Martinez, Calif. | $795,000

An Italianate house built in 1870

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in downtown Martinez is within walking distance of two parks, a public library and a public middle school. Martinez was the home of the naturalist John Muir, and the John Muir National Historic Site, where a hiking loop leads to mountain views, is five minutes from the house. Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, a popular spot for bird watchers, is less than 10 minutes away, as is an Amtrak station. Oakland is a half-hour drive, downtown San Francisco takes around 50 minutes, and San Jose takes an hour and 15 minutes.

Size: 1,462 square feet

Price per square foot: $544

Indoors: A low wood gate opens from the sidewalk to the front yard. The front door sits beneath a transom window and opens to a long hallway with hardwood floors. The living room, off the foyer, has windows with wood shutters painted white. Original pocket doors separate this room from the formal dining room, which has a fireplace and an original ceiling medallion. Windows in the dining room also have shutters and face Japanese maple trees.

The kitchen was redone amid a recent series of updates. White subway tile lines the walls, and the countertops are soapstone and butcher block. Blue tile floors continue from the kitchen into a laundry room and to French doors that open to the deck.

The primary suite, at the back of the house, can fit a king-size bed, and its bathroom has penny tile floors and a walk-in shower with a skylight. The bathroom also has doors to the rear deck.

The two other bedrooms, also off the main hall, share a nearby bathroom with more white subway tile and a combined tub and shower. The basement and attic are partially finished.

Outdoor space: The wood deck behind the house steps down to the backyard, which is landscaped with a mix of citrus trees, rose bushes and a Panache Tiger fig tree. A pergola at the far end covers a paved patio.