In the heart of Berkeley, this 1908 shingled cottage blends classic Craftsman character with modern California ease. Thoughtfully expanded and updated, it retains its vintage soul while adding soaring ceilings, skylights, clean architectural lines, and meaningful modern upgrades. The generous living room features coved ceilings, wainscoting, oak floors, elegant lighting, and a cozy gas fireplace. The personality-filled eat-in kitchen pairs a Fisher & Paykel induction range, redwood glass-doored cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, fresh new counters and backsplash, plus charming built-ins. A freshly remodeled bathroom and dedicated laundry area with storage add style and everyday function. At the rear, two light-filled, vaulted rooms with skylights each open to the backyard through Dutch doors. One serves as the primary bedroom, while the other flexes beautifully as a second bedroom, guest room, office, or studio. Substantial improvements include sewer lateral and BESO compliance (HES score 5), a full-house rewire, 200-amp electrical panel, EV charger, on-demand water heater, and insulated crawl space. Outside, professionally installed pavers create inviting spaces for dining and entertaining amid mature landscaping, including Chinese rice paper plants, and a stunning Japanese maple. A detached garage offers space for storage, a workshop, or creative pursuits. And then there’s Poet’s Corner: quiet, walkable, bike-friendly, and wonderfully connected. Homemade Cafe, Breads of India, Tanzie’s, and other neighborhood favorites are close by, along with easy strolls to Strawberry Creek Park, Charlie Dorr Park, and Hidden Cafe, all without crossing busy streets. Historic Berkeley soul, modern ease, a private garden retreat, and charm in all the right places. www.2435valleystreet.com