
El Cerrito, California 94530
This Charming 1949 Garden Cottage is a Strong Value Opportunity, listed at $949,000—positioned well below the $967,036 Fair Market Value by 1%. This valuation gap provides $18,036 in Instant Equity. Maintaining a Fair Condition Rating due to its vintage kitchen and bath, the home features a versatile detached garden cottage and private patio. Located in the prime Fat Apple’s neighborhood near top-rated schools and BART, it offers significant upside through modernization. This is an ideal match for Owner-Occupants or first-time buyers seeking character and location.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 716 Ashbury Ave Subject | $949,000* List Price | 2 | 1 | 1,335 | $724 | - |
A 872 Bates Ave Sold | $1,050,000 | 2 | 2 | 1,232 | $852 | 0.8 mi |
B 535 Norvell St Sold | $1,065,000 | 3 | 1 | 1,154 | $923 | 0.3 mi |
C 931 931 Elm St Sold | $902,000 | 4 | 5 | 1,500 | $601 | 0.5 mi |
D 8530 Terrace Dr Sold | $1,125,000 | 2 | 2 | 1,767 | $637 | 0.8 mi |
E 747 747 Albemarle St Sold | $925,000 | 2 | 1 | 1,097 | $843 | 0.1 mi |
F 7307 Hotchkiss Ave Active | $899,000 List Price | 3 | 2 | 1,454 | $618 | 0.1 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is moderate renovation needed.
The property is a well-maintained 1949 cottage that shows pride of ownership, featuring refinished hardwood floors, updated interior paint, and added solar tubes for natural light. However, it is assigned a score of 'fair' because the kitchen and bathroom—the most critical areas for valuation—retain their original vintage tiling and cabinetry from the mid-century era. While functional and 'enchanting,' these systems are outdated according to the provided criteria, as they have not undergone a major renovation within the last 15 years.
Ideally situated in the sought-after Fat Apple’s neighborhood, this home is less than a mile from El Cerrito BART, Colusa Circle, and the Sunday farmers’ market, offering exceptional convenience for commuters and locals alike.
The property features a unique detached garden cottage with a fireplace and abundant natural light, providing a highly desirable flexible space for a home office, art studio, or guest retreat.
This 1949 cottage exudes charm with its 'whimsical' garden, mature wisteria, and original vintage tiling, offering a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment that stands out from standard modern builds.
With only one bathroom serving a 1,335-square-foot home, the layout may be a significant drawback for families or buyers seeking modern convenience and higher resale value.
While the 'original' and 'vintage' features provide character, a home of this age often requires updates to plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances to meet contemporary efficiency and safety standards.
This enchanting El Cerrito garden cottage, nestled in the sought-after Fat Apple’s neighborhood, offers a whimsical retreat close to everything. Community amenities under a mile away include El Cerrito BART, Colusa Circle and Sunday farmers’ market, Cerrito Vista Park, and the Community & Swimming Center, to name just a few. From the sidewalk, you enter the garden through a wooden gate, and immediately you’re greeted by rambling soft yellow roses and flowering wisteria vines. The covered porch provides a peaceful transition from the street into the tranquil home. Windows with views to the garden can be found in every room. The gracious living room and dining room are generously sized to comfortably gather with friends and family. A sweet vintage-tiled kitchen has direct access to the back porch and meandering garden. Two light-filled bedrooms down the hallway and charming original tiles in the bathroom add to the enchanting character of the home. The primary bedroom has a large garden window connecting the room to the idyllic backyard. Just through the kitchen door on your way to the garden, you can’t miss the detached garden cottage, with 2 window-filled walls and a fireplace; it’s the perfect spot for art or play, come rain or shine. This bonus space invites your imagination.
No exterior & parking available.
Grades K-6 • 0.4 mi
Grades K-6 • 0.5 mi
Grades 7-8 • 0.5 mi
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 2.0 | 3.0 | 27% |
| Baths | 1.0 | 2.0 | 31% |
| Square foot | 1,335 | 1,532 | 38% |
| Lot Size | 6,150 | 5,000 | 69% |
| Price | $949.0K | $1.15M | 33% |
| Price per sq ft | $711 | $765 | 41% |
| Built year | 1949 | 1948 | 53% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 7 | 173 | 2% |
Apr 15, 2026
$949,000
Initial Listing
Jul 19, 2001
$417,500
Public Record