621 Kains Ave

Captivating Craftsman Bungalow in the Heart of Albany

Full of character and thoughtfully updated, this inviting Albany bungalow offers 2+ bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a detached studio*, and a beautifully landscaped backyard designed for indoor-outdoor living.

Intricately tiled stairs lead to a welcoming covered front porch and into an entry foyer that opens to the light-filled living room. Random-plank hardwood floors and a skylight add warmth and character, while the spacious, separate dining room offers the same beautiful flooring and abundant natural light. The updated kitchen features modern cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless-steel appliances, with a separate eat-in area at the rear that opens directly to the covered back porch.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom overlooks the Albany hillside and features a generous closet with built-ins and gorgeous white oak hardwood floors. The second bedroom enjoys its own skylight and connects to a rear hallway with a half bathroom and a bonus room* overlooking the backyard. Both bathrooms have been refreshed with updated sinks, plumbing fixtures, and lighting, with subway tile adding a timeless touch to the main bath.

The spacious covered back porch extends the living space outdoors and overlooks a meticulously landscaped backyard oasis. A cobblestone patio with a pergola provides an inviting setting for outdoor dining and entertaining, while a raised garden bed, mature plantings, and flowering wisteria draped over newer fencing create a lush sense of privacy. Tucked at the rear is a finished detached structure with distressed hardwood floors and a vaulted ceiling – ideal as a home office, creative workspace, or art studio.*

An attached one-car garage and unfinished basement room with laundry provide valuable storage and utility space. Lovingly maintained and thoughtfully upgraded over the years, the home features double-pane windows (2002), a rebuilt back deck (2023), newer fencing and professional landscaping with irrigation (2024), a newer heat pump HVAC system and ductwork (2024), a recently replaced roof (2024), newer copper plumbing (2025), and updated ceiling light fixtures and fans (2026).

Ideally situated just a few blocks from the shops and restaurants of Solano Avenue and close to El Cerrito Plaza, this is a home that makes everyday living wonderfully convenient. Enjoy dinner at Juanita & Maude or Little Star, catch live music at the Ivy Room, play billiards at Club Mallard, or pick up groceries at Trader Joe’s—all within easy reach.

Tucked into one of Albany’s most convenient and connected neighborhoods, this welcoming home offers a rare combination of privacy, versatility, and easy access to the very best of local life. 

*Buyer to verify use of space. Neither seller nor listing agent has investigated or verified the accuracy of any of these sources of information nor that these spaces are or may be made into legally habitable spaces. Buyer must conduct their own investigation with the city and appropriate professionals and rely solely on that investigation.