865 Contra Costa Ave | Image 1
Virtual Tour
865 Contra Costa Ave | Image 2
865 Contra Costa Ave | Image 3
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$2,295,000

For Sale

15 days ago

865 Contra Costa Ave, Berkeley, CA

House

MLS® 41149025

4 Bed

3 Bath

2905 sqft

1 Parking

  • Key Facts
  • Description
  • Rooms
  • Map

Key Facts

Type Single Family Residence
Levels Residential
Size 2905 sqft
Garage Yes
Taxes 
Days Active 15
Lot Size 0.1209 Acres
Approx. Age 1916
Avg. Price Per Sqft $790
MLS® Number 41149025

Property Address: 865 Contra Costa Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94707-1919

Average square foot calculated using Size range provided by listing agent.

Description

Just one block above Solano Avenue, the Gillespie House was commissioned in 1916 and designed by John Hudson Thomas. It’s a home that feels very much of its time—beautifully crafted, full of character, and thoughtfully designed. What makes the setting especially rare is the combination of walkability and views: one of the few streets in Berkeley where you can enjoy sweeping views while still being just a short stroll from the places that make daily life so convenient. JH Thomas was intentional about how the house sits on the lot, taking full advantage of its southwestern exposure. From different rooms and windows throughout the house, you get changing views that stretch from downtown Oakland to San Francisco and across to the North Bay. A proper foyer leads into an elegant living room and from there, multiple entries connect to a breakfast nook overlooking the Bay and an open, remodeled kitchen with beautiful Brazilian Santa Rita soapstone countertops, a 48 inch stove and plenty of storage. The dining room has all the presence of a proper formal room, with lovely built-ins and is both open to the kitchen and the courtyard too—a magical space that hints at France. Doors open, meals outside. The house transitions from entertaining to living as you enter the rear of the home through a hallway replete with various closets to two spacious bedrooms and a full remodeled bath. Upstairs, and from the spacious foyer, you will find a beautifully updated bathroom with shower and freestanding tub and a third generous bedroom with lovely coved ceilings. To the right of the stairs is the true primary suite. Including a light-filled den/sitting area, walk-through closet and en-suite bath. There is more. Downstairs, a full basement with tons of potential awaits a new owner's ideas- workshop, expansion, your call. Energy Score is 2. The front landscaping, with productive passion fruit vines and miniature peach, nectarine and Meyer lemon trees, is gorgeous and lush and gives the house this wonderful sense of arrival. In the backyard, find the beginning of an orchard; productive apple trees and so much space, waiting for your wish list: perhaps a hot tub? And perhaps the most attractive feature of this home is its location. Parks in every direction, Solano Avenue is one block away. Stroll to nearby coffee shops, restaurants and shopping. Or head to the Gourmet Area and enjoy a slice at the Cheeseboard, a drink at the trendy Bar Panisse - or a fancy dinner at Chez!
MLS® Number41149025
Laundry Level
Central VacNo
FireplaceYes
Acreage
Exterior
GarageYes
Approx. Age1916
Basement
DrivewayGarage
Garage Spaces
HeatForced Air
A/CNone

Extras

Rooms

Kitchen:Not available

Price History

-End Date
Not Sold YetSold Price

For Sale

Sep 22, 2026List Date
$2,295,000List Price

Home Appraisal

This property is estimated to sell between: $2,204,000 and $2,341,000.
Similar properties in this area sold on average for: $2,204,673
Expect to pay under asking. 95% of similar properties sold for less than the asking price.
Expected to sell very soon! Similar properties sold in 14 days. This home has been on eXp Realty for 15 days.

The estimated sale price does not take into account many variables such as recent renovations, type of appliances, school district etc. To get a more accurate estimate please contact agent.

  • Commute

Commute

Starting Address
Destination Address
865 Contra Costa Ave, Berkeley, CA

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