Location: Berkeley, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA (8 Miles to San Francisco, Walk to UC Campus, Rockridge, BART) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 1 Bath (Sleeps 6-8)
Keywords: Historic, vacation rental, Berkeley, CAL, UCB, University of California at Berkeley, Rockridge, Elmwood, Claremont, San Francisco, Tilden, Edwardian, c
Berkeley's historical Elmwood House is a 1905 Edwardian duplex, and prominent landmark in Berkeley's sought-after Elmwood district. This is one of Berkeley's grand old dames with original details, much character and wonderful architectural detail . Located in one of Berkeley's most loved neighborhoods where family pot-luck dinners are common on front lawns throughout summer, tree-lined streets are teeming with kids on bicycles, neighbors gather on front porches and street corners, and history and brown-shingle homes abound, the Elmwood is one of Berkeley's most prized neighborhoods!
This lovely quintessential Berkeley home is located on a quiet Cul-de-sac in a kid and family-friendly neighborhood. There are two children's parks within a half block of the house, and the College Avenue strip is just a couple of blocks away. The area is flat, and easy to walk; it boasts a 97 WalkScore for its accessibility to everything from public transit, shopping, libraries, cultural events (CAL Performances and more), to several parks, a hospital, wonderful hiking trails, golfing ranges, swimming and tennis! The Berkeley Fire Trail is just five minutes away and at the top, one is rewarded with panoramic bay views! Tilden, Chabot, Redwood, Temescal and Sibley Regional Parks are just minutes away and provide everything from wedding venues to beaches, lakes, hiking, golfing, a kid's animal farm, horse-riding, water sports and more. The CAL Recreation Center is just five minutes away and provides three lap pools in a verdant and lush setting.
The home is a wonderfully bright, sunny and spacious period residence, luxuriously appointed and ideally located within walking distance of College and Telegraph Avenues where you will find fine dining, ethnic restaurants, bookstores, theatre, Berkeley's university campus, and more. Walk to historical Telegraph Avenue, or stroll along College Avenue, from the town of Rockridge at one end, and the California College of Art, to the University of California of Berkeley (CAL) at the other end.
This is Berkeley at its best where sidewalks are abuzz with life and things to do. The entire stretch of College Avenue is lined with restaurants and places to shop. The local theatre is just two blocks away and right in the center of it all. San Francisco is only 8 miles away and easily accessible by BART. (10 blocks from house) Monterey and Carmel are approximately a 2 hour drive and the wine country, Napa Valley and Sonoma are only about an hour's drive. At your doorstep are some of the most beautiful parks and hiking trails in the east bay park district. To see an EXTENSIVE PHOTO GALLERY of this heart of Elmwood/Rockridge home, scroll down this page to just below the "AVAILABILITY CALENDAR," where you will see a LINK next to "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION." There are approximately 200 photos there. In addition, there is a WalkScore link which maps the location, scores the walkability (this property gets a 97!) and gives distances to local restaurants, libraries, fitness centers, shopping, BART and more! If you do not see the links to photos and WalkScore map here, email me and we'll send it to you.
Elmwood House has three bedrooms, one of which can be used as office or library, a very spacious open living area that spans the whole floor length from living room to foyer, to dining room and kitchen. Beyond the kitchen is a fully equipped laundry room, which leads to the outdoors, and a fenced-in patio with table, chairs, umbrella, and bar-b-que! Each living area has original pocket doors (the ones that slide into the cavities of walls and disappear when not in use) so that you can close off the living rooms, third bedroom, and foyer for privacy, allowing extra bedroom space if needed in the living room, or peace and quiet for those who wish to retire early. The kitchen is well equipped with everything you could need; (see the external link provided as stated below to see more.) There is also a highly regarded and superb-in-tone, Knight (British) piano for your use and enjoyment! All beds have been chosen for comfort and the linens are of the highest quality, from 700 count Egyptian Cotton to Frette Italian Duvet cover for the sofa bed. The sofa bed is on the "top 10" list for comfort, and a fiber bed mattress has been provided for extra cushioning if needed. There are ample extra supplies, such as a queen-sized and Toddler sized Aerobed air mattresses, bedding, towels and pillows. Other baby and toddler items available: baby/child car seat /high chair/stroller/port-a-crib, booster seats, toys, books and puzzles available also.
The Elmwood is so loved that it inspired a book some years ago which gives a great accounting of its colorful and vibrant history!
It's called: "A Tale of the Elmwood District in Berkeley," and here is what Charles Burress, Chronicle Staff Writer
had to write about it in the Chronicle on Monday, January 1, 2001:
" Berkeley -- Just about every neighborhood has a story to tell, but few are remembered in time's long parade. But in Berkeley, a city passionate about protecting neighborhoods, there is one district so beloved by the citizens that it has inspired its own biography. Tales from the Elmwood" serves as a small museum not only of a place that has preserved a classic small-town charm but also of the extraordinary lives who've found a haven there.
The book's gallery of former Elmwood residents ranges from creative giants like painter Richard Diebenkorn to historical figures like Ishi, called "the last wild Indian of North America" in the subtitle of Theodora Kroeber's well- known biography of him. Other famous folks have called Elmwood home, including Jane Fonda, Eldridge Cleaver, Thornton Wilder and Tom Dunphy, better known as "General Waste-more-land" in many anti-war demonstrations..."
(The book is located at the house if you wish to read more about Berkeley and Elmwood's history.)
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Laundry room with large capacity washer and dryer. There are also racks and hangers to air-dry clothing, as well as a laundry hamper & basket. Biodegradable environmentally safe detergent and supplies provided. There is also an ironing board and Rowenta Professional steam iron for your use.
- Dryer : Green, biodegradable detergent provided for your use! Rowenta professional steam iron and ironing board also.
- Linens Provided : 700 count Pima and Egyptian cotton sheets, (Our guests love the sheets and beds!) Restoration Hardware Egyptian Cotton towels
- Garage : yes, with opener and access to patio and kitchen for easy unloading from car.
- Off Street Parking : yes, there is a garage for one car, and street parking for additional cars. please inquire for details re street parking in berkeley
- Wood Fireplace : Two fireplace, one of which is a working fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed (3) : High end mattresses Beautyrest Exceptional and Serta's highest rated queen mattresses
- Convertible Bed : Very comfortable sofa sleeper (which is included in the 3 queen bed count here) located in living room which can be closed off from the rest of house. (Turn-of-the century original Pocket doors make this room a private retreat.) There is also another sofa and adult aerobed (can sleep one) in third room, which too has pocket doors that allow you to completely close it off from 3rd bedroom, and all living areas, so can function as a living room/den by day and bedroom by night if desired. The sofa sleeper was rated in the top 10 for style and comfort recently. For your comfort, we have included a 'Warm Things' Fiber bed to go on top of sofa bed mattress. It has its own white removable cover.
- Child Bed : Two Kid's AeroBeds, a huge hit with small children. (See it on Amazon for more info.)
- Crib : Two new Pak 'N Play cribs and and bedding available. Also available upon request, top-of-the line Recarro new child's car seat and a Mc Laren stroller. Other items include a high chair, 2 booster seats, child's potty, newborn bath tub and toddler bathtub also. Ask if you need something we have not thought of. Large library/inventory of kid's books, music, all ages, so let us know ages so we can bring an appropriate selection. Also available, child's Baby Bjorn stepping stool, and plastic dinner wear and cutlery, as well as high chair if needed.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Large screen TV with ATT&T cable services and over 120 channels
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Great video library!
- CD Player
- Music Library : Select cd's, Many others available upon request in advance. There is an excellent KNIGHT upright piano for your use at Elmwood House. It was personally selected for its highly regarded sound and tone by an accomplished composer/pianist friend who knows pianos well. For composer/pianist guests in need of a grand piano, I have a superb 1926 Steinway Grand that would be available if needed also. (At your nominal cost to move from less than a mile away.)
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : New Bosch electrical oven and gas range, ample cupboard space. Bright & sunny kitchen with access to great outdoor patio, table, chairs, umbrella, bar-be-que!!
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Emile Henry cookware and serving bowls. Cuisinart Griddle--great for quick cooking of fish, chicken, burgers, and for making grilled sandwiches! Coffee maker, Kitchen Aid blender, beautiful dinnerware and glassware
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave : New Cuisinart top of the line
- Catering Available : Catering for wedding parties and other special occasion parties can be arranged in advance upon request
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Fenced in patio with table, chairs, umbrella, bar-b-q for your holiday enjoyment! Room for little kids to play safely. Kid's park a half block away!
- Communications
- Telephone : Free domestic calls.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Reliable wireless internet access available for your laptop/computer at all times.
- Other Amenities
- Best location, walk to everything! Walk to Claremont Resort & Spa, Berkeley Tennis Club, UC Berkeley, great hiking at Claremont Canyon Reserve, Tilden Park, Tilden Golf Club, College & Telegraph Aves! BART to San Francisco!
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Well behaved pet may be considered upon request. No pets have occupied in last 10 years.
- Kid Friendly : Board games, many children's books, soft and other toys, games and videos, all ages. Crib, high-chair, kids cutlery, bedding, Toddler Aerobed, car seat if needed. More available upon request. Great neighborhood for kids! Park with play structures and sand a half block away! Biking, basketball, and parks....
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Located within walking distance of Berkeley's Tennis Club. Also close to national parks, Tiden, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Sibley and Redwood Parks. Lawrence Hall of Science and Chabot Museum. The Steinhart Aquarium SF. There is a piano at Elmwood House, and available for your use!
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Up to 4 people max $1850 per week / $325 night/5 night min stay
up to 6 max $2250 week /$375 nt. 6-8 max $2650 per week /395 nt 8-10 $2850 wk
Special Events - please inquire
1 week min during holidays - Graduation, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas etc
Please inquire re monthly rates, wedding or other special events,& private chefs,
$150 cleaning fee
Full refunds for canceled bookings if re-booked - less $250 administration fee.
Prices do not include any applicable taxes. Rates subject to change at any time.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Berkeley
Berkeley is a diverse and eclectic city of great interest, with much to see and do. I love it for its intellectual power, its bohemianism, bookstores, farmer's markets, history, people, Volvos, coffee houses, organic produce, restaurants, libraries, campus, theatre, and so much more. No matter what you are seeking, or whom you are visiting, you will always find Berkeley to be a hotbed of activity and abuzz with life.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Great friendly neighborhood! Market Hall on College Avenue! Olivetti's, Chez Panisse, Bay Wolf, and Citroen for food! The many other ethnic restaurants along College Ave. Local hiking at Redwood Park, Chabot, Tilden, and Sibley. Proximity to San Francisco. Bookstores! Berkeley's Repertory Theater, Cal Performances, University Art Museum, Pacific Archive Films, CAL campus and libraries, proximity to Marin (across the Golden Gate Bridge), and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area--for some of the best views and hiking in the world!
Shopping, dining, theatre, bookstores, and more. Check out the WalkScore link in listing text to locate all the local stores etc, and distances from house. Theatre and more only two blocks away!
You can't visit Berkeley and not see Telegraph Avenue - the east bay seat of the Free Speech Movement. Telegraph Avenue leads right into CAL at one end and is always abuzz with music and someone makin
Part of the East Bay Regional Parks district and a great area for biking, hiking, and horse-riding.
Beautiful lake with beach, swimming, lifeguard, picnic areas, great trails just 5 minutes from house
An enclosed sand-filled small recreational area for kids with slides, swings, and other play-structures. Only a half block from house and great for toddlers and kids up to 12 or so.
Beautiful lap and kids pools too in a very lush green setting. Fitness club onsite. Daily passes and short term holiday passes available! Fabulous week long classes and summer camps for kids and adults too. From Golf to badminton, softball, kayaking, to tennis, rowing and much more.
Wonderful pristine white sand beach right next to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge! Only a 20 minute drive and well worth visiting!
See EastBayParks.org for more information. Little Animal Farm, Carousel, miles of hikes, Steam Trains of yore!! Golf course, a hugely popular wedding venue at the Brazil Room, Botanical Gardens, Education and Visitors Center, Classes, and so much more
Marin county, not to be missed. An area of stunning beauty from Mount Tamalpais to Rodeo Beach, the headlands, and more. Check out the website - just google the name above Not mapped here correctly as it is across the bay = 20 minutes away. Angel Island is well worth a visit too!
Owner's Map of Berkeley
I was born and raised in in England and Ireland, and have lived over the years in many cities in the US and Europe. I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area some twenty years ago landing in Mill Valley in beautiful Marin County, then the Wine Country in Sonoma, and finally Berkeley in the east bay for the past 15 years. I own and manage several vacation and other rentals in the bay area and I am also an active licensed California real estate broker representing buyers and sellers from Monterey County to the San Francisco bay area. I also work as a designer/interior decorator and writer/editor.
If you are seeking a larger residence or additional space for a wedding or family reunion, check out my historic 1915 Craftsman home in the Claremont District at VRBO listing 291063.
Property Photos
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- Facade of Elmwood House Berkeley Vacation Rental. - Berkeley House near UC Campus, College Avenue, Restaurants, and BART
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- Elmwood House entryway in private Cul-de-sac with west-facing sunny stoop! - Berkeley House near UC Campus, College Avenue, Restaurants, and BART
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- Tree-lined street and neighborhood in Berkeleys Elmwood /Rockridge area - Berkeley House near UC Campus, College Avenue, Restaurants, and BART
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- Dining room to foyer and living room. Claremont/Elmwood Rockridge Vacation Home
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- Historic Home in Berkeley's Elmwood/Claremont/Rockridge District!
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- Dining room w/expandable table, bay window, fireplace, kitchen and patio beyond
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- Kitchen to laundry room to private patio! San Francisco/Berkeley vacation rental
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- Third bedroom/den with large walk-in closet and pocket doors to living area
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- Entrance Foyer with large living room and den or third bedroom beyond
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- Master bedroom with Chattam & Wells Queen bed, large chest of drawers, closet
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- Spacious bedroom w/ Queen Chattam & Wells bed with top of the line bedding
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- Third bedroom - can be used as such or as family room . Large walk-in closet.
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- Dining room mantel. San Francisco Bay Area Berkeley Rental! Walk to BART!
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- Dining room hutch with Spode and Wedgwood fine china! Casual dinnerwear also!
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- Private Patio off kitchen w/teak furniture, umbrella, and Weber BBQ
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- 23 windows allow in lots of light. Fragrant roses and Bougainvillea abound...
Traveler Reviews (27)
House in Berkeley
Guest: soete
(Melbourne, Florida)
Date of Stay: 07/23/10
Review Submitted: 10/15/10
We stayed here with 4 adults and 2 children. The location was fantastic, the area lovely to walk in. The house was very well equipped. Great Whole Foods Store just down the street. There was only one bathroom and the kitchen was a little crowded for two cooks but we would definitely stay there again! Maura was very helpful and made great suggestions on what to do with children and where to shop. Also helped us get a parking pass, so we did not have to move our second car every 2 hours. Our son used the garage for his rental car.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Unbelievably well appointed for traveling with children, but also luxurious
Guest: LH
(Seattle)
Date of Stay: 09/30/10
Review Submitted: 10/06/10
The apartment is gorgeous, wonderfully located for exploring a great area of Berkeley (and with good walking access to BART for travel into SF), and could not be better appointed for traveling with kids. The owner, Maura, actually purchased extra baby/kid gear when she learned our group would include two toddlers and two infants. The house was already stocked with toys, books, videos, a great high-chair, and a child's aerobed, but she bought two pack-n-play portable cribs, a baby bath tub, and a toddler tub for us to use. Given that she bent over backwards to make the place kid-friendly, we were amazed at how beautifully decorated it was. As other reviews have mentioned, the linens are wonderful and the beds are very comfortable. The space was big enough for six adults and four kids, and we hosted a dinner for twelve adults one evening. The washer dryer was also a huge plus for our group. Really, it couldn't have been nicer!
Owner response:Lucy- thanks for your kind words. I am delighted to hear that everything worked out for you and your guests, and that the house suited your needs. Do come visit again if you come to Berkeley! Maura
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children.
Fabulous home for Bay Area visitors
Guest: Martina
(Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/21/10
Review Submitted: 10/06/10
We rented this house for my mom for the week before our wedding. It was perfect. It was perfectly situated, the house itself was spectacular and served as the place where my mom met my future mother-in-law for the first time. We had a nice dinner with my mother, my now husband, my aunt and my future mother and sister in law. It was the perfect setting. The house was beautiful, and very well-maintained. Maura was very helpful with any questions we had about the house and area. It was exactly what we expected, clean, and in a great area. Close to College Ave. the house was close to supermarkets and shopping and movie theater.
Owner response:Martina - I'm so happy to hear that the house was perfect for your wedding party from Argentina. I enjoyed meeting your mother and hope you and she will send on photos of the beautiful wedding bouquets she decorated the house with in anticipation of your wedding party. Congratulations again! Maura
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Guest: Marcia, Ivan & Family
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/26/10
Review Submitted: 09/23/10
This was the perfect spot Maura – thank you! You went so out of your way, over and over, to make our stay comfortable and easy. We are very grateful. The house is beautiful and extremely well stocked, and we look forward to visiting again. Thaks again for all your superb help with the kid’s toys, beds, strollers…! Charlottesville Virginia & Swaziland, Africa
Recommended for:
Guest: Carl & Family
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/18/10
Review Submitted: 09/23/10
July 26 2010 The week went by too fast. The boys loved the blow-up bed! The stroller was a lifesaver! The area is spectacular and I’d be back in a heartbeat if I could. Kitchen is very well equipped! Loved being here, and hope to be back next year! Carl Florida and Saudi Arabia
Recommended for:
Guest: Chris, Phil & the Boys
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10
Review Submitted: 09/23/10
June 26,2010 Maura - Thank you so much for having us at the Elmwood House. Our kids really enjoyed their stay here. The toys and video s were great! It is a fabulous location and we enjoyed Berkeley so much! It brought back many memories for my husband from his college says ! Thanks again! Chris, Phil and Boys! LA
Recommended for:
Guest: Marie-Claire, Nigel, Anouk & Marie
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/11/09
Review Submitted: 09/23/10
July 18 2010 What a gorgeous comfy house! We loved our California week here! Thank you so much for the extra help with getting Anouk’s urgent medical appointment set so promptly! It was greatly appreciated! Marie-Claire and Nigel Durham United Kingdom England The bed was very very soft. - Anouk I like the Beany and Ramona books here. I really liked reading Junie B. Jones and Beaney and Ivy books – Marie
Recommended for:
Guest: Juniper, Tweema, Sadie & Sam
(-)
Date of Stay: 01/11/10
Review Submitted: 09/23/10
April 10 2010 Thanks Maura! We loved our home away for the last threee months. It was baby Sam’s first house! Sadie appreciated all the books and toys - and the clothes when we arrived without luggage!! If you ever get to East Africa, or Tanzania, look us up! Henry was a great help also! Thank you Jennifer, Tweema, Sadie, and Sam Tanzania, Africa
Recommended for:
Guest: Linda & Bill
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/21/09
Review Submitted: 09/23/10
August 28 2009 We have rented a few homes here…and this is by far has been the nicest. It has all the conveniences of home. Our grandchildren live a half mile from here. It was easy to walk to everything Thank you for sharing your wonderful home. Bill and Linda Manhattan Beach, CA
Recommended for:
Guest: Marcia
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/26/10
Review Submitted: 09/23/10
Dear Maura Thanks you so so much for being so helpful with all of the children’s stuff; it was extremely useful! A terrific time in a terrific home with a terrific owner! Thanks for all your courtesy and kindness. We’d love to return. Warmly, Marcia
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #239965
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