1418 Spruce St, Berkeley, CA 94709

Property Description

Welcome home to the Spruce Estate, a once-in-a-generation North Berkeley estate offering extraordinary flexibility, historic character and a garden-centered way of living that feels increasingly rare. Centered around a landmark Victorian residence and complemented by a collection of independent cottages and flexible living spaces, The Spruce Estate functions as both a private sanctuary and a vibrant residential ecosystem. The lovingly-restored 1885 Victorian main residence showcases soaring ceilings, remarkable scale, and the timeless elegance reminiscent of San Francisco’s celebrated Painted Ladies. The architecturally significant main home features an Italianate porch, bay windows, ceiling rosettes, and board & batten paneling. The home includes a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath upper residence and a separate 2-bedroom lower-level unit ideal for guests, extended family, rental income, or creative workspace. Beyond the winding garden paths sit three enchanting 1920s Berkeley bungalow-style storybook cottages with stucco exteriors and tiny porticos—each offering its own identity, privacy, and indoor-outdoor connection. The rear carriage house, retaining its history as a converted garage with wooden swing-out doors on the facade, offers additional flexible space for offices, studio use, recreation, or future possibilities. At the heart of the estate, a lush garden oasis connects the property's residences through a network of mature fruit trees, edible gardens, raised beds, and inviting outdoor spaces. Gather beneath the trees for dinner with friends; harvest figs, pluots, blueberries, and Meyer lemons in season; or retreat to one of the many private patios and garden nooks designed for quiet reflection. The lush landscaping creates a setting that feels worlds away from the city while remaining moments from North Berkeley's vibrant shops and cafés. Whether envisioned as a multigenerational homestead, creative retreat, income-producing investment, or simply a remarkable place to call home, the property offers the opportunity to create the kind of neighborhood people dream about. Home Energy Score of 8.