Just one block above Solano Avenue, the Gillespie House was commissioned in 1916 and designed by John Hudson Thomas. It’s a home that feels very much of its time—beautifully crafted, full of character, and thoughtfully designed. What makes the setting especially rare is the combination of walkability and views: one of the few streets in Berkeley where you can enjoy sweeping views while still being just a short stroll from the places that make daily life so convenient. JH Thomas was intentional about how the house sits on the lot, taking full advantage of its southwestern exposure. From different rooms and windows throughout the house, you get changing views that stretch from downtown Oakland to San Francisco and across to the North Bay. …
The Story
865 Contra Costa Avenue
Just one block above Solano Avenue, the Gillespie House was commissioned in 1916 and designed by John Hudson Thomas. It’s a home that feels very much of its time—beautifully crafted, full of character, and thoughtfully designed. What makes the setting especially rare is the combination of walkability and views: one of the few streets in Berkeley where you can enjoy sweeping views while still being just a short stroll from the places that make daily life so convenient. JH Thomas was intentional about how the house sits on the lot, taking full advantage of its southwestern exposure. From different rooms and windows throughout the house, you get changing views that stretch from downtown Oakland to San Francisco and across to the North Bay. A proper foyer leads into an elegant living room and from there, multiple entries connect to a breakfast nook overlooking the Bay and an open, remodeled kitchen with beautiful Brazilian Santa Rita soapstone countertops, a 48 inch stove and plenty of storage. The dining room has all the presence of a proper formal room, with lovely built-ins and is both open to the kitchen and the courtyard too—a magical space that hints at France. Doors open, meals outside. The house transitions from entertaining to living as you enter the rear of the home through a hallway replete with various closets to two spacious bedrooms and a full remodeled bath. Upstairs, and from the spacious foyer, you will find a beautifully updated bathroom with shower and freestanding tub and a third generous bedroom with lovely coved ceilings. To the right of the stairs is the true primary suite. Including a light-filled den/sitting area, walk-through closet and en-suite bath. There is more. Downstairs, a full basement with tons of potential awaits a new owner's ideas- workshop, expansion, your call. Energy Score is 2. The front landscaping, with productive passion fruit vines and miniature peach, nectarine and Meyer lemon trees, is gorgeous and lush and gives the house this wonderful sense of arrival. In the backyard, find the beginning of an orchard; productive apple trees and so much space, waiting for your wish list: perhaps a hot tub? And perhaps the most attractive feature of this home is its location. Parks in every direction, Solano Avenue is one block away. Stroll to nearby coffee shops, restaurants and shopping. Or head to the Gourmet Area and enjoy a slice at the Cheeseboard, a drink at the trendy Bar Panisse - or a fancy dinner at Chez!
