2 for 1 East Bay Eichlers! Plus, this SF cottage is a steal, Bali in Stinson Beach, and potentially record-breaking listing in Hillsborough
What's better than an Eichler? How about two?
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Well, hello there. Is anyone else following the bipartisan 21st Century Road to Housing Act? It overwhelmingly passed in the House, sailed through the Senate, and now rests with President Trump who has declined to sign. In our divisive era, it’s telling that everyone (almost everyone) agrees housing is in desperate need of a fix in this country.
Speaking of which, I’m always on the look-out for super home deals, and yes, they can be found, even in the pricey Bay Area. One place worth a look: Oakland. Just across the Bay, the prices of homes are much lower than SF. There are currently over 1,100 homes on the market with a median listing price of $699K.
Compare that to SF, where there are over 1,300 homes on the market with a median list price that’s almost double, $1,349,000.
Over in Oakland, there are great options, such as this updated four-bedroom home in the hills for $999,000. Or this 10-bedroom, historic home in the lakeside neighborhood of Clinton can be had for $499,000. You could also opt for a four-unit Victorian across from Laney College on sale for $498,000.
Meanwhile, amazing real estate worth a look this week includes a cottage for under $1 million in the Richmond, a Stinson Beach spread for sale by the Amy’s Kitchen CEO, and Erik Gunther gives a round up of Eichlers around the Bay. Read on.
Eichler with a cool ADU in Concord, and a cluster of Eichlers on the market in San Rafael
An Eichler home with a great ADU out back is now pending sale in Concord. Listed for $1.6 million three weeks ago, the home comes with two addresses—one for the fully renovated main home, another for the unit out back.
And while the unit wasn’t part of the Eichler design, it conforms to the midcentury aesthetic with a flat roof, plenty of windows, and a light fixture that looks like an original Eichler ball. Best of all, the new owner can offset their mortgage payment with rental income, which listing agent Theresa Lee says could be $2,000 a month.
The main house has an open-air atrium, a gloriously remodeled kitchen with an enviable island, and redone bathrooms. Out back, there’s a pool which can be shared with the folks in the ADU—or not.
Moving north, a cluster of Eichler homes have gone on the market in San Rafael this week. Buyers in the market for modern living are spoiled for choice in Marin County. Which one would you pick?
A four-bedroom listed for $1,485,000 on Flaxberry Lane. It’s had some unfortunate updating with ‘80s-era cabinetry in the kitchen and pale carpeting everywhere, but the price might be right.
A “reimagined” four-bedroom listed for $1,875,000 on Anchorage Court. Updates to this Eichler are tasteful and hew to the modern aesthetic. It appealed to a buyer, because it’s pending sale after less than a week on the market.
A colorfully remodeled three-bedroom listed for $1,650,000 on Cedarberry Lane. Buyers might love the bold design choices, or may opt for a home that’s more of a blank canvas. The pool out back sure looks inviting though!
A four-bedroom listed for $1,450,000 on Appleberry Drive. It’s also had some questionable updates that look to be from the early 2000s, but a new owner wouldn’t have to do too much to give this place a better vibe.
-Erik Gunther
Cottage in the Richmond asks $998K
The Richmond is finally getting its due. While many of us always knew the neighborhood was cool, the number of wildly good eateries, including Rose Pizzeria, Clementina, Pearl, Arsicault bakery, and Coffee Movement has focused new attention on this area. And with the upcoming Bi-Rite and Loquat, as well as access to both the Presidio Park and Golden Gate Park, the area is receiving even more focus.
And while prices aren’t the highest in the city, current listings aren’t exactly cheap. They range from about $950,000 for a condo to about $3 million for a single-family home. That’s why a particularly darling three-bedroom cottage made me take notice.
Tucked right next to the main property, the “reimagined detached cottage” is now available for $998,000. It’s the result of “an easement granted by the neighboring owner,” notes the listing represented by Karen Lum with Focus Realty.
The cottage came on the market a year ago and sold for $700,000. Following that transaction, it underwent a transformation.
Built in 1915 and recently remodeled, the adorable abode is surprisingly spacious with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms across two levels and 980 square feet.
According to the listing details, nearly everything in the home has been updated, including new electrical, new furnace, bathrooms, and a kitchen equipped with brand-new appliances.
But the space also extends outside with a landscaped backyard for entertaining or al fresco dining. Other conveniences include a stacked washer-dryer closet and a full basement.
Plus, the walkable locale on 26th Avenue is close to public transit on Geary Boulevard including express buses to downtown, and shops and restaurants nearby, such as Andronico’s Community Market and Aziza restaurant.
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Bali by the Bay: Amy’s Kitchen CEO lists slice of paradise in Stinson Beach for $16 million
Take one look at this Bay Area beach retreat and you may think you’ve headed east—way east. As in Bali.
This Balinese-inspired waterfront home sits in the coastal enclave of Stinson Beach. Found across the Golden Gate Bridge about 35 minutes from San Francisco, this resort-style Marin County estate is set up with five separate bedroom bungalows with direct garden access.
The style is based on “Bali Joglos,” traditional Indonesian structures with peaked roofs, according to the listing details from Compass agent Butch Haze. The owners, Amy’s Kitchen CEO Andy Berliner and his wife Rachel are asking $16 million.
According to the sellers, they fell in love with the property upon first seeing the garden, which they’ve dubbed a “tropical paradise.” They’re parting with the place because their “daughter, son-in-law and grandson moved to Hawaii, so we need to try to replace this magical house with something over there.”
The 1,800 square feet of living space include five bedrooms, three baths, and an open living and dining area with a fireplace.
The kitchen features skylights that allow natural light to pour in. Glass doors open out for a seamless connection to the beach and gardens outside.
$39 million Hillsborough estate could set a record
Down the Peninsula, a 2.5-acre Hillsborough estate with a 50-foot pool and putting green has splashed onto the market. The brand-new build would set an all-time record for the area if it sells for the asking price of $39,888,000.
The tony enclave has been home to the likes of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and crooner Bing Crosby (whose former estate came on the market earlier this year for $29 million.)
The mansion listed with Phil Chen of Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno, offers Bay and canyon views, eight bedrooms, 13 baths, and a separate ADU.
The new construction designed by MAK Studio Architects features stone, wood, glass, and 22-foot ceilings.
Inside, the sprawling 13,675-square-foot residence has all the perks of a luxury living: a high-end kitchen, marble bath in the primary suite, and resort-style amenities. Highlights include a home theater, office, fitness studio, bar, golf simulator, and 1,620-bottle wine cellar.
The electrical bill might be mitigated by owned solar and a back-up generator. The grounds feature pool and spa, lawn, terraces, and 10-hole putting green. There are dual two-car garages, a motor court, and guest parking.
Chen notes that the project marks the developers’ “second project in Hillsborough—and their most ambitious yet.”
Must Like Fog is a San Francisco-based newsletter that’s looking at must-see real estate, cool architecture, fun neighborhoods, and more. Come obsess with me, a long-time real estate reporter who wants to keep the party going with a Bay Area twist. If you’re into real estate, the Bay Area, and want to get the inside track on these topics and more, please subscribe.
Huge thanks to editor extraordinaire Erik Gunther.