26 Ardor Drive, Orinda, California 94563, Orinda, 94563 - 5 bed, 3 bath

26 Ardor Drive, Orinda, California 94563 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$2,100,000
26 Ardor Drive, Orinda, California 94563
5Beds
3Baths
4,000Sqft
23,653Lot
Year Built
1973
Close
-
List price
$2.1M
Original List price
$1.8M
Price/Sqft
$525
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
25563537
Home ConditionGood
Features
Good View: Trees/Woods
Deck
ViewTrees/Woods

About this home

We found 3 Cons,5 Pros. Rank: price - $2.10M(64th), sqft - 4000(88th), beds - 5(77th), baths - 3(50th).

Two homes in one, live in one, rent the other! 4K sq ft of flex space, essentially functioning as a duplex with separate entrances. Will be delivered vacant, this multi-level space it's ideal for multi-generational living or those looking for a gargantuan amount of square footage for a great price. Think- home office with accommodations. The main level features a ground-floor suite for easy access, and the layout includes up to 7 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, multiple living areas, bonus rooms, and even a sauna. Permits for an additional ADU provide even more upside. Located minutes from downtown Orinda, shops, and freeway access.And here is a creative way to buy this home traditionally for $1,550,000 or with just 2% down vs $310,000 through Jubilees Joint Purchase Program. You purchase the house, Jubilee purchases the land and then leases it to you. Your total monthly cost (mortgage + ground rent) is comparable to a traditional mortgage, and you can buy the land at any time within 99 years. Estimated initial ground rent is around $6,620 /month, and increases annually with CPI. Buyout price based on greater initial investment and property's fair market value. Mortgage: Assumes 30-year FHA $755K mortgage with around $4,940 monthly payment (7.65% APR). Terms vary based on program eligibility.

Nearby schools

9/10
Glorietta Elementary School
Public,K-50.9mi
9/10
Del Rey Elementary School
Public,K-50.9mi
8/10
Donald L. Rheem Elementary School
Public,K-51.3mi
9/10
Orinda Intermediate School
Public,6-80.9mi
9/10
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School
Public,6-82.7mi
10/10
Miramonte High School
Public,9-121.4mi
10/10
Campolindo High School
Public,9-121.7mi

Price History

Date
Event
Price
09/27/25
Price Change
$2,100,000
07/10/25
Listing
$1,799,000
Condition Rating
Good

The property, built in 1973, has undergone significant renovations, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms, which feature modern finishes, white shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and updated fixtures. The dark hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas is in excellent condition, and the interior has fresh paint and updated lighting. The exterior also appears well-maintained with fresh paint and solar panels. While many elements are new or recently updated, the overall structure is over 50 years old, and without explicit information on the recency of the 'extensive renovation' (e.g., within the last 5 years), it doesn't quite meet the 'Excellent' criteria of being virtually new or renovated within 5 years. However, it is clearly move-in ready with no immediate renovation required, and major systems (like the roof with solar) appear functional and updated, aligning well with a 'Good' condition score.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional Versatility & Income Potential: The property functions as a duplex with separate entrances, ideal for multi-generational living or rental income, further enhanced by permits for an additional ADU.
Spacious & Flexible Floor Plan: Boasts 4,000 sq ft with up to 7 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, multiple living areas, bonus rooms, and a sauna, catering to diverse lifestyle needs.
Prime Orinda Location: Conveniently located minutes from downtown Orinda, local shops, and freeway access, offering excellent connectivity and community amenities.
Generous Lot with Natural Views: Sits on a substantial 23,653 sq ft lot, providing ample outdoor space and privacy, complemented by serene trees/woods views.
Access to Highly-Rated Schools: Benefits from proximity to top-tier public schools, including Glorietta Elementary (9), Orinda Intermediate (9), and Miramonte High (10).

Cons

Unconventional Ground Lease Financing: The property is offered with a complex ground lease structure, requiring buyers to lease the land, which is a significant departure from traditional homeownership.
High & Escalating Monthly Costs: The ground lease incurs a substantial initial monthly rent (approx. $6,620) that increases annually with CPI, leading to a very high and unpredictable total monthly housing expense.
Potential Resale & Marketability Challenges: The unique ground lease arrangement may deter traditional buyers and could complicate future resale, potentially impacting the property's long-term market value and liquidity.

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