Step into a rare piece of Berkeley history with the Joseph Alphonso House, a beautifully preserved Workman’s Cottage built around 1878 and recognized as a city landmark in 1992. Workman’s Cottages were modest 19th-century homes built for artisans and tradespeople—compact in scale but often accented with Victorian detail. Few remain in Berkeley today, making this home a cherished link to the city’s working-class beginnings.

Historic records describe 1814 and its long-lost neighbor at 1812 Sixth Street as among the most pristine remnants of Berkeley’s early Victorian fabric. Both were likely constructed by local carpenters C.W. Davis and E.R. Forsyth, whose hallmark triangular gable brackets still adorn surviving homes in the area. 1814 remains fully intact and has had its character preserved through generations of careful stewardship.

This one-bedroom, one-bath residence offers approximately 704 square feet of living space on a 3,113 square foot lot. Raised above the street to protect against flooding, the home retains its 19th-century craftsmanship in its 20 × 30-foot footprint and original detailing. Inside, it lives larger than its size suggests, featuring a sleeping loft and a custom-designed office nook that maximize space and functionality for modern living. Thoughtful design continues throughout with pop-out storage shelves, kick-plate drawers, under-mount and kitchen storage lighting, and a custom armoire integrated into the loft-office buildout, offering clever ways to make the most of every square foot.

Over the past decade, more than $170,000 in improvements have enhanced comfort and livability. A full foundation replacement with seismic upgrades and new windows secured the structure, while a complete kitchen renovation elevated it with a BlueStar range, Miele hood, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, Kohler sink, Hansgrohe faucet, and Neolith countertops, blending modern luxury with historic character. Additional upgrades include smart lighting, fresh landscaping, new paint, and millwork updates, making this home turnkey for its next caretaker.

The outdoor spaces are equally inviting. A classic picket fence frames the modest front yard, where irrigated planters and a brick pathway create a welcoming entry. In back, the large private yard is a hidden gem with a beautifully maintained lawn, irrigated garden beds, a mature fig tree, a shed studio, and generous basement storage.

Located in the heart of West Berkeley, the property connects directly to the neighborhood’s history. In the late 19th century, this was considered the “rough side of town,” home to immigrant families, saloons, and small industries that gave it a cosmopolitan edge. Today, it’s minutes from Fourth Street’s boutiques and cafés, the creative energy of the Gilman District, and major transit routes.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, first-time buyer, or downsizing elder, 1814 Sixth Street presents a rare opportunity to own a landmark property that bridges Berkeley’s past and present.

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Amenities

Historic Berkeley Landmark | Period Architectural Details | Detached Garage/Storage | Private Fenced Yard | Close to Fourth Street Shops & Cafés | Custom-designed office nook with built-in armoire | Pop-out storage shelves | Kick-plate drawers | Under-mount and kitchen storage lighting | Custom armoire integrated into loft-office buildout | Ring doorbell and backyard security camera | Ecobee smart thermostat | Philips Hue smart lighting | Nest smoke/CO detectors | Fresh paint and millwork updates | New foundation with seismic upgrades | Updated windows | Classic picket fence with irrigated front planters and brick pathway | Large yard with beautifully maintained lawn | Irrigated backyard garden beds | Mature fig tree | Shed studio | Paver patio | Generous basement storage |