Berkeley condo rental - Sitting Room out to Private Deck
Sitting Room out to Private Deck
 
Berkeley condo rental - Sitting Room out to Private Deck

Sitting Room out to Private Deck

Dining Area

Dining Area

Newly Landscaped Huge Backyard - Loads of Fun for Kids and Guests

Newly Landscaped Huge Backyard - Loads of Fun for Kids and Guests

Vintage Tiled Shower Surrounding Two-Person Tub

Vintage Tiled Shower Surrounding Two-Person Tub

Custom Designed Galley Kitchen Restored Wedgewood Gas Stove

Custom Designed Galley Kitchen Restored Wedgewood Gas Stove

Stainless Dishwasher Bottom Freezer Refridgerator

Stainless Dishwasher Bottom Freezer Refridgerator

Eastlake Bay Windows Restored Porch

Eastlake Bay Windows Restored Porch

Sunny Restful Master Suite with King Bed

Sunny Restful Master Suite with King Bed

Custom Moldings Comfortable Antiques

Custom Moldings Comfortable Antiques

Office Area with Dell Computer Flat Screen Monitor WiFi

Office Area with Dell Computer Flat Screen Monitor WiFi

Beautiful Foliage Views out Bay Windows

Beautiful Foliage Views out Bay Windows

Imported Custom Tenniel Art Tiles in Bath

Imported Custom Tenniel Art Tiles in Bath

Photos and Description of the Berkeley vacation condo rental
Condo, 2 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 1 Bath, (Sleeps 4-5)

Stay in the most historic and visited neighborhood in Berkeley, in one of its most impeccably renovated Victorians! Just steps from the popular tourist destination Fourth Street where shopping, boutiques, and restaurants abound, enjoy the oldest neighborhood in Berkeley. Oceanview, with historic landmark homes and businesses.

OCEANVIEW: Oceanview has it all – artists’ lofts, open studios, quaint cafes, landmark Victorian homes, high end boutiques, retail outlets, many restaurants and eateries, the Berkeley Marina, Aquatic Park, Peet’s Coffee, Scharffenberger chocolate factory, the Wooden Duck, Studio Grow a huge children's indoor playspace, a Vivarium and much, much more.

MITCHELL HOUSE: this sunny upstairs flat in an 1896 Victorian is an amazing residential space to meet your vacationing needs. The space has 12 foot ceilings, floor to ceiling recessed bay windows, hardwood oak floors, and curved moldings and woodwork.

The flat has been renovated with sustainable and 'green' methods and materials. Original lathe and plaster walls have been maintained and filled with cotton denim insulation. Zero-voc ecopaints in custom mixed vintage colors were used through out the rooms. Many vintage fixtures and hardware were restored and retained; where missing, Victorian woodwork was found salvaged and incorporated with custom carpentry. Zero-voc grout sealant and caulk were used in the bathroom and kitchen custom tilework. Only non toxic cleaners and products are used by housekeeping. Guests can feel good personally and ethically about the methods used to remodel and maintain this space.

AMENITIES:

- Remodeled great room with sitting and eating area, Victorian galley kitchen with new high-end appliances, filtered water spout, custom cabinetry and refurbished antique Wedgewood stove.

- One large bedroom has new king size bed, down alternative comforter, high count organic cotton sheets, and walk-in closet.

- One smaller bedroom/office has substantial desk space with Dell computer equipped for use, scanner/copier, fax machine, flat screen monitor and high speed internet. A brand new firm suspension queen size bed pulls out with a down feather bed, comforter and high-end organic linens.

- The quaint vintage bathroom was redone to include a 2 person soaking tub surrounded by imported Victorian art tile, 3 shower heads (including a rain soaker) and polished nickel fixtures.

- Entire apartment furnished and decorated with comfortable period pieces, new flat panel TV with DVD and free cable, high speed wireless internet, IPOD/CD player sound system and free dedicated local phone line.

- A small private deck off the upstairs offers a sunny outdoor spot for morning coffee or watching the sunset over a glimpse of Mount Tam.

- Large, sunny, level backyard with sculpted lawn, custom built sandbox and deep planter box perimeter, scented flowers and vines: lavender, honeysuckle, jasmine, wisteria and fruit trees: apple, plum, apricot, walnut and blueberries. Mermaid fountain rests on handcut flagstone patio. Birdfeeders and birdbaths attract hummingbirds, cardinals, bluebirds, finches and a quartet of friendly parrots - bright green and red who neighbors believe broke from the famous 'Telegraph Hill' gang.

We have equipped the flat with everything you need – don’t pack too much – as we provide the flat with dedicated Eco friendly soaps, shampoos, toiletries, as well as a DVD and reading library, towels, linens, kitchen ware, etc.

The IDEAL LOCATION:

We are happy to offer information on local eateries, sights and shopping. We are also happy to guide you in any search for child friendly or pet friendly activities and businesses.

Perfect for a quiet romantic stay, a stimulating visit with friends or family , a focal spot for sightseeing trips to Napa, San Francisco, Sausalito, Muir Woods, and UC Berkeley.

We are a 3 minute drive and fifteen minute walk to the North Berkeley BART Station with easy access to all San Francisco, Oakland and other Bay Area destinations. We are just off the main Berkeley exit of Interstate 80, University Avenue, which both leads directly to the Bay Bridge into San Francisco or up to the entrance of the University of California campus. And we are 3 blocks away from the most visited area of Berkeley - the Fourth Street district with unique and coveted shopping, art and food.

Our friends and those who have stayed here so far have raved about the space. It's truly unique. This is not someone's converted attic with slanted ceilings. This is a full story of a two unit Eastlake Victorian with lots and lots of light and scenery. It's the sunniest, prettiest spot you’ll find to stay in Berkeley’s buzzing Oceanview district – don’t miss out!

Keywords: House/Upper Flat

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About The Owner

Pear and Brad purchased this historic 1896 Eastlake Victorian in 2005 and began renovating it while pregnant! The next four years were occupied in a complete overhaul of the structure and happily almost all of the beautiful, original walls and unique Victorian craftsmanship was preserved or rebuilt to match. Next the interior design and decor were painstakingly planned with eco advanced custom paint mixing and energy efficient lighting design. A mix of salvaged fixtures, doors, windows and appointments and more modern energy star rated appliances was the achieved aim.

They have combed the Bay Area for appropriate and comfortable antiques to furnish the rooms. Brad has always loved the classic 'Alice in Wonderland' and, being of the Victorian era, it served as a kind of motif for the house - the classic original Sir John Tenniel art from the book is on the imported tiles surrounding the two person soaking tub in the upper flat.

Brad and Pear lived in the lower flat themselves until just this summer of 2009, when they finished further renovation of the downstairs and moved out to rent it also to vacationers. They own two lovable dogs and miss their gorgeous cat who passed away in 2008. They now live nearby in Piedmont CA - close enough to maintain the property and check in whenever needed.

As parents, pet owners and people aware of allergies as well as increasing concern with household toxics, Pear and Brad are very happy to provide an upscale, high end experience to vacationers - even and especially to those who travel with children, pets or chemical sensitivities.

Brad works as a technical director and Pear divides her time between managing the properties, home staging and freelance writing. They will have their first vacation in four years this summer in Paris, France with their daughter Evelina - staying in a VRBO only a few blocks from the Luxemburg gardens! Yipee!!

The Owner purchased this condo in 2005
Why The Owner chose Berkeley

Pear grew up in Berkeley, went to UC Berkeley and lived near Solano Ave. She has never left the Bay Area for long and knows quite a bit about Berkeley's many neighbrohoods and has seen them change and develope. One of the most compelling is this neighborhood of Oceanview. It is the oldest neighborhood in Berkeley and was the home to many settlers in very old Victorian homes that still stand today. The shipping, railroad, mercantile, artisan and building history of the town has its roots here. In the mid 1980s, the area began to transition from solely working class residences to a renewal of artist studios, eateries, retail outlets and business offices. It thrives today 25 years later housing thriving boutiques, fine dining, artist collectives and creative commerce. Schools, parks, playrgounds and bike routes also began to reclaim the area for residential and recreational use.

Brad and Pear wanted a large yard for their dogs and daughter (the lots in Oceanview are twice the size of most other Berkeley neighborhoods); they wanted to be in easy walking distance to most everything - especially a good latte and pastry in the morning (Fourth street has the largest Peet's coffee as well as Bette's Oceanview diner for breakfast and several other GREAT breakfast, lunch and dinner choices within a few blocks of the house); they wanted big, airy, sunny - not tiny cramped bungalow - rooms (the house has the highest ceilings and windows on both floors of almost any other private residence in the city); and they wanted to be close to the freeway and BART for Brad's commute (they are a few blocks from the central Berkeley exit of I-80 and about a half mile to North Berkeley BART.) They got it all (not for cheap in 2005! but they did get it!)

What makes this condo unique

Sunny tall windows, spacious rooms, beautiful furnishings, restful muted ocean inspired interiors, crisp soft sheets, exquisite housekeeping, flowers, dimmable lights, DVD collection and library, DVR and cable, flat screen TVs, well equipped office with updated computer system and wifi, local information, recommendations and coupons, convenient location, gorgeous large backyard, personalized attention...

16 Reviews of Property 206569 in Berkeley, California

Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
average rating of 5.0 based on 16 reviews
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
Littleton, CO, USA
5

Gorgeous Victorian, Good location

5 of 5
Submitted: August 15, 2012 Stayed: August 2012
Just returned from a week in the wonderful Mitchell House in Berkeley. My wife, daughter and I were very pleased with the accommodation and its location. The house is just beautiful - a lot of woodwork, nice little balcony for coffee in the morning, great yard. The location is a 5-minute walk from the 4th Avenue shopping district and a 5 minute drive from downtown Berkeley and the Cal campus. The owners saw to our comforts by having everything you need before we arrived - love those chocolates on the bed and the fruit bowl - and the flat has all the basics. The neighborhood is very quiet but be aware there are some train horns from the Amtrak station which is a 10 minute walk. Highly recommended for those needing more than a motel or hotel can offer or someone who just loves a stay in a gorgeous home.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
Highland Park, IL
5

Lovely spot in the East Bay

5 of 5
Submitted: November 22, 2011 Stayed: October 2011
We stayed in this lovely flat with our grown son -- it was perfect for our visit with old friends and family in the Bay Area. The apartment is clean, attractive and well-equipped and has a lovely balcony with 2 cushioned chairs and a table. The back yard/garden is beautiful and large, parking is easy and it's close to the 4th Street shops and a quick drive to downtown Berkeley or BART. The neighborhood is a pleasant residential area. There was a computer and internet access -- terrific spot, I would stay there again!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
Boston, MA
5

Elegant flat with a homely touch

5 of 5
Submitted: August 6, 2010 Stayed: June 2010
My wife, two year old daughter and I spent more than one month here. Nice - no matter which way you look at the flat. The details. The furniture and furnishings. The wide open airy rooms. The sun. The garden with tables for brunch. The area, a little off the beaten path, but close to downtown Berkeley and within walking distance to its own quaint shopping district on Fourth Street. Very convenient to the freeway, a short drive to downtown Berkeley or a 15-20 min walk to the BART. Pear and Brad really care about the property and they make accomodations for the people who come here. For us that meant setting up the apartment for our 2 year old, with a crib, high chair, etc etc.

I highly recommend this apartment to anybody coming to visti the Bay Area for longer periods of time and want something other than a generic hotel or run of the mill B&B.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
Boston, MA
5

Wonderful Place!

5 of 5
Submitted: June 5, 2010 Stayed: April 2010
This was such a comfortable and gracious home for our one-week visit from Boston to visit our daughter in Oakland. Everything was perfect. I especially enjoyed having coffee on the little balcony.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
Wolfeboro, NH
5

5 of 5
Submitted: January 3, 2010 Stayed: January 2010
We stayed in the upper flat during our Christmas
holiday visit with our children and new grandchild.
Our visit was made extra special because of the
comfortable and welcoming accommodations. The
warm sun streaming through the many windows,
the wonderful character of each room that has been
maintained in the remodeling, all the modern
conveniences and extra touches in the bathroom
and kitchen, not to mention the truly comfortable
beds--all contributed to our wonderful stay at the
flat. In addition, the holiday treats on the table, the
soft music and lights that were on to greet us upon
our arrival provided such a warm welcome, making
us immediately feel right at home. Without
question, we would choose to stay here again on
our next visit.
Helpful votes: 2/2
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
Haddonfield, NJ
5

5 of 5
Submitted: December 19, 2009 Stayed: December 2009
I just wanted to tell you what a lovely time we had in your flat. The location was perfect for visiting our daughter, we could walk to her house.

Unfortunately I became ill and had to spend more time in bed than I would have liked...fortunately, however, I had lovely surroundings to recuperate in!

We were delighted by the yard and especially enjoyed the visiting parrots. We had only the week before watched the documentary about the Parrots of Telegraph Hill...what a surprise!

Your home has been beautifully restored and every amenity was thoughtfully supplied. It's not often that an offer lives up to it's expectations...your house exceeded them.

Thank you for delighting us, our only regret is that we never met!

Holly
Helpful votes: 3/3
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
Lake Oswego, Or
5

5 of 5
Submitted: December 16, 2009 Stayed: December 2009
What a delightful home, full of light, wonderful views
from the upstairs flat, all the amenities one could wish
for. Just bring your toothbrush! Close to everything. A
great park nearby for your dog. The owners couldn't
be more helpful or accommodating.
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
Nipomo, CA
5

5 of 5
Submitted: November 12, 2009 Stayed: November 2009
A friend and I shared the upper flat for a short stay in October. We were immediately smitten--the appointments, modern though suitable to the era of the home, are charming! The rooms are light and airy, with comfortable furniture and decor(sometimes sorely lacking in rentals) and we felt very much at home. It would be hard not to have a sunny mood in this flat!

The walk to 4th Street dining was enjoyable and we were happy to find several good meals there.

The house is perfectly situated to getting around the whole East Bay area quickly. We both agreed we'd certainly return to this rental. A very good value.

Thanks Pear and Brad for considering what it's like to ge a guest--your rental is very well thought-out. High marks.
Helpful votes: 2/2
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
California
5

5 of 5
Submitted: September 28, 2009 Stayed: September 2009
We all loved the Mitchell flat! It was so cheerful, with its high ceilings and light filled rooms, that it made us feel positively GOOD to be inside. The rooms were decorated in the best of taste and Pear and Brad had thought of so many little things to make our stay even better. Can't wait to return!.
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Gorgeous Victorian Flat by 4th Street Shopping
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p206569vb
(510) 517 - 2974 (California, USA)
Berkeley San Francisco Bay Area
Harrow, ON,
5

5 of 5
Submitted: September 23, 2009 Stayed: September 2009
We had a wonderful stay here while preparing for and attending our son's wedding. The flat was comfortable and welcoming and met all our needs. Our son lived close by also which was convenient. I also love the 4th St. area so it was great to be in walking distance. I would recommend this flat highly.