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For sale
  • Price cut: $50K (8/3)
    $1,499,888

    1538 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94703

    3beds
    1,929sqft
    : 
    $9,804/mo
    Get pre-qualified
    Single Family Residence
    Built in 1903
    4,356 Square Feet Lot
    $1,543,800 Zestimate®
    $778/sqft
    $-- HOA

    What's special

    Mature landscapingDetached officeInviting gathering spacesPrivate gymSoaring ceilingsWarm light-filled interiorsSpacious deck
    Some homes simply provide a place to live. Others create a feeling the moment you walk through the door. This exceptional A-frame is one of those rare homes. Blending timeless architecture with beautifully curated updates, it offers warm, light-filled interiors, soaring ceilings, and inviting gathering spaces designed for both everyday living and unforgettable entertaining. Beyond its beautiful living areas, the home offers remarkable flexibility with a finished bonus attic that is ideal as a potential 4th bedroom, media room, creative studio, playroom, or additional workspace, as well as a detached office perfect for today's work-from-home lifestyle, a private gym, or an inspiring artist's retreat. Step outside and discover a backyard that feels like your own private sanctuary, complete with a spacious deck, pergola, mature landscaping, and multiple outdoor spaces designed for relaxing, entertaining, and creating lasting memories. Lovingly maintained and thoughtfully improved over the years, this home reflects decades of pride of ownership, with meaningful updates that preserve its character while embracing modern comfort. Even more remarkable, this home has had only two owners since it was built in 1903—a rare testament to how deeply cherished this property has been for more than a century. Whether you're hosting friends beneath the pergola, working from the detached office, or enjoying quiet evenings beneath the dramatic rooflines that define this iconic A-frame, every space has been thoughtfully designed to inspire connection, creativity, and comfort .Homes that offer this level of architectural distinction, versatility, rich history, and indoor-outdoor living rarely come to market. This is more than a home: it's a legacy property that captures the timeless charm of Berkeley while offering the space, flexibility, and lifestyle today's buyers have been searching for. Home Energy Score of 2. *Open Houses:Sun. 8/23, 2:00–4:30 PM.*
    42 days
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    1,935
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    106
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    Zillow last checked:

    Listing updated:

    Listed by:

    Marco Rodriguez DRE #01365148 510-375-3172,

    Genesis Real Estate,

    Vanessa Rodriguez DRE #02004868 510-253-7777,

    Genesis Real Estate

    Source: CCAR,MLS#: 41140985MLS Logo

      Facts & features

      Interior

      Bedrooms & bathrooms
      • Bedrooms: 3
      • Bathrooms: 2
      • Full bathrooms: 2
      Rooms
      • Room types: 1 Bath, Main Entry, 3 Bedrooms, Office
      Bathroom
      • Features: Stall Shower, Tile, Updated Baths, Shower Over Tub, Solid Surface, Window
      Kitchen
      • Features: Stone Counters, Dishwasher, Range/Oven Free Standing, Updated Kitchen, Other
      Heating
      • Gravity
      Cooling
      • Ceiling Fan(s)
      Appliances
      • Included: Dishwasher, Free-Standing Range, Tankless Water Heater
      • Laundry: Hookups Only, Other, Inside, Common Area
      Features
      • Storage, Study, Updated Kitchen
      • Flooring: Hardwood, Tile, Carpet, Other
      • Number of fireplaces: 1
      • Fireplace features: Living Room
      Interior area
      • Total structure area: 1,929
      • Total interior livable area: 1,929 sqft
      Video & virtual tour

      Property

      Parking
      • Parking features: Carport, Drive Through, Parking Spaces, RV/Boat Parking, Side Yard Access, Tandem, Other, Parking Lot
      • Has carport: Yes
      Features
      • Levels: Two
      • Stories: 2
      • Exterior features: Garden, Garden/Play, Storage
      • Pool features: None
      • Fencing: Fenced
      • Has view: Yes
      • View description: Partial, Other
      Lot
      • Size: 4,356 Square Feet
      • Features: Premium Lot, Other, Front Yard, Landscaped, Back Yard, Side Yard, Landscape Back, Landscape Front
      Details
      • Additional structures: Shed(s)
      • Parcel number: 53161028
      • Special conditions: Standard
      • Other equipment: Irrigation Equipment

      Construction

      Type & style
      • Home type: SingleFamily
      • Architectural style: A-Frame
      • Property subtype: Single Family Residence
      Materials
      • Wood Siding
      • Roof: Composition
      Condition
      • Existing
      • New construction: No
      • Year built: 1903

      Utilities & green energy

      • Electric: No Solar
      • Sewer: Public Sewer
      • Water: Public
      Green energy
      • Energy efficient items: Other

      Community & HOA

      Community
      • Subdivision: South Berkeley
      HOA
      • Has HOA: No
      Location
      • Region: Berkeley

      Financial & listing details

      • Price per square foot: $778/sqft
      • Tax assessed value: $217,393
      • Date on market: 7/9/2026

        Estimated market value

        $1,543,800

        $1.47M - $1.62M

        $5,721/mo

        Price history

        DateEventPrice
        8/3/2026Price change$1,499,888-3.2%$778/sqft
        Source: CCAR #41140985 Report a problem
        7/9/2026Listed for sale$1,549,888+2999.8%$803/sqft
        Source: CCAR #41140985 Report a problem
        4/30/1999Sold$50,000$26/sqft
        Source: Public Record Report a problem

        Public tax history

        YearProperty taxesTax assessment
        2025-- $217,393 +2%
        2024$5,518 +3.6%$213,132 +2%
        2023$5,327 +3.8%$208,954 +2%
        2022$5,131 +0.3%$204,857 +2%
        2021$5,114 +6.8%$200,841 +1%
        2020$4,787 +5.7%$198,781 +2%
        2019$4,527 +7%$194,885 +2%
        2018$4,232 $191,064 +2%
        2017$4,232 +5%$187,318 +2%
        2016$4,029 +3.4%$183,646 +1.5%
        2015$3,895 $180,887 +2%
        2014$3,895 $177,344 +0.5%
        2013-- $176,545 +2%
        2012-- $173,083 +2%
        2011-- $169,689 +0.8%
        2010-- $168,422 -0.2%
        2009-- $168,823 +2%
        2008-- $165,512 +2%
        2007-- $162,267 +2%
        2006-- $159,087 +2%
        2005-- $155,968 +2%
        2004-- $152,911 +1.9%
        2003-- $150,109 +2%
        2002-- $147,167 +2%
        2001$2,585 $144,281
        Find assessor info on the county website

        Monthly payment

        Est. payment

        Payment breakdown

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        All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
        HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
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        Climate risks

        Neighborhood: Ashby

        Getting around

        86 / 100
        Very Walkable
        63 / 100
        Good Transit
        95 / 100
        Biker's Paradise

        Nearby schools

        GreatSchools rating

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