Stylish West Berkeley duplex with garden structure

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Stylish West Berkeley duplex with garden structure

$1,195,000

1626 Kains Ave, Berkeley CA 94702

4 Bed

3 Bath

1,630 sqft

2,614 sqft lot

2 homes + 1 potential

Duplex

Live Near Friends editorial

This stylishly remodeled duplex has a 2 BR / 2 BA unit on top and a 2 BR / 1 BA unit below. The upper unit is the nicer of the two, with a small but swoon-worthy kitchen, a primary bedroom with an en suite half bath, and a private deck off the kitchen with a spiral staircase leading down to the garden. )The downstairs unit is perfectly fine but lacks the pizzazz of the upper.)

There's a tiny ADU but lovely in the backyard with exposed beam ceilings. It could serve as an office or guest room … or perhaps expanded into an additional unit.

Just off San Pablo Ave, it's close to Whole Foods, Gilman St., 4th St, and the Berkeley Marina.

How could this work?

This could work with a single owner living upstairs and renting out the downstairs, or with an unequal ownership TIC (the units are similarly sized but the upstairs is nicer).

Home highlights

Multigeneration friendlyADU potentialNear cafesNear restaurants1 car garageEqually-sized unitsNear a parkHas parkingOutdoor communal spaceIndoor communal spaceBig backyardNear groceryWalkable neighborhoodRemodeled

Description

Charming Duplex with Stylish Owner’s Unit! This beautifully updated duplex offers the perfect blend of artistic style, comfort, and versatility in a prime Berkeley location. The upper owner’s unit features a spacious, sunlit living room that adjoins the sleek modern kitchen—ideal for entertaining or relaxed daily living. The airy primary bedroom includes an en-suite half bath, while a second bedroom and full bath complete the space. A cozy family room / dining room off the kitchen opens to a large private deck, with spiral staircase leading down to the freshly landscaped garden. Tucked in the backyard is a detached structure, creating space for an office/art studio/workout room—perfect for remote work or creative pursuits. Convenient attached 1-car garage & gated back patio. The lower unit is a generous 2-bedroom, 1-bath space with hardwood floors, an eat-in kitchen, and an additional family room or office. Ideal for rental income, multigenerational living, or a flexible in-law/guest setup. Located near some of Berkeley’s best-loved spots—Acme Bread, Bartavelle Café, Café Leila, and the vibrant Gilman Street corridor. Just minutes to 4th Street shops, Whole Foods, Berkeley Bowl West, and several beautiful parks. A rare opportunity in a convenient and sought-after neighborhood.