Inside A Parisian-Inspired San Francisco Manor
San Francisco, California | Sotheby’s International Realty - San Francisco Brokerage
In keeping with the motifs of its inspiration—the hôtels particuliers of France—this stately manor in Pacific Heights is gracefully positioned “entre cour et jardin”—that is, between a refined entry courtyard and a glorious backyard garden. Its undeniably classic architecture and influence notwithstanding, the residence is a perfectly modern milieu, at ease with contemporary fittings and furnishings as well as technological comforts and conveniences. Its generous scale, lofty ceilings, expansive wall space, and thoughtfully placed lighting create the ideal environs for art.
A foyer with a soaring window wall, a decorative floor inlay, a dramatic 16th-century fireplace, and a majestic staircase with an ornamental iron railing gives way in fluid succession to living, dining, and entertaining spaces that are regal, comfortable, and flooded with light. A spacious living room with a boldly elaborate coffered ceiling opens through three sets of French doors to a romantic stone terrace with a balustrade, fountains, statuary, manicured gardens, and a vine-draped arbor. The dining room seems destined for grand gatherings and fabulous festivities with a wet bar nearby and, on the level below, a wine cellar and professional-caliber catering kitchen.
Warm woods and cool, elegant stone create a sophisticated juxtaposition of hues in the chef’s kitchen, which boasts a number of striking elements: an impressive antique brick and stone fireplace, an island and buffet of handsome carved wood, and a La Cornue range. Cabinet, shelf, and counter space are plentiful, and French doors open to two breezy balconies.
The owner’s suite occupies an entire level. The epitome of luxury, it encompasses a bedroom with a wet bar, a sitting area warmed by a fireplace, and balconies overlooking the neighbourhood; a glamorous dressing room; a lavish bath with a skylit soaking tub, two showers, two water closets, and multiple sinks; and a spacious office and sitting room with its own wet bar and two dreamy iron balconies gazing out toward the city. Accented with eye-catching dentil moldings and arched windows, dormers, and doors, four guest bedrooms are secluded on the uppermost level along with an additional office and three baths
Designed for more relaxed moments, the home’s lowest level features a spacious family room and a recreation room with a delightful tavern-style bar. Just outside, stairs lead to a lush, classically inspired shaded “grotto” with towering Corinthian columns and a refreshing spa.
Among the numerous modern comforts are an oversized detached two-car garage with an electric-vehicle charging station, a high-end security system providing peace of mind, two laundry rooms, and an expedient elevator linking each of the levels. The home’s singular style and enviable location on one of the city’s most desirable blocks makes it the pièce de resistance of its already enviable neighbourhood.
