Kensington Real Estate

Welcome to Kensington, California – a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Contra Costa County. This charming hillside community, perched just above the bustling city of Berkeley, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. With its picturesque views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding hills, Kensington is an ideal setting for those seeking a serene lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.

Kensington is known for its rich history and vibrant community spirit. Established in the early 1900s, the town has maintained its small-town charm while evolving into a desirable residential area. The streets are lined with beautiful homes, many of which boast stunning architectural designs and lush gardens, creating a picturesque neighborhood perfect for leisurely strolls.

Families are drawn to Kensington for its exceptional public schools, which are consistently ranked among the best in the state. The community is also home to a variety of parks, including the popular Kensington Park, where residents can enjoy picnics, playgrounds, and scenic walking trails. The local farmers' market is a beloved weekend tradition, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods that showcase the best of local agriculture.

Kensington's prime location allows residents to enjoy easy access to the cultural and recreational offerings of the Bay Area. Whether you’re exploring the nearby hiking trails in Tilden Regional Park, dining at one of the many acclaimed restaurants in Berkeley, or commuting to San Francisco, Kensington provides the perfect balance of peaceful living and urban excitement.

With its welcoming community and stunning natural beauty, Kensington is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. Come discover the charm of Kensington and find your dream home in this idyllic California enclave!

Newest Listings in Kensington

$1,500,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 41141847 MLS

96 Ardmore Road is a classic Spanish home that blends timeless architecture with comfortable everyday living. Rich with character, warmth, and curb appeal, the home showcases the enduring craftsmanship and inviting spaces that make Kensington's homes so highly sought after. The main level features four bedrooms and two bathrooms, anchored by a spacious chef's kitchen with dual sinks that opens into the expansive family room with beamed ceilings. The light-filled living and dining rooms enjoy lovely glimpses of the Bay, while vaulted ceilings, a striking stone fireplace, and timeless Spanish architectural details create wonderful spaces for everyday living and entertaining. Outside, the private backyard offers a peaceful retreat with a tranquil fountain and sauna, surrounded by a thoughtfully established edible landscape featuring apple, lemon, and loquat trees, a passion fruit vine, a grapevine, and multiple raised vegetable beds ready for your next harvest. The lower level provides versatile bonus space ready to accommodate your vision. Recently installed solar panels and a backup battery add modern efficiency and peace of mind. Perfectly situated in lower Kensington, you'll enjoy easy access to Young's Market, Semifreddi's Bakery, neighborhood cafés, parks, the beloved Inn Kensington Restaurant, Kensington Hilltop Elementary School, the Arlington's neighborhood shops, and the vibrant restaurants, shopping, and weekly Farmers' Market at Colusa Circle.

96 Ardmore Road, Kensington

Listing courtesy of Kimberly Becker from Compass. 510-816-7002

$1,499,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 41140848 MLS

Perched in the heart of Kensington, 214 Yale Avenue is a masterclass in classic charm and effortless flow. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence spans approximately 1,841 square feet, offering a generous footprint that feels both substantial and incredibly welcoming. From the moment you arrive, the home’s character shines through, blending timeless architectural details with a layout designed for today’s lifestyle. Initially, you are met with a wonderful front patio leading to the front door. Step inside to find a spacious interior where natural light and phenomenal views take center stage. The living areas flow seamlessly, providing an ideal backdrop for everything from quiet evenings by the fireplace to lively gatherings with friends. A wonderful redesign by NurtureSource has opened up the formal dining area to the living room and kitchen, and the proportions are just right—large enough for grand furniture pieces yet intimate enough to feel like a true sanctuary. Each room offers a glimpse into the home’s storied past while inviting your vision for modern updates. The main level features two well-appointed bedrooms, an updated bathroom, and a versatile office or library with picturesque views. The lower level offers a spacious additional living area, a private bedroom and full bathroom, along with abundant storage, providing flexible space for guests, extended family, or a potential home office. Outside, a large yard with two decks takes advantage of the glorious view, and the property continues to impress with its integration into the lush, hilly landscape that makes Kensington one of the most coveted enclaves in the East Bay. Whether you’re dreaming of a chef’s kitchen renovation or wonderful privacy, views and more, this home has it all. Living here means more than just owning a beautiful property; it’s about the lifestyle. Enjoy being moments away from the quaint shops and cafes of the Kensington Circle and the Arlington, all while tucked away in a serene setting that feels worlds apart from the hustle and bustle. 214 Yale Avenue isn’t just a house—it’s the place where your next chapter begins.

214 Yale Ave, Kensington

Listing courtesy of Andrea Gordon from Compass. 510-421-6818

$1,250,000

41140061 MLS

Five Contiguous Vacant Lots for sale in Kensington! Totaling just under 1 full acre these five lots offer an unprecedented opportunity to not only build you dream home minutes from Tilden but also possible development potential.

Beloit Ave., Kensington

Listing courtesy of Alyse Pellegrini from The Reiser Group. 925-640-8642

$1,395,000

3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 41139447 MLS

Welcome to your own private sanctuary. Completely reimagined from top to bottom, this stunning 3BD | 3.5BA home offering 2167 square feet of beautifully designed living space on an expansive 0.31-acre lot. Featuring a brand new foundation, roof, windows, electrical, plumbing, fully transformed landscaping, soaring ceilings, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay, and surrounding trees — every detail has been thoughtfully curated and upgraded. A rare opportunity to own a turnkey retreat just moments from Solano Ave, Colusa Circle, Kensington Village, and El Cerrito Plaza.

15 Jessen Ct, Kensington

Listing courtesy of Laura Martell from Winkler Real Estate Group. 415-948-1282

$1,899,000

5 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 41136999 MLS

Stepping into 415 Berkeley Park Blvd feels less like entering a house and more like arriving at your own private sanctuary. This 2,783-square-foot masterpiece perfectly balances the romance of a storybook castle—complete with a signature front turret, classic tile roof, and a heavy, beautiful wood front door—with the peace of mind that comes from a meticulous, studs-out renovation. Every inch has been reimagined with permits in hand, ensuring this home is as structurally sound as it is visually stunning. Inside, the light dances across rich hardwood floors that lead you through spacious rooms where preserved historic detailing meets modern luxury. The heart of the home is a true chef’s kitchen, designed for everything from quick morning espressos to elaborate dinner parties. The layout flows effortlessly, offering that rare combination of grand scale and cozy, intimate corners. Beyond the main residence, the property features a fully permitted ADU in the rear—perfect for guests, a quiet home office, or rental potential—along with a rare two-car garage. Location is everything here. You’re perched just one block from the heart of Kensington Circle. Whether you’re grabbing a pastry at the market, enjoying a long brunch, or strolling through the local shops, the best of the neighborhood is quite literally at your doorstep. It’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of Kensington history that lives like a brand-new home.

415 Berkeley Park Blvd, Kensington

Listing courtesy of Andrea Gordon from Compass. 510-421-6818

$999,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82027364 MLS

SHORT SALE APPROVED UNMATCHED KENSINGTON OPPORTUNITY. ATTENTION FLIPPERS, CONTRACTORS, AND EQUITY SEEKERS: The bank has authorized a price drop below the loan balance, creating the most aggressive value-add play in Kensington. This high-margin short sale is priced for immediate action and maximum ROI. A dream scenario for professionals looking to capitalize on a cosmetic blank slate in a premier location, you are starting with the advantage of newer dual-pane windows and a recently updated kitchen. Boasting iconic SF Bay and Golden Gate Bridge views, this 3BD/2BA ranch sits on a rare, expansive lot with massive ADU potential to skyrocket your investment. The interior is a "diamond in the rough" ready for an overhaul including bathrooms, flooring, and paint. By acquiring these world-class views at a price that reflects the needed maintenance, you can bypass the premium of someone else's finishes and capture the substantial upside this neighborhood commands. Sold strictly AS-IS, this is the lowest price-per-square-foot opportunity on a view lot in Kensington over the past year. If you have the crew and the vision, the equity gap here is unmatched. Act nowat this price, it will not last. Top-rated schools and neighborhood amenities. Your next high-margin project starts here.

44 Anson Way, Kensington

Listing courtesy of Mary Hawley from Compass. 650-569-1616

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