1232 Talbot Ave

Talbot Avenue sits in Berkeley’s Westbrae neighborhood, where the streets are flat, the lots are deep, and neighbors still stop to talk on the sidewalk. For nearly ten years, this 1937 split-level has been home to the same family, a place where children took their first steps, friends gathered for dinner, and everyday routines became lasting memories. Set back behind a landscaped front garden, the home feels private and welcoming. Inside, original character is complemented by substantial improvements. Hardwood floors have been refinished, walls repaired and replastered, the interior freshly painted, and new light fixtures installed throughout. The eat-in kitchen pairs vintage charm with practical updates, including a classic Wedgewood stove, new quartz countertops, faucet, garbage disposal, satin nickel hardware, and engineered hardwood flooring. Cabinetry and shelving were reconfigured in 2021, and appliances include a Bosch dishwasher and updated refrigerator. A separate laundry room features new flooring over a rebuilt subfloor and an LG washer and dryer. The bathroom has been refreshed with a new vanity, faucet, mirror, lighting, and exhaust fan. Two bedrooms and an attached one-car garage complete the 851-square-foot main house. A detached office and studio at the rear of the property adds flexible usable space. Built out in 2021 with new windows, doors, and a skylight, it offers a dedicated setting for work, art, exercise, or retreat. Some of the home's most significant improvements are behind the walls. In 2026, the original knob-and-tube wiring was fully decommissioned and replaced. A new electric heat pump provides heating and air conditioning, while new attic insulation improves thermal performance. A new water heater was installed in 2023. Outside, the home has been freshly painted and fitted with new gutters. The generous, fully fenced backyard was regraded with new stonework, landscaping has been refreshed front and back, and fencing has been replaced along the rear and south property lines. The sellers have invested more than $130,000 in the property during their ownership, including approximately $90,000 in 2026. The result preserves the home's 1937 character while thoughtfully addressing its systems, surfaces, comfort, and efficiency. Home Energy Score of 8. BESO compliance pending.