Berkeley: Family Home With Flair

There are many steps up to the entrance of this 1913 4+bed/3.5 bath gray and white home on Hillcrest Road — 47 by my count — so be aware that if you aren’t fit when you move in, you soon will be.

For the overly complicated price of $1,749,000 — but realistically higher as it will go above asking — you have here an elegant home but not one that is too formal for a family to live in.

Highlights include the views — from the front of the house (although marred by a jutting-out roof and large palm tree from the master bedroom); a true chef’s kitchen in that it doesn’t just look swanky, it’s darned professional; a lovely library/family room with boxed ceiling that overlooks the back garden (which is not that huge but has been nicely landscaped for outdoor eating); and a beautiful galleried upper hallway which gives onto the large bedrooms and includes an inviting seating area.

What’s not to like? Really just clambering up all those steps.