Summary:
Welcome to Your Cozy Secret Garden Cottage — A Rustic Retreat in the Heart of Downtown Berkeley!
Discover a rustic urban retreat tucked away in the heart of Downtown Berkeley. Nestled behind a front 3-unit building, this charming cottage combines privacy, comfort, and city convenience. Enjoy coffee or wine on your private patio, unwind under the stars in your serene garden oasis, and take advantage of your own washer/dryer and designated parking spot.
The Space:
Why Guests Love This Cottage:
– Cozy, rustic charm with functional furnishings for short & long stays
– Fully equipped kitchen with full-size fridge & smart countertop stove
– Stocked coffee bar to start your day right
– Whole cottage rental with private outdoor sitting area
– Berkeley’s oldest oak tree just outside your door
Guest Access:
- Whole Cottage
- Unwind in the outdoor sitting area for cozy evenings under the starry night sky.
- Private and surreal garden offers a serene oasis for relaxation
The Neighborhood:
Welcome to Downtown Berkeley!
Downtown Berkeley is the vibrant heart of the city — a perfect blend of arts, culture, academia, and local flavor. Living here means you're just steps away from world-class dining, eclectic shops, historic theaters, and the legendary UC Berkeley campus.
Things to Do:
UC Berkeley Campus: Explore the stunning architecture, botanical gardens, and hiking trails like Fire Trails behind the university.
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA): For art and film lovers.
Berkeley Repertory Theatre: Catch a Broadway-caliber show just blocks from your door.
Sunday Farmers’ Market: Stock up on fresh, local produce and artisanal treats.
Tilden Park: Just a short drive away — perfect for hiking, picnicking, or visiting the charming Little Farm.
Where to Shop for Groceries:
Berkeley Bowl: A local institution — unbeatable for fresh produce and specialty items (closest is Berkeley Bowl West, a short drive).
Trader Joe’s: On University Avenue for convenient staples.
Monterey Market: A neighborhood gem for produce lovers (locals' favorite, a bit further but worth it).
Pro Tips for Living Here:
Walk or Bike: Downtown is very walkable and bike-friendly. Parking can be tricky, so using BART (just minutes away) or biking is often faster and easier.
Explore Side Streets: Some of the best restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores (like Moe's or Pegasus) hide just off the main streets.
Be Prepared for Events: UC Berkeley events and street fairs bring great energy, but sometimes heavier foot traffic — a good time to plan grocery runs early!
Local Secrets:
Cheeseboard Collective: Locals line up for this bakery/pizza spot — grab a slice and eat it at the grassy center strip on Shattuck.
Julia Morgan Center: For small, intimate theater experiences.
Hidden Cafés: Places like Strada or Café Leila are beloved, laid-back spots for studying, meeting friends, or simply relaxing with a great coffee.
Getting Around:
You’re in an incredibly central location — tucked into a quiet, charming pocket but just a short stroll from all the action. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate like a local:
🚶 On Foot:
UC Berkeley Campus: Just a 10-minute walk — perfect for students, visiting families, or anyone wanting to explore the beautiful grounds.
Downtown Berkeley BART Station: About a 10-minute walk (straight down Shattuck Ave). Easy access to Oakland, San Francisco, and beyond!
Grocery, Cafés, Restaurants: Tons of options within a 5–10 minute walk, including Shattuck Avenue, Telegraph Avenue, and Durant Avenue.
🚲 By Bike:
Berkeley is super bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and plenty of racks.
You can rent bikes easily through apps like Lime or Bay Wheels (which is part of Lyft’s bike-sharing program).
Great for quick trips to campus, nearby parks, or even up into the scenic Berkeley Hills!
🚇 By Public Transit (BART & AC Transit):
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): The Downtown Berkeley BART station will connect you to San Francisco (about 25 minutes), Oakland, or other Bay Area cities.
AC Transit buses run frequently — perfect for getting to Oakland, Emeryville, or around Berkeley without needing a car.
Tip: Download the Transit app or use Google Maps for real-time bus and BART schedules.
🚗 By Car:
You have designated parking at the property, a big bonus in this area!
From Channing Way, it's a quick drive to Highway 580, 80, and 24 — giving you easy access to San Francisco, Marin, and Contra Costa County.
Local Tip: Street parking can be tricky during peak hours, so having your own spot is a major perk.
Other Things to Note:
A Little Heads-Up:
Our charming backyard cabin offers a private, peaceful retreat tucked behind a front 3-unit building, complete with its own fenced area for extra privacy. Being in the heart of lively Downtown Berkeley — just a short 10-minute stroll to UC Berkeley — you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant energy of a university town. From time to time, you might hear the happy buzz of city life or student celebrations nearby. We hope you’ll embrace it as part of the authentic Berkeley experience!
Interaction with Guests:
🔑 Guest Convenience:
– 🗝️ 24/7 keyless entry for stress-free check-in
– 📲 Always available via in-app messaging or phone
– 🧹 Dedicated cleaning & maintenance team ready for assistance
