455 Arlington Ave

Make your mark on this gorgeous 1926 Tudor/Spanish Revival in a wonderful Berkeley location, just steps from the upper Kensington shops. Step through the plank door with its decorative nail studs, a period treasure, into an entry with a coat closet and soft ceiling lighting. Beyond it, the living and dining rooms are the showstoppers, with vaulted wood-plank ceilings and hardwood floors. A sculpted fireplace with gas insert is flanked by two divided-light windows. French doors open to a charming petite balcony and frame lovely partial Bay views, as do the west-facing dining room windows. Spanish tile brings Old World warmth to the spacious kitchen, which includes a washer and dryer. A second set of French doors opens to a flagstone courtyard, perfect for outdoor dining. A split-level flight of stairs leads to a hall bathroom, two bedrooms (one with a fireplace), and a primary suite with en suite bath. Every room has its own special view, but the most captivating is the koi pond seen from the light-filled primary bedroom. A glass-pane door leads to the backyard, where you can carry your morning coffee to a stone bench overlooking the mesmerizing koi. Water-loving plants ring the pond, and morning light dances across the surface, creating a magical spot for respite and reflection. The landscaped grounds also include an ornamental olive tree, two citrus trees, climbing vines, and lush plantings. This one-of-a-kind property offers period details, a great layout, beautiful outdoor spaces, and opportunity! Bring your vision for updates and some deferred maintenance, though many improvements are already in place: a newer roof (2019), water heater (~2022), copper supply plumbing, seismic safety shutoff, 200 AMP electrical service, and no active knob and tube wiring. Home energy score is 4. This coveted Thousand Oaks neighborhood is just 5 minutes from Solano Avenue shops and 10 minutes from UC Berkeley, close to parks, restaurants, and cafes, with easy commute options.