1617 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703

A surprise awaits you inside, with casually elegant Craftsman details and a floor plan to suit today's modern living. Vintage wood work with built-ins and leaded glass compliment the living and dining rooms, while the trendy updated kitchen opens to a family room leading to the gorgeous backyard. Terrific separation of spaces, including two spacious bedrooms on the main floor and two additional rooms upstairs. A full bathroom is on each level, both with clawfoot tubs, wainscoting, and pedestal sinks. The backyard is an absolute oasis and refuge from the hustle and bustle. With multiple seating areas to enjoy morning coffee or an evening glass of wine, there is an abundance of beautiful landscaping, including wisteria, fig and lemon trees, raspberries, a purple princess flower, and more. Grassy area is great for play, and the deep lot offers enjoyment for everyone. There's also a free standing studio cottage, with vaulted ceilings, electrical, and an openable skylight, ideal as a home office or for hobbies. Several structural and cosmetic improvements have been made, including the kitchen remodel (encompassing wall removal with a structural beam added as well as new counters and stainless appliances), partial foundation replacement, seismic upgrade, new roof on rear of house, and more. Energy efficient measures include insulating downstairs floors and upstairs exterior walls and ceiling, new high-efficiency gas furnace, and several new Anderson double paned windows on the first floor. Sewer lateral replaced and in compliance. Location is superb, just blocks to BART, bus stops, schools, parks, weekly Farmer's Market, and both Berkeley Bowls (East and West). A spacious, charming, updated home with a huge, flat backyard including a studio in a vibrant and diverse neighborhood... you can have it all!