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Welcome to 1626 Chestnut Street, Berkeley
Leslie Bandy & Grace Bishop present:
Welcome to 1626 Chestnut Street, a treasure situated in a prime location on a peaceful street near beautiful Cedar Rose Park. This property is a rare find, reflected as two units per public record, and historically a Golden Duplex*. Currently, the owner has functionally consolidated and used the two units as a three-bedroom, two-bath house without a specific permit or governmental approval. Owned, loved, and cared for by the same family for over two decades, 1626 Chestnut Street is a charming, Craftsman-style home with a detached garden structure**, boasting vaulted wood paneled ceilings, sun-drenched rooms, and a garden that will take your breath away.
Welcome to 1626 Chestnut Street, a treasure situated in a prime location on a peaceful street near beautiful Cedar Rose Park. This property is a rare find, reflected as two units per public record, and historically a Golden Duplex*. Currently, the owner has functionally consolidated and used the two units as a three-bedroom, two-bath house without a specific permit or governmental approval. Owned, loved, and cared for by the same family for over two decades, 1626 Chestnut Street is a charming, Craftsman-style home with a detached garden structure**, boasting vaulted wood paneled ceilings, sun-drenched rooms, and a garden that will take your breath away.
A custom-built gated entry with copper lights opens to reveal a gorgeous, serene garden oasis sheltered by the canopy of a majestic magnolia tree. Meandering flagstone pathways edged with lighting, arched trellises covered by mature flowering vines, and ample outdoor areas to enjoy. The entire yard is private, the rear fence was handcrafted with corbels and a trellis by a skilled carpenter. Two charming brown-shingled structures** border the turf lawn and flowering plants.
The main home boasts a wonderful large mudroom with a wall of windows overlooking the tranquil gardens. Enter the home greeted by soaring vaulted ceilings, a huge skylight, and a fireplace which is the focal point and warmth of the space, trimmed in earth-toned tile. A cozy bedroom and a larger second bedroom are located across the hall from each other, with the hallway leading toward the kitchen. The heart of the home is the thoughtfully appointed eat-in kitchen with soaring ceilings and rustic beams, refreshed with modern quartz countertops and a vibrant, deep blue backsplash tile. High-end appliances include a counter-depth refrigerator, a Bosch dishwasher, and a five-burner stove. The laundry closet with Miele washer and dryer is adjacent to the kitchen. The bathroom is light and bright, updated with contemporary touches.
At the rear of the home is the primary suite, which previously comprised the second unit in this duplex property. This bedroom is a restful retreat, with vaulted ceilings and a skylight, a wall of custom built-in closets, a bay window with a perfectly situated seating bench that includes storage, and a serene, sitting nook. A wall of double-paned wood-trimmed windows brings in natural light all day long. The primary bathroom features an oversized stall shower and a custom, live-edge walnut vanity countertop. Exquisite craftsmanship is exhibited throughout the 1,511 square foot house.***
The lush garden setting is enchanting and truly an extension of the living space. Through the magical garden, there is a 270 square foot*** detached structure** with vaulted ceilings, a skylight, and storage that the owners used as a home office/hobby space.
Home improvements include a new roof (2024), seismic retrofitting, and attic and floor insulation.
Nearby amenities include Cedar Rose Park (tennis/pickle-ball courts, grassy fields, play structures), North Berkeley BART station, Ohlone greenway, Acme Bread, Bartavelle Cafe, 4th Street, Monterey Market, multiple bus stops including the Transbay Express to San Francisco, and more.
The specialness and uniqueness of this property must be experienced. You will feel all of the love that has been poured into this abode over the years. Welcome home.
*Berkeley “Golden Duplex” exempt status was verified by the Berkeley Rent Board on April 29, 2024. Refer to the disclosure package to view documented verification. **Detached garden structure was a converted garage; permit status unknown. Neither seller nor listing agent has investigated or verified the completeness or accuracy of any of these sources of information or whether the property is or can be made into single or multiple legally habitable spaces. Neither seller nor listing agent make any representations or warranties, express or implied, about such matters. Buyer shall independently verify the legal configuration and use of the property and all matters relating to Buyer’s intended use of the Property. Buyer shall rely solely on Buyer’s independent investigation and the advice of their independent advisors. ***Measurements per Open Homes Photography, floor plans with measurements in the disclosure package.
Open Houses:
Saturday, May 25: 2-4 PM
Sunday, May 26: 2-4 PM
Saturday, June 1: 2-4 PM
Sunday, June 2: 2-4 PM
Brokers Tour:
Thursday, May 30: 10 AM-1 PM
Additional Showings by Appointment:
Contact Leslie Bandy
(510) 969-0221
[email protected]
North of Downtown and west of University of California, Berkeley is North Berkeley. This town is popular among commuting students due to the quick and easy commute the location offers. The neighborhood of North Berkeley is the home to two popular parks in the city of Berkeley. The first one is Berkeley Rose Garden. This park features a huge garden with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. The other park is the Live Oak Park, a wooded area that features recreational fields, playgrounds, and walking trails.
North Berkeley is known for its wide variety of food and drink choices. In town, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit, many of them highly rated. Restaurants include Chez Panisse, Grégoire Restaurant, Nico's 1508, FatApple's Berkeley Restaurant and Bakery, and Crepevine. Bars in the area include Pacific Standard Tap Room, Tupper & Reed, Albatross Pub, and Kip’s Bar and Grill. North Berkeley is a great place to live especially if attending college and living near other college students is a priority.