1538 Russell St, Berkeley, California 94703, Berkeley, 94703 - 3 bed, 2 bath
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Berkeley, California 94703
This Stunning Move-In Ready Home is a Strong Value Opportunity, listed at $1,549,888—positioned well below the $1,561,329 Fair Market Value by 0.73%. This valuation gap offers $11,441 in Instant Equity. Featuring a Condition Rating of 3, this 1903 A-frame offers a finished bonus attic, detached office, and a spacious deck. Located near top-rated schools like Peralta Elementary and Berkeley High, it balances historic charm with modern flexibility. This is an ideal acquisition for Owner-Occupants seeking a legacy property or discerning professionals.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 1538 Russell St Subject | $1,549,888* List Price | 3 | 2 | 1,929 | $809 | - |
A 1646 1646 Ashby Ave Sold | $1,482,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,826 | $812 | 0.2 mi |
B 2221 Roosevelt Sold | $1,820,000 | 3 | 2 | 1,833 | $993 | 0.9 mi |
C 1627 62nd Street Sold | $1,385,000 | 4 | 2 | 2,108 | $657 | 0.6 mi |
D 1524 Blake St Sold | $1,800,000 | 4 | 3 | 2,132 | $844 | 0.5 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is move-in ready.
While originally built in 1903, the property has undergone significant curated updates. The bathrooms feature modern tiling and contemporary fixtures consistent with a 5-15 year renovation window. The home is exceptionally well-maintained, move-in ready, and features updated flooring and lighting throughout, though the Home Energy Score of 2 suggests some older underlying systems.
The property features a finished bonus attic and a detached studio, offering significant flexibility for a fourth bedroom, home office, or creative workspace to suit modern lifestyles.
This rare 1903 A-frame combines historic character with soaring ceilings and curated updates, reflecting a high level of pride of ownership with only two owners in its century-long history.
The backyard serves as a private sanctuary with a large deck, pergola, and mature landscaping, providing a premium environment for indoor-outdoor entertaining.
Living area discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing living area = 1929, other record living area = 1335.
A Home Energy Score of 2 indicates poor thermal performance, suggesting the property may require significant investments in insulation and HVAC upgrades to reduce utility costs.
Given the 1903 construction date, the home may possess aging foundational or mechanical systems that could necessitate costly long-term maintenance despite recent cosmetic improvements.
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.
No exterior & parking available.
Grades K-5 • 0.3 mi
Grades K-5 • 0.9 mi
Grades K-5 • 0.9 mi
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home |
|---|---|---|
| Beds | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Baths | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Square foot | 1,929 | 2,200 |
| Lot Size | 4,480 | 5,160 |
| Price | $1.55M | $1.70M |
| Price per sq ft | $803 | $997 |
| Built year | 1903 | 1926 |
| HOA | $0 | $500 |
| Days on market | 13 | 31 |
Jul 9, 2026
$1,549,888
Initial Listing
Apr 30, 1999
$50,000
Public Record