Home with timeless elegance, contemporary comforts

Franklin Albro and Gerry Sweeney spent the last quarter-century at 4422 17th St. in Corona Heights, lovingly tending to the classical design elements while adding contemporary flourishes. They turned the kitchen into a showcase, installed a custom sound system and implemented seismic upgrades.

Only three families have lived here since a contractor built it as his personal home in 1924. Such continuity has gone a long way toward retaining and recreating period charm, like the dining room’s coffered wall paneling and the living room’s picture rails.

“It looks original, but it’s substantially restored,” said Wendy Storch of Sotheby’s International Realty, who is listing the three-bedroom for $1.85 million. “There’s been expert stewardship here.” Frank Eddy of Neo-American Gardens designed the backyard, while Brett Pearsall of Gilded Interiors blended Roaring ’20s romance with contemporary sensibilities. Warmly hued hardwood floors, a Craftsman mantlepiece in the living room and wide millwork throughout reflect the home’s classical heritage, complementing a restored facade of stucco and yellow brick accents.

Natural light pours through dual-glazed windows as contemporary light fixtures illuminate the residence. A Sonos sound system pumps music throughout the home.

Built-ins and custom storage defines a high-end kitchen designed to display the sellers’ collection of California pottery. Cherrywood cabinetry fashioned by Berkeley’s John Curl complements Brazilian soapstone counters and ceramic tile backsplash. A 36-inch Viking range with an integrated griddle

Photos by Open Homes Photography Above: South-facing, dual-glazed bay windows in the living room overlook 17th Street. Below: The home at 4422 17th St. in Corona Heights is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom built in the 1920s available for $1.85 million.