So charming & quaint—you’ll LOVE this fairy tale abode! Extraordinary Storybook home, a 1925 gem by W.R. Yelland (of Normandy Village fame), expanded in 2018 (w/permits) to blend old-world charm w/modern ease. Set in a majestic redwood grove, it features warm wood floors, arched doorways & vintage-inspired details that create a cozy yet elegant space. The modern wing added 2 BRs, 2 BAs, updated systems & more—preserving the home’s design & integrity. Thoughtfully planned w/captivating interiors, woodsy decks, balconies, flexibility, privacy & charm. All BRs have BAs; there’s a detached ‘casita’ shed & a secluded outdoor shower to get back to nature. Lower guest suite has its own entrance, kitchenette & living area—ideal for multi-gen living or other uses. Serene yet convenient—just up the path from Codornices Park & Rose Garden, near UC Berkeley Northside, dining & shops. W/off-street parking & a magical vibe, this is a rare Berkeley treasure!
Single-familyProperty Type
1925Year Built
5,200 sq ftLot Size
$1,221Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
Listed by Ana Forest•DRE #01234464• Red Oak Realty
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #41093480
May 6, 2025
Sold
$1,599,000
$1,131/sq ft
Apr 29, 2025
Pending
—
Apr 16, 2025
Listed
$1,050,000
$743/sq ft
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #40634554
Nov 1, 2013
Sold
$505,000
$357/sq ft
Oct 23, 2013
Pending
—
Oct 9, 2013
Listed
$485,000
$343/sq ft
+22
Tucked into the hill under a redwood grove is this adorable, unique pied-a-terre, designed by distinguished architect W.R.Yelland, who designed Normandy Village. In a coveted neighborhood, it sits at the top of the steps from Codornices Park and is close to U.C., the Rose Garden & Gourmet Ghetto.
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #20034911
Nov 9, 2000
Sold
$295,000
$209/sq ft
Oct 11, 2000
Listing Removed
—
Sep 25, 2000
Listed
$370,000
$262/sq ft
Architecturally unique! Designed by distinguished architect W.R. Yelland who designed Normandy Village! Needs restoration, but will make a fabulous pied a terre when restored! Walk to shops, parks, & UC.
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$13,241 (+9.3%)
$185,710 + $617,053
$802,763
2024
$12,117 (+2.1%)
$185,710 + $617,053
$802,763
2023
$11,862 (+1.1%)
$182,069 + $604,957
$787,026
2022
$11,735 (−0.2%)
$175,000 + $581,469
$756,469
2021
$11,764 (+5.5%)
$175,000 + $581,469
$756,469
2020
$11,154 (+15.6%)
$171,570 + $570,072
$741,642
2019
$9,651 (+16.5%)
$169,811 + $564,227
$734,038
2018
$8,282 (+7.5%)
$166,483 + $440,461
$606,944
2017
$7,705 (+2.9%)
$160,020 + $373,380
$533,400
2016
$7,486 (+1.3%)
$160,020 + $373,380
$533,400
2015
$7,391 (+1.2%)
$156,882 + $366,059
$522,941
2014
$7,302 (+30.9%)
$151,500 + $353,500
$505,000
2013
$5,579 (+3.7%)
$151,500 + $353,500
$505,000
2012
$5,377 (+2.4%)
$108,290 + $252,677
$360,967
2011
$5,252 (+1.0%)
$106,167 + $247,723
$353,890
2010
$5,199 (−1.1%)
$104,085 + $242,866
$346,951
2009
$5,254 (+4.3%)
$103,308 + $241,053
$344,361
2008
$5,035
$103,554 + $241,627
$345,181
Tax history for 159 Tamalpais Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$13,241 (+9.3%)
$185,710 + $617,053
$802,763
2024
$12,117 (+2.1%)
$185,710 + $617,053
$802,763
2023
$11,862 (+1.1%)
$182,069 + $604,957
$787,026
2022
$11,735 (−0.2%)
$175,000 + $581,469
$756,469
2021
$11,764 (+5.5%)
$175,000 + $581,469
$756,469
2020
$11,154 (+15.6%)
$171,570 + $570,072
$741,642
2019
$9,651 (+16.5%)
$169,811 + $564,227
$734,038
2018
$8,282 (+7.5%)
$166,483 + $440,461
$606,944
2017
$7,705 (+2.9%)
$160,020 + $373,380
$533,400
2016
$7,486 (+1.3%)
$160,020 + $373,380
$533,400
2015
$7,391 (+1.2%)
$156,882 + $366,059
$522,941
2014
$7,302 (+30.9%)
$151,500 + $353,500
$505,000
2013
$5,579 (+3.7%)
$151,500 + $353,500
$505,000
2012
$5,377 (+2.4%)
$108,290 + $252,677
$360,967
2011
$5,252 (+1.0%)
$106,167 + $247,723
$353,890
2010
$5,199 (−1.1%)
$104,085 + $242,866
$346,951
2009
$5,254 (+4.3%)
$103,308 + $241,053
$344,361
2008
$5,035
$103,554 + $241,627
$345,181
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
2
Baths
3
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
5,200 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1925
Sq. Ft.
1,414
Year built
1925
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Alameda County
APN
060 247000400
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 28, 2026.
R-1H
H
Single Family Residential District - Hillside Overlay Zone
The purpose of the Single-Family Residential (R-1) district is to: Recognize and protect the existing pattern of development in the low-density, single-family residential areas of the city consistent with the General Plan; Make housing available for persons who desire detached housing and a relatively large amount of usable open space; Protect adjacent properties from unreasonable obstruction of light and air; and Permit community facilities such as religious assembly uses, schools, parks, and libraries which serve the local population and are not detrimental to the immediate neighborhood.; The purpose of the Hillside (H) overlay zone is to: implement General Plan policies for hillside development; protect the safety and health of residents where steep topography, unusual street conditions and proximity to the wildland-urban interface create severe risk from wildfire; protect the character of Berkeley's hillside areas and their immediate environs; give reasonable protection to views yet allow appropriate development of all property; and allow modifications in standard setback and height requirements when justified because of steep topography, irregular lot pattern, unusual street conditions, or other special aspects of the hillside areas.
Zone overlays
Hillside Overlay Zone
Jun 11, 2019 • Active
Plan check
Addition
Electrical
Plumbing
Remodel
Jul 10, 2018 • Active
Plan check
Remodel
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
Parking Features: Off Street
Interior
Virtual Tour
Bathroom Information
# of Bathrooms Total: 4
# of Bathrooms Full: 3
# of Bathrooms Partial: 1
Other Bathrooms Included Features: Stall Shower, Tile
Primary Bathroom Included Features: Shower Over Tub, Tile, Tub, Updated Baths
Property information provided by bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR when last listed in 2025. This data may not match public records. Learn more.