‘Special home’ in St. Francis Wood
Trees add privacy to five-bedroom home
Pacific Heights and Russian Hill revel in most of the glory when people think about highend real estate in San Francisco. But St. Francis Wood hosts block after block of standout architecture yet remains under the radar.
Like contemporaries Julia Morgan, Gertrude Comfort, and John Galen Howard, Daniel Burnham came to the burgeoning neighborhood in order to design. Shortly before the Great Depression he completed 225 San Anselmo Ave., a five-bedroom Mediterranean with timeless details and inviting outdoor spaces.
Lisa Wolfe of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, who is listing the home for $2.995 million, sums the listing up succinctly.
“It’s a special home,” she said.
Cypress trees line neighborhood streets and a mature palm tree in the rolling front lawn towers above the home. Shutters and mutlipaned windows dominate the exterior, while a stone staircase and pathway lead to an entry door set in an arched portico with colorful tile accents.
Step inside and the home’s classical design elements come into focus. Hand-painted embellishments adorn exposed ceiling beams, alcoves provide built-in spaces to display art, and antique wall sconces illuminate the room. A tile floor spans the foyer and sunken living room, a light-filled space with stained glass window and marble fireplace.
Natural light pours into the breakfast area thanks to windows on two sides. Stainless steel appliances accent white cabinetry and tiles in the classical kitchen. While one bedroom rests on the main level, the remaining four (including the master suite) dominate the upper level.
A trip up the J-shaped staircase passes an arched window with intricate painted medallions. Both Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean are visible from the bedroom level. Shelving and a makeup desk are among the built-ins of a master suite also offering a coved ceiling an Art Deco bathroom with colorful tile work.
Though turnkey, the home provides future owners with opportunities for expansion. An unfinished basement with three open areas includes a laundry room and utility space, as well as exterior access. Perhaps a wine cellar, artist’s studio, au pair suite or home gym awaits the next resident.
The neighborhood affords grand views in a thoughtfully planned community. Utility lines are buried in order to keep the views pure and business are prohibited from setting up shop in the area.
For more information, go to www.225SanAnselmo.com.