Berkeley Retreat w/ Chef’s Kitchen & Hot Tub

Summary:

Rarely available and often booked, this light-filled Berkeley lower-level flat features a chef's kitchen, designed for serious cooking and entertaining. The open kitchen and living area includes top-of-the-line appliances, a six-burner stove, filtered water, and generous space to gather. The flat offers three bedrooms and a spa-like bathroom with a luxury bidet. Step outside to a beautiful garden retreat with hot tub, fire pit, and seating. Paid parking and EV charging available. ZCSTR2020-0770



The Space:

This thoughtfully designed lower-level flat in Berkeley offers an exceptional blend of comfort, functionality, and refined design. Filled with natural light and carefully laid out, the space is ideal for guests who enjoy cooking, gathering, and relaxing in a well-appointed home.



Open Kitchen & Living Area

At the heart of the flat is a chef-level kitchen designed for real cooking and entertaining. It features top-of-the-line appliances, a six-burner stove, filtered water, generous counter space, and an open layout that flows seamlessly into the living area. This creates a warm, social space perfect for shared meals, conversations, and laid-back evenings at home.



Bedrooms

The flat includes three comfortable bedrooms, each offering a calm, private retreat. Quality bedding, thoughtful furnishings, and a quiet atmosphere make it easy to rest and recharge, whether you’re staying for a weekend or longer.



Bathroom

The spa-like bathroom features custom finishes and a luxury bidet, providing an elevated, comfortable experience for everyday routines.



Outdoor Space

Guests can step outside into a beautiful garden retreat with a hot tub, fire pit, and seating areas—an inviting place to unwind, enjoy fresh air, or relax after a day exploring the Bay Area.



Layout & Comfort

The open design of the lower-level flat allows for easy movement and a natural flow between spaces, making it well suited for families, groups, or anyone who appreciates a spacious and uncluttered environment.



Parking & Extras

-Paid on-site parking (first come first serve basis)
-EV charging available
-Convenient access to neighborhood shops, dining, and transit

This lower-level flat offers a rare combination of a high-quality kitchen, open living space, and a peaceful garden setting—an ideal home base for enjoying Berkeley and the greater Bay Area.



Guest Access:

Guests enjoy exclusive access to the entire private unit, with a dedicated entrance and seamless self check-in via smart lock. You’ll have complete independence and the ability to come and go at your convenience.


The garden area, hot tub, fire pit, and outdoor seating are shared spaces on the property and are available for guest use. These areas are thoughtfully arranged for relaxation and enjoyment; we kindly ask guests to be mindful of others and to observe posted quiet hours.


Paid on-site parking is available, and EV charging is provided for electric vehicles. Please let us know in advance if you'd like to add driveway spot to your reservation as it's first come first serve.

All interior spaces shown in the listing photos are reserved exclusively for guests.



The Neighborhood:

The home is located on College Avenue, right where Berkeley’s beloved Elmwood neighborhood blends seamlessly into Oakland’s iconic Rockridge—one of the most desirable and walkable areas in the entire Bay Area.


This stretch of College Avenue is known for its vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, lined with excellent restaurants, cafés, bakeries, wine bars, bookstores, boutiques, flower shops, and specialty food markets. It’s the kind of neighborhood where daily life feels elevated: grab a great coffee in the morning, shop for fresh ingredients from a local butcher or market, and enjoy dinner just steps from home—all without needing a car.


Elmwood offers a charming, village-like feel with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community, while Rockridge adds energy and variety with destination dining and some of the East Bay’s most loved independent shops. Being just a couple of blocks from both neighborhoods means you get the best of each.


The location is also incredibly central. With easy access to BART and major thoroughfares, getting around the Bay Area is fast and convenient. San Francisco, downtown Oakland, UC Berkeley, and many of the region’s top destinations are all within easy reach, making this an ideal home base whether you’re here for work, exploration, or relaxation.


This neighborhood is special because it offers what so many travelers look for but rarely find: a peaceful, upscale residential setting paired with immediate access to great food, culture, and transportation. It’s a place that feels local, lively, and effortlessly convenient—and one that guests consistently fall in love with.



Getting Around:

You truly don’t need a car here.


With an exceptional 98 Walk Score, this is one of the most walkable and convenient locations in the Bay Area. Daily life happens right outside the door—excellent restaurants, cafés, bakeries, wine bars, boutiques, flower shops, specialty food markets, and everyday essentials are all just steps away along College Avenue. Most guests find they can comfortably explore, dine, and shop entirely on foot.


Public transportation is easily accessible, with nearby bus lines and BART offering quick, reliable connections throughout Berkeley, Oakland, and into San Francisco. UC Berkeley, downtown Oakland, and many of the Bay Area’s most popular destinations are within easy reach.


For those traveling with a car, paid on-site parking is available, and the location offers straightforward access to major routes. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and convenient at all hours.



Whether you choose to walk, take transit, or drive, this location makes getting around the Bay Area effortless.



Other Things to Note:

The home is located in a walkable, lively neighborhood, so you may occasionally hear normal city sounds from nearby shops, restaurants, or street activity—part of what makes this area so vibrant and well loved.



The garden, hot tub, fire pit, and outdoor seating are shared spaces on the property. Guests are welcome to enjoy them while being respectful of others and observing posted quiet hours.



Smoking is permitted outside only. Smoking is not allowed inside the home.

Paid on-site parking for $35/day is available (first come first serve), and EV charging is provided for electric vehicles.


The unit has a private entrance and convenient self check-in for a smooth arrival.


The space is intended for quiet enjoyment and is not suitable for parties or events.


If you plan to bring additional guests or pets, please let us know in advance so we can make the proper arrangements and ensure a comfortable stay for everyone.


Nearby Attractions:


Nestled in the Elmwood and Rockridge area, this flat is ideally located for exploring some of Berkeley’s best spots:

-UC Berkeley Campus (0.8 miles): A short walk to the iconic campus, with museums, libraries, and beautiful architecture.

-The Elmwood Theatre (0.2 miles): A historic movie theater showing indie and classic films in a charming vintage setting.

-College Avenue: Lined with boutique shops, cafes, and bookstores. Perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and exploring.

-Chez Panisse (0.9 miles): A world-renowned, Michelin-starred restaurant known for its farm-to-table Californian cuisine.

-Wood Tavern (0.7 miles): A local favorite serving New American cuisine with an impressive wine selection.

-A16 Rockridge (1 mile): Enjoy southern Italian dishes and wood-fired pizzas at this Michelin-recognized restaurant.

-La Méditerranée (0.6 miles): Mediterranean café with a cozy ambiance and flavorful dishes.

-The Trappist Provisions (0.4 miles): A great spot for craft beer lovers, offering a curated selection of brews and small bites.

-Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve (1.5 miles): Ideal for hiking with scenic views over the Bay Area.

-Rockridge Market Hall (1 mile): A collection of specialty food shops where you can pick up gourmet ingredients, fresh produce, and baked goods.


Make the most of this ideal location, just a 10-minute walk to BART for easy access to the Bay Area, and enjoy the unique charm and character of Berkeley.



Interaction with Guests:

We respect your privacy but are just a message away for any questions or local recommendations. We’re always here when you need us—and we also respect your privacy.



We communicate exclusively through the VRBO messaging app and typically respond within minutes, whether you have a question, need recommendations, or want help with anything during your stay. From check-in to check-out, we’re happy to assist and make sure everything goes smoothly.


At the same time, the space is fully yours to enjoy. You’ll have complete privacy throughout your stay, with interaction only as much—or as little—as you prefer.


Our goal is to be readily available, responsive, and helpful while giving you the freedom to settle in and enjoy the home comfortably.