1296 Monterey Ave, Berkeley, California 94707, Berkeley, - bed, bath

home-pic
ACTIVE$1,899,000
1296 Monterey Ave, Berkeley, California 94707
4Beds
3Baths
2,362Sqft
12,628Lot
Year Built
1917
Close
-
List price
$1.9M
Original List price
$2M
Price/Sqft
-
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
41113014
Home ConditionGood
Features
Good View:
Deck
View-

About this home

1296 Monterey Ave isn’t the kind of place you notice right away. It’s tucked back behind another house, almost like it wants to stay a little hidden. That’s part of the charm—once you find it, you feel like you’ve discovered a little retreat. A creek runs nearby, adding just enough of that calming background sound to remind you nature is close, even in the middle of Berkeley. The living room is bright and spacious, with doors that open out onto a deck that feels like it’s perched in the trees. Surrounded by greenery and overlooking the creek, it’s the kind of spot where mornings start slow with coffee and evenings stretch long with friends. The 3 spacious upstairs bedrooms all have their own personality. One of them has this little nook that works just as well for a desk as it does for a play space. In addition there’s a bonus room with wood paneling that feels like it’s been there forever—warm, cozy, and perfect for late-night projects or curling up with a book. Downstairs, there’s a huge bedroom with a half bath that could easily be turned into a roomy primary suite if you wanted. And while the house feels private, you’re just a short stroll from Hopkins Street with its bakeries, markets, and cafés. It’s that perfect balance of privacy and convenience.

Nearby schools

7/10
Jefferson Elementary School
Public,K-50.3mi
5/10
Thousand Oaks Elementary School
Public,K-50.7mi
5/10
Oxford Elementary School
Public,K-50.9mi
7/10
Washington Elementary School
Public,K-51.2mi
7/10
Cragmont Elementary School
Public,K-51.3mi
6/10
Malcolm X Elementary School
Public,K-52.1mi
7/10
Martin Luther King Middle School
Public,6-80.3mi
9/10
Albany Middle School
Public,6-81.3mi
8/10
Berkeley High School
Public,9-121.1mi
9/10
Albany High School
Public,9-121.1mi

Price History

Date
Event
Price
10/03/25
Price Change
$1,899,000
10/02/25
Listing
$1,999,000
Neighborhood Comparison

 SubjectAverage HomeNeighbourhood Ranking (58 Listings)
Beds43
59%
Baths32
63%
Square foot2,3621,904
68%
Lot Size12,6285,280
95%
Price$1.9M$1.7M
61%
Price per square foot$804$937
31%
Built year19171927
12%
HOA
Days on market34133
8%
Condition Rating
Good

Despite being built in 1917, this property has undergone significant and tasteful renovations, making it move-in ready. The interior features well-maintained hardwood floors throughout most living areas and bedrooms, fresh paint, and updated lighting. The kitchen, while clean and functional with white cabinetry, appears to have been renovated approximately 10-20 years ago, given the style of the tile flooring and countertops. Bathrooms are also clean and functional; some show more recent updates (e.g., subway tile shower), while others feature older vanities and shower enclosures, suggesting a renovation within the last 15-25 years. The overall condition is very good, with no immediate repairs needed, but some components are not brand new or ultra-modern.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional Privacy & Natural Ambiance: Tucked away behind another house, the property offers a 'little retreat' feel with a nearby creek and a deck 'perched in the trees,' providing a serene, private setting.
Desirable Berkeley Location & Walkability: Situated in a prime Berkeley location, with a 'short stroll from Hopkins Street' offering convenient access to bakeries, markets, and cafés.
Spacious & Flexible Floor Plan: Features a bright and spacious living room, three generous upstairs bedrooms with unique character (including a versatile nook), a cozy bonus room, and a large downstairs bedroom with a half bath, offering potential for a primary suite.
Strong Indoor-Outdoor Living: The living room opens directly onto a deck, seamlessly connecting interior spaces with the natural, treed surroundings and creek views.
Access to Highly-Rated Schools: Located within a district boasting several top-rated public schools, including Albany High (9), Albany Middle (9), and Berkeley High (8).

Cons

Potential Overpricing: The current list price is 9% above the estimated property value, and a recent price reduction suggests it may be perceived as overpriced by the market.
Limited Street Presence/Access: Being 'tucked back behind another house' could imply reduced curb appeal or potentially less direct access, which might not appeal to all buyers.
Age of Property (Potential for Updates): Built in 1917, the property may require significant investment in updating older systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC) or ongoing maintenance typical of historic homes, which are not detailed as having been recently addressed.

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