San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Marina District Mediterranean villa elegantly updated
Where yachts, the Marina Green, Crissy Field and the beach meet, you are just a block away from this lightfilled home. Formal or casual — indoors or out, it’s a marvelous place to live.
Built in 1927 in a Mediterranean Revival style and beautifully updated, this exquisite villa sits at the edge of the Palace of Fine Arts, with the landmark’s parklike grounds, lagoon and winding paths spread before it like an enchanted front garden. A scrolled bronze gate flanked by climbing figs opens onto a central courtyard of travertine pavers, arched windows and a carved stone fountain. Citrus trees, trumpet vines and cascading roses welcome you.
In the stunning twostory foyer, travertine floor tiles seem to extend the outdoor courtyard looking out through tall windows.
The soft elegance of Venetian plaster walls meets the cathedral ceiling above. Screened by camellias and olive trees, the living room frames views of the lagoon, its fountain and swans.
On the courtyard side, a pair of windows open onto the covered terrace. The tall limestone fireplace anchors this bright and airy space.
A Gothicarched passage leads to a spacious office with builtin cabinetry around a burnished wood mantel. With room for a large screen above the desk, it could be a great home theater.
On the other side of the courtyard, oversized windows of the dining room are filled with greenery and filtered park views. Nearby, the classic eatin kitchen is wellequipped with a SubZero refrigerator, Wolf range and handcrafted farmhouse sinks that would make any chef feel at home. Set at the center of the two kitchen walls, a large island has seating and opens to the family room, creating a warm,
informal spot to gather for meals, games and relaxation.
Outdoor rooms are just outside the French doors, framed under a striped awning. Extend a dining table and cook up a feast on the builtin barbecue or just sit back in the garden lounge and feel the warmth of the gas fire pit. Landscaping is rich with ferns, climbing roses, bougainvillea, camellias, and protea; antique Gothic tracery anchors each end of this peaceful space. Around the corner, a diamondpatterned patio has room for play.
From the foyer, a graceful spiral staircase leads to the bedrooms. The primary bedroom is spacious with a cathedral ceiling, a limestone gasfired fireplace and a lovely window seat has a view toward the yacht club, Marina Green and the Bay. An impressive en suite bathroom and custom walkin closet have luxurious and indulgent accents such as travertine stone, a large steam shower, radiantheat flooring, a soaking tub and vintagestyle Waterworks fixtures.
The open, elegant walkway above the foyer leads past views of the lovely lagoon, classic homes and the treelined hills beyond.
One door goes to an outdoor balcony; arched double doors open onto a sitting area adjoining three bedrooms and two baths. On the south side, the largest bedroom looks out to treetops and views through windowed walls, highlighted by an amazing view of the full park and colonnades. Across the balcony you can take in the courtyard below and the slope of the terracotta tiles matched by the rooflines across the street.
The ensuite bathroom has an
exceptional corner view of the Maybeckdesigned Rotunda and the path that winds around the park. Classic details blend with the modern—a glassedin shower/bathtub and subway tile and Cesame sinks updating its 1920s design. Two more bedrooms have outstanding views of the colonnades around the Rotunda. Another lovely full bathroom and a laundry room add yet more convenience.
Down a second spiral staircase, the lower level holds a stylish guest suite: inviting sitting room and, through an archway with pocket doors, a generous bedroom and spalike bathroom. This level also has a mirrored gym and access to the twocar garage with an adjoining room for a workshop. Decorative metal trellises and jasmine vines frame the driveway.
Set among other grand and remarkable homes, the boutiques, cafés and restaurants of Chestnut and Union streets are nearby. Notable San Francisco sites become part of your life here, not just saved for a special visit.
The Marina Green, yacht harbor, the Wave Organ, Crissy Field leading to the Golden Gate Bridge—these offer ample opportunity for jogging, sailing, bird watching and appreciating the abundant beauty of this corner of the bay. Discover the many pleasures of the Presidio—from Yoda to the Disney Museum to the beach on all its paths and trails.
Take the virtual tour at www.2100JeffersonSt.com.