Historic and utterly unique! “...one of the most intriguing houses in Berkeley...”

More than 30 years ago I rented a wonderful apartment in the Berkeley Hills. It was between the Temple of The Wings (2800 Buena Vista Way) and Hume Castle (2900 Buena Vista Way).

The scent from the Eucalyptus trees was delightful, and it was magical to wake up and be above the fog which blanketed Berkeley. On chilly evenings I had a roaring fire in the huge fireplace.

Growing up in a 1 bedroom rental apartment in The Bronx, no one in my family had ever owned real estate. I became interested in investing but quickly realized that I couldn’t afford a home, so started looking at rentals. I bought a small 7 unit rental property in Berkeley... and moved down from my magical apartment in the hills.

But I never forgot how wonderful it was to live there!

Why am I telling you all this?

Because you now have the opportunity for your own special place in the Berkeley Hills.

Imagine the most amazing loft, with golden wood floors, a wide deck across the entire front, painted ceilings, and a huge fireplace of your own.

And the ability for renters to help make the payments.

It’s time to tell you more about the amazing Berkeley Hills Lodge.

Historic and utterly unique! “...one of the most intriguing houses in Berkeley...”

Situated in a lovely residential area on wooded and winding Shasta Road, minutes to North Berkeley shopping and restaurants; UC campus; public transportation.

The property was originally part of an 1880s rock crushing operation for the stone quarry above at what is now La Loma/Glendale Park. About 1917, it was converted to a single family residence by noted architect Frederick Reimers, according to Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association records.

A 1949 article describes it as “...one of the most intriguing houses in Berkeley... [wooden] beams from the rock crushing equipment were utilized to build the house". Those massive beams can be seen in the Loft Unit (#3).

Several of the buildings Reimers designed are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: an Art Deco car dealership on Durant in Berkeley, and Olvida Penas in Pebble Beach. Reimers was also the original architect on Eugene O’Neill’s Tao House.

Now 2652 Shasta Road is a four unit building, stepped down the hillside with north bay and Mt. Tamalpais views. The Top and Loft level units have all the distinctive early century California hallmarks of the period: grand proportions; rustic wood panelled walls; redwood pillars and beams; vintage wall sconces; built-ins with glass paned cabinetry and leaded glass.

Interior staircases connect all units and this could once again become a single family home. The Top and Loft levels particularly have the potential of being combined into a spectacular tri-level living space. The lower two units are more modest with some updating of kitchens and baths.

1st Level (#1):
One bedroom, one bath

2nd Level (#2):
Two bedrooms, one bath, clawfoot tub & pedestal sink; redone kitchen

Loft Unit (#3):
huge open space on two levels, one bathroom, shower only; leaded glass, built-in shelving; grand baronial fireplace, vintage wall sconces; there are seven steps up to the second level; wood floors; kitchen eating area has a Franklin stove; stenciled ceiling; two sets of dual paned French doors lead to balcony stretching across the front of the building with views of the north bay and Mt. Tamalpais

Top Unit (#4):
One bedroom, one bath; living/dining built-ins; newer fixtures and tiled kitchen and bath flooring; Franklin stove; wood floors; two sets of window seats with storage beneath; stenciled ceiling; distinctive diagonal crossbracing at each set of side windows; westward views

Laundry and storage:
Ground Level

Parking:
Space at the front just off Shasta Road for three cars, possibly a fourth; also a single car garage

Utilities:
One meter serves all units


OK....You’re intrigued, and think the Berkeley Hills Lodge might be perfect for you. But you have questions. What are the pros and cons of owning rental property in Berkeley? What are my rights and responsibilities? And your your friends wonder what you’ve been inhaling!

The good news is that you have many more resources available to you than I did in 1977.

Click on the link labelled “Berkeley Living/Rent Info” to learn where to go for more information... and what it’s like to live in North Berkeley and the Berkeley Hills.

More Information »