This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History

Designated as a landmark in 1992, the well-preserved residence is a prime example of a 19th-century workman’s cottage.

Location: 1814 Sixth St, Berkeley, California

Price: $725,000

Year Built: 1878

Footprint: 704 square feet (1 bedroom, 1 bath)

Lot Size: 0.07 Acres

From the Agent: "Step into a rare piece of Berkeley history with the Joseph Alphonso House, a beautifully preserved workman’s cottage built around 1878 and recognized as a city landmark in 1992. Workman’s cottages were modest 19th-century homes built for artisans and tradespeople—compact in scale but often accented with Victorian detail. Few remain in Berkeley today, making this home a cherished link to the city’s working-class beginnings. This one-bedroom, one-bath residence is raised above the street to protect against flooding. The home retains its 19th-century craftsmanship in its 20-by-30-foot footprint and original detailing. Inside, it lives larger than its size suggests, featuring a sleeping loft and a custom-designed office nook that maximize space and functionality for contemporary living."

The home was likely constructed by C.W. Davis and E.R. Forsyth, prominent builders in Berkeley’s early Victorian era. 

The home was likely constructed by C.W. Davis and E.R. Forsyth, prominent builders in Berkeley’s early Victorian era. 

The home has been carefully preserved as a tribute to Berkeley’s history, and in 1992 it was recognized as a city landmark.

The home has been carefully preserved as a tribute to Berkeley’s history, and in 1992 it was recognized as a city landmark.

Get the Real Estate Newsletter

From midcentury classics to the best contemporary spaces for sale, see the latest listings for modern homes on the market around the world.

Subscribe
The home has been renovated and rehabilitated over the past decade, with over $170,000 spent on improvements.

The home has been renovated and rehabilitated over the past decade, with over $170,000 spent on improvements.

This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 4 of 14 -
This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 5 of 14 -
This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 6 of 14 -
This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 7 of 14 -
This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 8 of 14 -
This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 9 of 14 -
This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 10 of 14 -
This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 11 of 14 -
This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 12 of 14 -
The backyard has irrigated, raised planter beds and a detached studio.

The backyard has irrigated, raised planter beds and a detached studio.

This $725K Berkeley Home Is Part of the City’s History - Photo 14 of 14 -
w
Will Allstetter
Will Allstetter is a writer, designer, and software engineer based in NYC. His work focuses on technology, art, and culture. You can find him online at willallstetter.com.

Published

Get the Real Estate Newsletter

From midcentury classics to the best contemporary spaces for sale, see the latest listings for modern homes on the market around the world.

By signing up, you confirm you are 16+, will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.