Open House Sat, Sep 26th 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM - Water Views
Address
865 Contra Costa Ave, Berkeley, CA
Price
$ 2,295,000
Property Attributes
- MLS#41149025
- TypeSingle Family
- Listing Status Active
- CountyAlameda
- CityBerkeley
- NeighborhoodTHOUSAND OAKS
- Zip94707
- Style
- Year Built1916
- Price$ 2,295,000
- Bedrooms4
- Full Bathrooms3
- Half Bathrooms0
- Sqr Footage2905
- Lot Size0.1209 Acres
Data Source:
California Regional MLS (CRMLS)
Property 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!
| Price History | |
|---|---|
| 9/22/2026 | Listed $2,295,000 |
General Features
| Living Area | 2905 |
|---|---|
| Heating | Forced Air |
| Cooling | None |
| Possession | Close Of Escrow |
| Roof | Shingle |
| Appliances | Dryer,Washer |
| Garage Spaces | 1 |
| Patio/Porch Features | Patio |
| Architectural Style | Traditional |
| Pool Features | None |
| Construction Materials | Wood Siding |
| Year Built | 1916 |
| View | Bay,Bridge(s) |
| Stories Count | 2 |
| Levels | Two |
| Property Subtype | Single Family Residence |
| County | Alameda |
| New Construction | false |
| Property Type | Residential |
| HOA | false |
| Attached Garage | true |
| Subdivision Name | THOUSAND OAKS |
| Garage Y/N | true |
| Full Baths | 3 |
| Status | Active |
| Directions | Cross Street: Solano Ave. |
| City | Berkeley |
| High School District | Berkeley |
| Lot Size Units | Square Feet |
| Lot Size Square Feet | 5265 |
| Listing Terms | Cash,Conventional |
| Virtual Tour | https://www.865contracosta.com/mls/255358426 |
| Builder Name | John Hudson Thomas |
| Standard Status | Active |
| Occupancy Type | Vacant |
| Virtual Tour | https://www.865contracosta.com |
| Property Sub Type Additional | Single Family Residence |
| PostalCity | BERKELEY |
Interior Features
| Interior Amenities | Breakfast Area |
|---|---|
| Flooring | See Remarks,Tile,Wood |
| Fireplace Features | Living Room |
| Air Conditioning Y/N | false |
| Heating Y/N | true |
| Fireplace Y/N | true |
| Total Bedrooms | 4 |
| Total Baths | 3 |
Exterior Features
| Parking Features | Garage |
|---|---|
| Lot Features | Back Yard,Front Yard |
| Total Parking | 1 |
| Lot Size Area | 5265 |
| Lot Size Acres | 0.1209 |
| Private Pool | false |
| Lot Size Source | Measured |
Amenities
- Foreclosure
- Views
- Short Sale
- New Construction
- Adult 55+
- Lease To Own
- No HOA Fees
- Furnished
- Primary On Main
- Air Conditioning
- Seller Finance
- Green
- Fixer Upper
- Horse
- Golf
- Fireplace
- Deck
- Garage
- Basement
- Pool
Property vs Single Family Average in 94707
Price
Year Built
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of September 24, 2026 6:43 AM UTC This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g.square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with
