Berkeley's historic Elmwood House is a 1905 Edwardian duplex and prominent landmark in Berkeley's sought-after Elmwood district. This is one of Berkeley's grand old dames replete with original built-ins, woodwork, and wonderful architectural detail such as coved ceilings, pocket doors that allow for sequestered living spaces or a large open area. If Elmwood House is not available please ask about our other Elmwood property.

Located in the south side of Berkeley, about nine blocks from the Cal campus, the Elmwood has not changed much since the early 1900’s. You will find tree-lined streets teeming with beautiful gardens, a flat, walkable terrain and an easy 5 minute walk to College Avenue from the property. Known for its brown-shingle homes, California bungalows, great cafes,
restaurants—and it’s vibrant history —the Elmwood is one of Berkeley's most prized neighborhoods!

This lovely quintessential Berkeley home is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in a family-friendly neighborhood. There are two children's parks within a half block of the house, and College Avenue is just a couple blocks away. The area is flat and easy to walk; it boasts a 97 WalkScore for its accessibility to everything from public transit, shopping, libraries, cultural events (CAL Performances and more), to several parks, a hospital, wonderful hiking trails, golfing ranges, swimming and tennis!

The Berkeley Fire Trail is just five minutes away where one is rewarded with panoramic bay views after an uphill hike. Tilden, Chabot, Redwood, Temescal and Sibley Regional Parks are just minutes away and provide everything from wedding venues to beaches, lakes, hiking, golfing, a kid's animal farm, horse-riding, water sports and more. The CAL Recreation Center is just five minutes away and provides three lap pools in a verdant and lush setting.

The property is bright, sunny and spacious and ideally located within walking distance of College and Telegraph Avenues where you will find fine dining, ethnic restaurants, bookstores, theatre, Berkeley's university campus, and more. Walk to historical Telegraph Avenue, or stroll along College Avenue, from the Rockridge District at one end and the California College of Art to the University of California of Berkeley (CAL) at the other end.

This is Berkeley at its best where sidewalks are abuzz with life and things to do. The entire stretch of College Avenue is lined with restaurants and places to shop. The local movie theatre is a 5- minute walk from house and right in the hub of Elmwood. San Francisco is only 8 miles away and easily accessible by BART. (10 blocks from house) Monterey and Carmel are approximately a 2 hour drive and the wine country, Napa Valley and Sonoma are only about an hour's drive. At your doorstep are some of the most beautiful parks and hiking trails in the east bay park district.

Elmwood House has three bedrooms, one of which can be used as office or library, a spacious open living area that spans the whole floor length from living room to foyer, to dining room and kitchen. Beyond the kitchen is a fully equipped laundry room, which leads to the outdoor fenced-in patio with table & chairs. Each living area has original pocket doors (the ones that slide into the cavities of walls and disappear when not in use) so that you can close off the living rooms, third bedroom, and foyer for privacy, allowing extra bedroom space if needed in the living room, or peace and quiet for those who wish to retire early.

The Elmwood is so loved that it inspired a book some years ago which gives a great accounting of its colorful and vibrant history! 'A Tale of the Elmwood District in Berkeley,' was described by Chronicle Staff Writer Charles Burress, in the Chronicle on Monday, January 1, 2001:

“Berkeley -- Just about every neighborhood has a story to tell, but few are remembered in time's long parade. But in Berkeley, a city passionate about protecting neighborhoods, there is one district so beloved by the citizens that it has inspired its own biography. 'Tales from the Elmwood' serves as a small museum not only of a place that has preserved a classic small-town charm but also of the extraordinary lives who've found a haven there.

The book's gallery of former Elmwood residents ranges from creative giants like painter Richard Diebenkorn to historical figures like Ishi, called 'the last wild Indian of North America' in the subtitle of Theodora Kroeber's well- known biography of him. Other famous folk have called Elmwood home, including Jane Fonda, Eldridge Cleaver, Thornton Wilder and Tom Dunphy, better known as 'General Waste-more-land' in many anti-war demonstrations....”

(The book is located at the house if you wish to read more about Berkeley and Elmwood's history.)










Keywords: Historic, vacation rental, Berkeley, CAL, UCB, University of California at Berkeley, Rockridge, Elmwood, Claremont, San Francisco, Tilden, Edwardian, cul-de-sac, private, quiet, spacious.