1788 San Lorenzo Ave

Berkeley, CA 94707

Open House

Saturday, May 16th
2 – 4 p.m.

Open House

Sunday, May 17th
2 – 4 p.m.

Listed for $1,249,000



3 BEDS



2,646 SQFT



2 BATHS



5,000 LOT

Nestled in the heart of Thousand Oaks, one of Berkeley’s most beloved neighborhoods, 1788 San Lorenzo Avenue is a 1935 Mediterranean Revival residence that has been thoughtfully and comprehensively renovated from the inside out. With over $365,000 invested in capital improvements spanning three decades including a just-completed top-to-bottom renovation, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers something rare in today’s market: the character and craftsmanship of a pre-war original with the systems and finishes of a brand-new home.

The main level flows naturally from a large, bright entry area into a sun-filled living room with hardwood floors and fireplace, to a formal dining room, and through beautiful french doors into a fully renovated kitchen featuring new countertops, tile backsplash, undermount sink, and a complete suite of new appliances including an electric induction range. An enclosed sunroom, bathed in natural light and perfectly suited as a reading nook or home office, connects the interior living spaces to the outdoors. Upstairs, two bedrooms share a full bath with new vanity, fixtures, and finishes.

Below the main floor, the finished lower level opens up an entire second area of living space. A large bedroom, family room, fully remodeled bathroom, and a distinctive studio space (with its own separate exterior entrance), and extensive storage provide the kind of flexible square footage that is increasingly hard to find. The lower level space has been reimagined as an art studio with a newly built laundry area, offering a private retreat for creative work, a guest suite, or a home-based business.

Every major system has been upgraded. All original knob-and-tube wiring has been replaced with modern electrical throughout. A new energy-efficient heat pump HVAC system provides both heating and cooling, paired with a heat pump water heater. A 2023 solar array and new 200-amp electrical panel make the home plug-in EV ready. The roof was replaced in 2023. Seismic retrofitting with shear walls was completed throughout, and a copper water supply line delivers excellent pressure. The entire interior and exterior have been freshly painted, and all lighting fixtures are new. The home is fully BESO compliant.

Outside, a mature redwood tree anchors the 5,000-square-foot lot, which includes paved seating areas and a courtyard with room for a bocce court or outdoor entertaining. Professional stonework, terraced landscaping, and a flowering redbud tree frame the front entry.

The location is exceptional. Thousand Oaks Elementary, rated 9 out of 10, is just around the corner, and the restaurants, cafes, and locally owned shops of Solano Avenue are moments away. This is a neighborhood defined by ancient coast live oaks, dramatic rock outcroppings, winding stone pathways, and a deep sense of community, all at the base of the Berkeley Hills with easy access to Tilden Regional Park, Indian Rock, and Great Stoneface Park.

Home Energy Score: 10.