On the market for the first time in more than 100 years, the secluded Ericcson-Bray house at 2708 Virginia Street in Berkeley began as a small brown shingle cottage in 1911. Built by designer-builder Carl Ericsson, it was expanded in 1921 and 1929 by architect John Hudson Thomas.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/88_DSC09531-1-700x366.jpg)
The architecture features Craftsman characteristics including a wide and prominent front door, Redwood board and batten walls, box beam ceilings, high baseboards, a brick fireplace, and a tiled hearth.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/03_DSC09215-700x467.jpg)
Charming details abound the interior, from decoratively notched beams to Redwood alcoves framed by arches.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/05_DSC09225-700x467.jpg)
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with light and create a connection to the beautiful vegetation and lovely Bay views.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/10_DSC09250-700x467.jpg)
The house has multiple common areas on the main floor, connected yet separate. Box beam ceilings continue from the living and dining rooms into the kitchen.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/20_DSC09285-700x467.jpg)
A large fireplace hearth with clinker bricks and a solid Redwood mantle serves as the centerpiece of the living room.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/29_DSC09305-700x467.jpg)
The conservatory connects to a dining room surrounded by windows and Bay views. An elegant library with Romeo & Juliet French balcony doors faces the street, ideal for a home office or family room.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/33_DSC09325-700x467.jpg)
The spacious kitchen is highlighted by beveled glass windows looking out to the greenery facing East. A bedroom and half bath complete the main level.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/41_DSC09385-700x467.jpg)
Upstairs, three spacious bedrooms and one bathroom feature charming details, including a carved wood, high gabled room with a built-in desk, twin bed, and ladder leading to an attic storage space, bringing to mind an English turn of the century cottage.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/54_DSC09425-700x467.jpg)
The lower basement level is finished with a bedroom, bathroom, and laundry, and connects to the garden and the garage as well as several undeveloped storage spaces.
![Charming and historic Berkeley home](https://compasscaliforniablog.com/wp-content/uploads/17_DSC00025-700x467.jpg)
This warm, historic home is listed at $1,450,000 by Norah and Daniella Brower.