A slice of Bay Area architectural history is up for grabs, with a rare Julia Morgan-designed duplex hitting the market in Berkeley for $1.8 million. The Craftsman-style property at 2537-2539 Etna Street, built in 1904, has been listed for the first time in nearly five decades, according to a Redfin listing.
The house, known for its timeless aesthetic and fine craftsmanship, embodies the simplicity and comfort that Morgan, one of America's most celebrated architects, incorporated into her residential projects. Despite modern updates to the kitchens and bathrooms, the duplex retains its original 1904 charm, including unpainted natural wood trim, double-hung windows, and hardwood floors. According to SFGATE, the property, which once served as a single-family home, was part of a three-home compound and has since undergone various transformations, including a 1922 relocation and a 1926 duplex conversion.
The building's lower unit, 2537 Etna, features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, while the upper unit at 2539 boasts an additional study or office space along with its two bedrooms and bathrooms. There is also a large, shared backyard and a spacious detached garage, presenting a solid investment opportunity or an option for an extended family seeking to dwell in Berkeley's prestigious North Elmwood community.
Owned by Norman and Cherene Unrau since 1975, the couple was "amazed" to discover their home's provenance when a Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) walking tour enlightened them about their property's designer. "We purchased the Etna in 1975 when I was teaching high school," Norman emailed SFGATE. "I had no idea that the home had any connection whatsoever with Julia Morgan. It wasn’t until several years later, probably around 1980, that I noticed a large group of people gathered at the front of the building while I was working in the garden at the rear."
With its proximity to Downtown Berkeley, the Elmwood District, and the UC Berkeley Campus, along with easy access to highways and BART, the home's location is as favorable as its pedigree.
