Open House Obsession: The Very Best New Kitchen In Berkeley, $1.35M
Author:Philip FerratoUpdate: Sold and closed for $2.2M within three weeks.
Where: 2008 Virginia Avenue, Berkeley
When: Sunday March 18 and 25, 2:00pm-4:30pm both days
Asking: $1,350,000
What: A simple 4-bed, 2.5-bath 1934 stucco traditional tucked away from the street on an oddly shaped lot, completely redone by designer Sean Gaston and Bee Renovated. In the heart of Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto– ground zero for people who like to eat– the house has been transformed in the perfect venue for entertaining.
What had been a long driveway to nowhere is now neatly divided into to a private front courtyard and a parking area, plus new windows, ironwork and a fresh coat of paint gave the house an entirely new personality.
Working within the existing structure, Gaston left no surface untouched, including seismic and systems upgrades and new baths.
The big surprise is the kitchen, a cube-like ’60s addition with 12’ ceilings transformed into heart of the house, flanked by outdoor seating and dining areas. With Berkeley’s great weather, these private spaces become outdoor rooms that can be enjoyed for much of the year.
What We Love: In the kitchen, a wall of encaustic tile and the absence of overhead cabinets.
More: Go to the listing for additional details and images. Represented by Ruth Frasetto at The Grubb Company. Below, the ‘She-Shed’, a whimsical hideaway off the the patio.