Property summary

Step into a rare piece of Berkeley history with the Joseph Alphonso House, a preserved Workman’s Cottage built circa 1878 and designated a city landmark in 1992. Compact in scale yet accented with Victorian detail, these homes were built for artisans and tradespeople; today, few remain, making this a cherished link to the city’s past. This one-bedroom, one-bath residence offers 704 sq ft on a 3,113 sq ft lot, raised above the street to guard against flooding. Inside, it lives larger than its footprint suggests, with a sleeping loft, custom office nook, and smart storage including pop-out shelves, and a built-in armoire. Over $170,000 in upgrades blend historic character with modern comfort. A full foundation replacement with seismic strengthening and new windows provide security, while a renovated kitchen showcases a BlueStar range, Miele hood, Kohler sink, Hansgrohe faucet, and Neolith countertops. Additional updates include smart lighting, landscaping, fresh paint, and millwork. Outdoors, a picket-fenced front garden welcomes, while the private backyard offers irrigated beds, a fig tree, lawn, shed studio, and basement storage. Minutes from Fourth Street, the Gilman District, and transit, this is a rare chance to own a Berkeley landmark.