Five $800,000 Homes Worth Making A Detour For
For better or worse I recently bought a house. But just for a moment I am going to pretend I didn’t.
Today I set out to find some intriguing prospects — homes that I like the look of that and that cost under $800,000. I want as good a location as I can get for that sum and a dash of “je ne sais quoi”.
All my selections are outside Berkeley, interestingly, which suggests to me you get more for your greenbacks in some of the areas adjacent to that fair city. (Not Piedmont obviously where that sum will buy you a double garage if you’re lucky.)
My first choice, 6097 Colton Avenue in Montclair, immediately busts my budget by nearly $100K, of course. But that’s OK. I will bid the owner down for these are tough times for sellers. I like the views from this 4/3 mid-century modern, the new hardwood floors and the open-plan spaces. Price: $899,000.
1206 Trestle Glen Road in Crocker Highlands (above left) couldn’t be more different. It’s smaller — just 2/1 although there’s a bonus room — but it packs a lot of punch in the charm department. I like the original detailing in the formal rooms and the cute exterior. Price: $795,000.
1424 Everett Avenue in Glenview is a quintessential 3/2 Craftsman with delightful built-ins and cozy fireplace. I like the period details and the bonus family room that gives onto the garden. Price: $768,000
And finally, 580 66th Street (and/or 582 66th Street): this is one of four new 3/2.5 “eco-modern loft farmhouses”, if you can believe that description, built on in-fill land (above right). You may have seen the development featured in the Chronicle at the weekend. I like the contemporary aesthetic, the cathedral ceilings and proximity to Berkeley Bowl. Price: $775,000.
