Orinda's Pink House is Actually Yellow, Really Old, and Available

Its proximity to Moraga Way may be blessing or curse to any prospective future buyer, but this quintenssential fixer-upper could be yours for a just under a cool half million - and in ever-so-posh Orinda, no less.

Patch readers steered me to this weathered and slightly leaning architectural gem at 209 Moraga Way and I went out to have a look.

Once known as the Old Yellow House, this 1,280-square-foot charmer boasted six bedrooms - yes, I said six - one bath, kitchen and a parlor.  They did more with less back then, didn't they?

I'll admit I thought "roadhouse," or maybe even "bawdy house" when I first saw it, envisioning the landscape of these parts circa 1901, wondering how things looked back then, and about what part the old structure played in the local scene.

Despite its age, it is not on the national historical register, so any buyer would be at liberty to make any physical alterations desired. According to the realty company a "Cal Berkeley-educated architect" says that 600-square-feet can be added. Thus enlarged, it could be carved up into four bedrooms, three baths, living room, dining room and kitchen with adjoining laundry area. And you'd have quick access to Moraga Way, that's for sure.

Oh, yes, the asking price is $460,000, and I would have paid something just for the privilege of photographing it.