1138 Arch St, Berkeley, CA 94708

Overlooking San Francisco Bay, this tranquil house in the Berkeley Hills is perched on the crest of Arch St. in a park-like setting with 100ft Redwoods, rare native plant specimens, large succulents, aloes, agaves, cactus, orange, and lemon trees. Wrap-around deck with private sitting area, rear deck and yard with views of Mt. Tam and the GG Bridge. The house, a classic Berkeley "brown shingle", with a steep roof and wide overhangs to shelter from winter storms and summer sun, sits on a compound of 4 buildings constructed just after the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Our vintage home is retrofitted for earthquake; prepped for fire resistance and power outages. A new insulated roof, ceiling fans and casement windows designed to scoop the cooling Golden Gate breeze efficiently adapt to our microclimate. 100 yrs old and rebuilt to standards of the 21st century. Suspended acoustic ceilings provide an ideal work-from-home environment for sound-isolated video communications and quiet focus. This two bedroom, two bath, 860 sq ft, four room home features a dramatic open interior with staircase and balcony. It has restored features, vintage glass doors, and period details. The well-designed, eat-in kitchen is sunny and light-filled with large windows, honed granite countertops, GE 5-burner range, microwave above, and Bosch silent dishwasher. Upper-level primary bedroom w/split bath overlooks large living room; second bedroom and bath downstairs; living room with hardwood floors, 17' vaulted ceiling and 6X9 ft. picture window facing the garden and Bay. Extra storage area is in basement. Laundry facilities in basement are shared with owner, who lives in the house next door. New, large LG HE washer holds giant loads. Un-zoned, no-permit parking is always available right at the gate on our quiet street. Short walking distance to the Berkeley Rose Garden, Codornices Park, and North Berkeley restaurant district; close to Monterey Market and Solano Avenue shopping. Bus stop is around the corner on Spruce. 60 years ago the original homesteaders on Arch Street were still alive and would tell tales. They referred to this cottage as "The Old Schoolhouse." The origins of the moniker were a little misty but back in the day their cowboy relatives would drive cattle herds up along Spruce St. from the railhead downtown to Grizzly Peak and pasture in the El Cerrito Hills. The neighborhood was known for tall wooden fences, hidden hunting cabins and various accommodations for cowboys. Neighbors on Spruce built their fences to ward off stray shots as the cowpokes passed by. After refreshing themselves in the saloon on Shattuck Ave. for the long ride, they might pull out their varmint revolvers and let off steam plinking at coyotes and cougars and shadows. While the wranglers were up in the hills, they parked their kids in the cottage where they got their ABC's and arithmetic, and that's where the house got its nickname. The cowboy kids' shouts and laughter still echo in the building. At least that's how the old-timers recollected those days. Rent: $4800/mo. includes garbage and recycling. Building is wired for Sonic 1Gb fiber internet. Tenant pays internet, gas, electric, and water. One year renewable lease. First month and $2400 security deposit due on signing. House can be viewed starting Monday, June 9th. Sorry, but no dogs or cats. Rent: $5000/mo. includes garbage and recycling. Building is wired for Sonic 1Gb fiber internet. Tenant pays internet, gas, electric, and water. One year renewable lease. Move in Aug.1st.