Discover timeless elegance in this Grand Craftsman home nestled in the desirable North Berkeley Hills, offering magnificent San Francisco Bay views. Built in 1925 by renowned builder Charles Clinton Gifford for his family, this century-old residence showcases exquisite architectural details throughout. Spanning 2,454 square feet, this meticulously maintained and recently renovated home features 5+ bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, including a main-level bedroom and bath, plus a bonus 234-square-foot California sleeping porch. Expansive windows fill spacious rooms with natural light, highlighting rich hardwood and redwood flooring. Elegant redwood paneling and built-ins in the living and dining rooms add warmth and charm. A brick fireplace anchors the living room, creating a cozy focal point for gatherings. The kitchen blends classic style with modern updates, featuring MSI quartz countertops and all new appliances. Upstairs, a side porch invites you to enjoy fresh air and Bay views. With ample parking, a detached garage, and a charming private backyard, this home sits just above Spruce Street, with easy access to transportation. Acquired from the Gifford family by the current owner in 1965, this is the first time this Berkeley historic home is offered for sale. Welcome Home!
Single-familyProperty Type
1925Year Built
5,000 sq ftLot Size
$971Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
1 car garageParking
Listed by Marc Guay•DRE #00979693• Coldwell Banker Realty
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #41110997
Dec 23, 2025
Sold
$1,900,000
$774/sq ft
Dec 3, 2025
Pending
—
Sep 10, 2025
Listed
$1,895,000
$772/sq ft
bridgeMLS, Bay East AOR, or Contra Costa AOR #41102645
Aug 4, 2025
Listing Removed
—
Jun 25, 2025
Listed
*
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$8,304 (+21.6%)
$81,399 + $50,752
$132,151
2024
$6,827 (+3.7%)
$81,399 + $50,752
$132,151
2023
$6,582 (+4.5%)
$79,803 + $49,757
$129,560
2022
$6,299 (+0.8%)
$76,704 + $47,825
$124,529
2021
$6,247 (+10.1%)
$76,704 + $47,825
$124,529
2020
$5,672 (+9.5%)
$75,200 + $46,887
$122,087
2019
$5,180 (+3.2%)
$74,430 + $46,406
$120,836
2018
$5,019 (+4.2%)
$72,970 + $45,496
$118,466
2017
$4,816 (+7.9%)
$70,137 + $43,730
$113,867
2016
$4,463 (+2.2%)
$70,137 + $43,730
$113,867
2015
$4,367 (+2.7%)
$68,762 + $42,873
$111,635
2014
$4,251 (+2.9%)
$66,402 + $41,401
$107,803
2013
$4,131 (+3.2%)
$66,402 + $41,401
$107,803
2012
$4,005 (+3.4%)
$66,103 + $41,214
$107,317
2011
$3,872 (+6.9%)
$64,807 + $40,406
$105,213
2010
$3,623 (−13.3%)
$63,536 + $39,614
$103,150
2009
$4,180 (+10.4%)
$63,061 + $39,318
$102,379
2008
$3,785
$63,211 + $39,412
$102,623
Tax history for 971 Santa Barbara Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$8,304 (+21.6%)
$81,399 + $50,752
$132,151
2024
$6,827 (+3.7%)
$81,399 + $50,752
$132,151
2023
$6,582 (+4.5%)
$79,803 + $49,757
$129,560
2022
$6,299 (+0.8%)
$76,704 + $47,825
$124,529
2021
$6,247 (+10.1%)
$76,704 + $47,825
$124,529
2020
$5,672 (+9.5%)
$75,200 + $46,887
$122,087
2019
$5,180 (+3.2%)
$74,430 + $46,406
$120,836
2018
$5,019 (+4.2%)
$72,970 + $45,496
$118,466
2017
$4,816 (+7.9%)
$70,137 + $43,730
$113,867
2016
$4,463 (+2.2%)
$70,137 + $43,730
$113,867
2015
$4,367 (+2.7%)
$68,762 + $42,873
$111,635
2014
$4,251 (+2.9%)
$66,402 + $41,401
$107,803
2013
$4,131 (+3.2%)
$66,402 + $41,401
$107,803
2012
$4,005 (+3.4%)
$66,103 + $41,214
$107,317
2011
$3,872 (+6.9%)
$64,807 + $40,406
$105,213
2010
$3,623 (−13.3%)
$63,536 + $39,614
$103,150
2009
$4,180 (+10.4%)
$63,061 + $39,318
$102,379
2008
$3,785
$63,211 + $39,412
$102,623
*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
Beds
5
Baths
2
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
5,000 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
1928
Sq. Ft.
2,454
Year built
1925
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Alameda County
APN
063 297303800
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
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
Garage Spaces: 1
Covered Spaces: 1
Parking Features: Detached, Off Street, Garage Door Opener
Interior
Virtual Tour
Bathroom Information
# of Bathrooms Total: 3
# of Bathrooms Full: 3
Interior Features
Interior Features: Au Pair, Office, Counter - Solid Surface
Appliances: Gas Range, Dryer, Washer, Gas Water Heater
Laundry Features: 220 Volt Outlet, Dryer, Laundry Room, Washer
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.