be your Guardian Angel and your Devil's Advocate!
Whether representing buyers or sellers, my top priority is to understand your goals and priorities, and make sure that together we accomplish them, keeping the process as stress-free as possible!
Today’s consumers have a wealth of information available to them. When it comes to real estate, most people don’t need more data, but they do need a guide to interpret that data and sort through what’s accurate, and what’s most important in achieving their particular goals. And in this evolving market both buyers and sellers need an expert negotiator working on their behalf. My negotiating skills have been described as “masterful.” I enjoy the process of assuring that all parties have offered the highest and best terms within their powers.
All of my listings in all markets have sold above original list price, and in almost 30 years in this industry, all of my residential listings have received multiple offers. That’s a remarkable record!
My job as real estate advisor is not to simply give you information, or to tell you what you want to hear, but to actively listen to you and provide expert guidance—to be both your Guardian Angel and your Devil’s Advocate!
I have a special interest and extensive knowledge about conserving energy and sustainable building practices. I am proud to have chaired both Green Councils and the Climate Action Committee for our local Association of REALTORS.
I have a special passion for vintage homes, and especially homes in the styles of the Arts & Crafts movement, such as the beautiful home from 1912. The proud owner of a Julia Morgan home, I am sensitive to the details that make these homes have a time-honored appeal.
I’m honored by my recent client testimonials. If you’d like more information, please visiit my website: GreenBungalows.info I am always happy to provide customized details. I love to discuss real estate, as well as the great architecture and life style here in the East Bay! Thank you for reading this brief summary!
Today’s consumers have a wealth of information available to them. When it comes to real estate, most people don’t need more data, but they do need a guide to interpret that data and sort through what’s accurate, and what’s most important in achieving their particular goals. And in this evolving market both buyers and sellers need an expert negotiator working on their behalf. My negotiating skills have been described as “masterful.” I enjoy the process of assuring that all parties have offered the highest and best terms within their powers.
All of my listings in all markets have sold above original list price, and in almost 30 years in this industry, all of my residential listings have received multiple offers. That’s a remarkable record!
My job as real estate advisor is not to simply give you information, or to tell you what you want to hear, but to actively listen to you and provide expert guidance—to be both your Guardian Angel and your Devil’s Advocate!
I have a special interest and extensive knowledge about conserving energy and sustainable building practices. I am proud to have chaired both Green Councils and the Climate Action Committee for our local Association of REALTORS.
I have a special passion for vintage homes, and especially homes in the styles of the Arts & Crafts movement, such as the beautiful home from 1912. The proud owner of a Julia Morgan home, I am sensitive to the details that make these homes have a time-honored appeal.
I’m honored by my recent client testimonials. If you’d like more information, please visiit my website: GreenBungalows.info I am always happy to provide customized details. I love to discuss real estate, as well as the great architecture and life style here in the East Bay! Thank you for reading this brief summary!
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Arlene Baxter
The Agency
2012 REALTOR of the Year, BAR
- DRE:
- #01209552
- Mobile:
- 510.717.1799