971 Santa Barbara Rd, Berkeley, California 94707, Berkeley, - bed, bath

home-pic
ACTIVE$1,895,000
971 Santa Barbara Rd, Berkeley, California 94707
5Beds
3Baths
2,454Sqft
5,000Lot
Year Built
1925
Close
-
List price
$1.9M
Original List price
$1.9M
Price/Sqft
-
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
41110997
Home ConditionExcellent
Features
Good View:
Patio
View-

About this home

Discover timeless elegance in this Grand Craftsman home nestled in the desirable North Berkeley Hills, offering magnificent San Francisco Bay views. Built in 1925 by renowned builder Charles Clinton Gifford for his family, this century-old residence showcases exquisite architectural details throughout. Spanning 2,454 square feet, this meticulously maintained and recently renovated home features 5+ bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, including a main-level bedroom and bath, plus a bonus 234-square-foot California sleeping porch. Expansive windows fill spacious rooms with natural light, highlighting rich hardwood and redwood flooring. Elegant redwood paneling and built-ins in the living and dining rooms add warmth and charm. A brick fireplace anchors the living room, creating a cozy focal point for gatherings. The kitchen blends classic style with modern updates, featuring MSI quartz countertops and all new appliances. Upstairs, a side porch invites you to enjoy fresh air and Bay views. With ample parking, a detached garage, and a charming private backyard, this home sits just above Spruce Street, with easy access to transportation. Acquired from the Gifford family by the current owner in 1965, this is the first time this Berkeley historic home is offered for sale. Welcome Home!

Price History

Date
Event
Price
09/10/25
Listing
$1,895,000
Neighborhood Comparison

 SubjectAverage HomeNeighbourhood Ranking (58 Listings)
Beds53
90%
Baths32
63%
Square foot2,4541,904
69%
Lot Size5,0005,265
47%
Price$1.9M$1.7M
61%
Price per square foot$772$937
27%
Built year19251927
39%
HOA
Days on market56133
17%
Condition Rating
Excellent

Despite being built in 1925, this home has been recently and extensively renovated, as stated in the description and evidenced by the images. The kitchen features modern updates with MSI quartz countertops and all new appliances. The bathroom shown is completely updated with a glass-enclosed shower, modern vanity, and contemporary tiling. Hardwood floors are in excellent condition, and the overall property is meticulously maintained, blending classic Craftsman charm with modern amenities, meeting current quality standards.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Prime Location & Panoramic Views: Nestled in the desirable North Berkeley Hills, the property offers magnificent San Francisco Bay views and easy access to transportation, enhancing its appeal and value.
Historical Significance & Architectural Integrity: A Grand Craftsman built in 1925 by renowned Charles Clinton Gifford, featuring exquisite architectural details, rich redwood paneling, and built-ins, offering unique historical charm and quality.
Recent Renovations & Modern Updates: Meticulously maintained and recently renovated, including an updated kitchen with MSI quartz countertops and all new appliances, blending classic style with modern functionality.
Spacious & Versatile Living Space: Boasting 5+ bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a main-level bedroom and bath, and a bonus 234 sqft California sleeping porch, providing ample and flexible living arrangements.
Desirable Amenities & Outdoor Features: Includes ample parking, a detached garage, a charming private backyard, and an upstairs side porch, offering practical conveniences and pleasant outdoor spaces.

Cons

Potential for Age-Related System Upgrades: Despite recent renovations, as a 1925-built home, some original systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC) may still exist and could require future maintenance or costly upgrades.
Modest Lot Size for Grand Home: The 5,000 sqft lot, while private, might be considered modest for a 'Grand Craftsman' of this size and caliber in the Berkeley Hills, potentially limiting extensive outdoor expansion.
Absence of Central Air Conditioning: The property description does not mention a cooling system, which is common for homes of this vintage and could be a significant comfort drawback during warmer months, potentially requiring a costly installation.

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