Two blocks from Cortland Village off the ‘Jarboe Wiggle’ in Bernal Heights, this spacious, fully remodeled, designer home is an architectural gem filled with light and modern comforts. Built 1937 as a homebuilder's personal residence and significantly remodeled in recent years, the interior features original diamond-inlaid parquet floors and crown moldings, complemented by updates to lighting, paint, added skylights and built-in storage. Updated kitchen has GE/Bosch appliances, quartz counters, new sink and disposal. Bay-window breakfast room and two solariums offer more cozy spaces to soak in the sun or work from home. Bathrooms are chic and modern. Upper level has the primary bedroom with huge south/western views, the 4th bedroom, plus roof deck potential with access to a sunny roof space. Lower media room was architect-designed as a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering space. Big bonus area perfect for a home gym or play area and hosts the upgraded LG laundry. Garage 2-car tandem parking with EV charger, leased Tesla solar and tons of storage. More upgrades: new central heating, upgraded on-demand water heater, structural/earthquake retrofit, newer dual-pane windows and roof. All in a prime Bernal Heights location with friendly neighborhood vibes and amenities. A true gem!
- Constructed in 1937 by a homebuilder as his personal residence
- Pride of ownership, only the third time on the market in 85 years
- Beautifully preserved period charm with modern updates
- Flexible floor plan with 3-4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and functional bonus space
Designer Bernal Heights Home is an Architectural Gem
- Prime Bernal location, close to Cortland “Village”
- Easy ramble via the Jarboe Wiggle
- Fully remodeled; period charm combined with every modern, designer comfort
- Drenched in natural light and sweeping southern views
- Spacious and flexible with room for home office(s), gym, playroom, specially designed media room and more
- Roof deck potential
- WalkScore: 93 — A “Walker’s Paradise” per WalkScore.com
Main Level
Timeless Elegance
- Formal Living Room: Original diamond-inlaid parquet floors, intricate crown moldings, and decorative fireplace
- Formal Dining Room: Parquet floors continue, ideal for hosting
Contemporary Comfort
- New Chef's Kitchen: Shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops and backsplash, skylight, updated sink and disposal
- Appliances: GE dual door oven/gas range with griddle, GE French-door fridge, Bosch dishwasher
- Breakfast Room: Attached to the kitchen, featuring a bay window and updated lighting
Additional Spaces
- Solariums: Two enclosed skylight sunrooms, one off the dining room and another off the hall, offering cozy retreats filled with natural light
- Full Bath: Recently remodeled, frameless glass shower with alcove tub and quartz surround
- Bedrooms: Two well-proportioned rooms with bay windows and upgraded insulation
Upper Level
Private Quarters
- Primary Bedroom: Bright windows with custom drapes offering views to the south and southeast
- Nursery/4th Bedroom: Filled with natural light from a bay window
Additional Amenities
- Second Full Bath: Fully updated with frameless glass shower and quartz finishes
- Roof Deck Potential: Direct access to sunny roof space with views
- Storage: Hallway closets and under-stair AV center
Lower level
Flexibility and Functionality
- Den/Media Room/Office: Built-in desk and shelving, glass doors that open to the patio
- Bonus Area: Suitable for crafts or home gym; laundry area with LG washer/dryer, utility sink, and storage
- Separate Access: Direct exit to the street
Garage
- Parking: 2-car tandem garage equipped with Chargepoint EV charger
- Storage: Built-in Shaker cabinets and shelves
Garden
- Extensively upgraded 2018-2019; see List of Improvements below
- Structural improvements and earthquake retrofit
- Architect-led renovations, including custom media room
- On-demand water heater, EV car charger, leased Tesla solar
- Pre-2017: roof replaced, dual-pane windows installed
Explore the Neighborhood Around 524 Gates Street
Village in the City
- Bernal Heights “village” charm, two blocks from Cortland Ave amenities
- Close to the Bernal Library and playground, anchoring the village strip
- Strong community ties with local business owners and neighbors who host events like film festivals and Halloween festivities
- Easy access to 280/101 freeways, J-Church Muni, 24th Street BART, 14R bus line, tech shuttles
- A “Walker’s Paradise” per WalkScore.com—WalkScore: 93 | TransitScore: 75 | BikeScore: 63
Local Fare
- Cortland Ave: Pinhole Coffee, Progressive Grounds, 3rd Cousin, United Dumplings, Bernal Star, Holy Water, Vega Pizzeria, artisan shops The Goodlife Grocery, Epicurean Trader, Bernal Beast, and many more!
- Groceries and artisan goods: The Good Life Grocery, The Epicurean Trader, Avedano’s Meats, Alemany Farmers’ Market (open Saturdays)
Parks and Rec
- Bernal Heights Park: Panoramic views, dog play area, hiking trails, community events
- Holly Park: Playground, tennis and basketball courts, athletic field, picnic area and views
- St. Mary’s Dog Park, Playground & Rec Center: Large playground and lawns, dog play area, baseball diamond, basketball, tennis, volleyball, open gym hours, picnic area
- Upper Noe Rec Center: Dog run, playground, indoor gymnasium, baseball diamond, community classes
List of Improvements
2023
- Front door replaced
- Painted interior
2022
- New kitchen faucet and garbage disposal
2018/2019 Remodel
- Structural upgrades to basement, foundation, and rear half of house including steel beam and earthquake retrofit/shear wall
- Added media room, new central staircase, skylights, lighting, rear deck and fence, exterior lighting, Nanawall sliding doors, closets on first and third floors, wiring for media/projection, built-in shelving, finished basement, laundry area, basement and garage cabinets, insulation in bedroom ceilings
- New garage door installed and painted
- Repainted full interior and exterior
- Replaced siding
2017
- New central heating, replaced ducting
- Asbestos removal
- Re-paved sidewalk
- Installed new on-demand water heater, washer/dryer, double-vanity
- Lighting fixtures updated in living room, breakfast nook, hammock room, solarium, porch, bathrooms
- Installed car charger and leased Tesla solar
Upp.