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Details

DETAILS
Duplex
Beds: 4
Full Baths: 2
Half Baths: 2
Square Footage: 1633 sf
Lot Square Footage: 2500 sf
Year Built: 1952

Welcome to 1626 Kains Avenue, located in the heart of one of Berkeley’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Originally built in 1952, this versatile duplex has been artistically updated by the current owner occupant. Perfect for the buyer who is looking for a home with added income, a multigenerational living opportunity or a savvy investment property.

The entire upper level is host to a spacious, bright and exquisitely remodeled home featuring two bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, living room, family room and a charming well-designed kitchen with granite counters and ample cabinets. Some of the many special features include gorgeous hardwood floors, a built-in banquette with storage in the dining area, and a wall length closet in the family room with custom cedar doors. The primary bedroom has vaulted ceilings, a half bath and a French door to the upper deck. The outdoor space includes a landscaped fenced yard with garden, covered patio and an art studio with French doors to the garden and a very special vaulted wood beamed ceiling made of spruce and cedar.

The lower level currently consists of two separate spaces:

1st is a guest suite with a half bath and a private entrance. This space is currently used as an office and guest accommodations associated with the owner-occupied upper unit. This space has it’s own private entrance on the north side of the property. The suite consists of an entry area, half bath and spacious primary room that could be used as an office, guest room or teen zone.
The 2nd space is currently a one bedroom apartment with a spacious kitchen and full bath. The apartment has a private entrance on the south side of the property. An internal connection could be made from the guest suite to create a larger two bedroom unit on the lower level.

A few other features to note include the 1 car garage plus driveway for added on-site parking, a laundry room with independent access and rooftop solar.

Ideally located with a Walk Score of 91 & a Bike Score of 100! Just one block to Acme Bakery and very close to Monterey Market, Whole Foods, Fourth Street shopping, REI, restaurants, cafes, parks, trails and so much more. While the property is located in a wonderful and vibrant neighborhood, the home and yard are quite serene and quiet.

This easy to enjoy property is now ready for a new owner to enjoy.

Video

Floor Plan

Neighborhood

Berkeley is a city that transcends its small population. While it is only the 51st largest city in California (and only 4th largest in Alameda County!), Berkeley is world renowned for academic achievement, free speech and the arts. Originally part of the northern Oakland Township, its new name was adopted in 1866 after Anglican Bishop George Berkeley and applied to both the town and the College of California's new location along Strawberry Creek (later known as UC Berkeley).

Berkeley grew immensely following the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, and again during WWII with many wartime jobs in the area at places like the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond. Later, the city became synonymous with social change and political activism, as the hippie movement spilled out of San Francisco in the late 1960s. Berkeley was the center of national attention in 1974 when Patty Hearst was kidnapped from her apartment at 2603 Benvenue Avenue by the Symbionese Liberation Army.

Today, UC Berkeley is one of the world's top universities. North Berkeley, inspired by places like Chez Panisse, Cheeseboard Collective and Peet's Coffee, is a premier food destination. Brilliant masterpieces from architects Bernard Maybeck and Julia Morgan abound. Coupled with its natural amenities, such as Tilden Park to the east and the Berkeley Waterfront to the west, Berkeley is one of the most desirable places to live in the US, if not the world!

Useful Links:
City of Berkeley Homepage
Berkeley Unified School District
The Daily Californian
University of California, Berkeley