715 Buena Vista Ave W
San Francisco
Contemporary Buena Vista Park Estate
Located on the western slope of Buena Vista Park, this much loved and historically significant residence was originally built in 1923 by the Martens. It was situated on three separate lots which were subsequently merged. The Martens, who lived there until 1981, were merchants in the neighborhood, owners of Haight Street Cherry Blossom Bakery. The future of the structure was uncertain until 1995 when it was purchased by an industrious couple who undertook its reconstruction and enhancement, with emphasis on its inherent Italian architecture. The exterior façade is a colored stucco finish embellished with a panel of faux scraffito, similar to painted frescoes, in the style of Italian Renaissance builders. The current owners have continued with improvements to the home, most notably removal of the old garden greenhouse and the erection of an enlarged art studio/recreation room in its place.
Today this modern urban home on three levels consists of four bedrooms, four full baths plus a powder room with many other spaces that can be utilized for formal entertaining or intimate family gatherings. The edifice is surrounded by south and west facing terraces, and oriented to provide the interior rooms with an abundance of natural light. Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Marin headlands, and a glimpse of the Golden Gate bridge, ensure breathtaking sunsets.
The main level foyer opens on the right to the library and on the left to the grand scale living room/dining room, both with custom fireplaces. A rear addition, engineered with steel frame construction, provides for an open floor plan family room and kitchen that occupy the entire width of the house in the rear. The living room and family room are surrounded by tall windows and French doors that lead to the stone terraces, including a trellised, curved al fresco dining alcove. The very spacious kitchen has a preparation island, wide breakfast counter, custom cabinetry, professional gas stove with hood and an expansive pantry which is naturally cooled by venting on the north side of the house. Wide terraces, patios, walkways and fountains overlooking the gardens create several sunny outdoor living areas.
Like a Palladian villa, the upper level has a large mosaic-tiled loggia facing the ocean. A grand master suite with double vanity, tub and steam shower enjoys dramatic western views, has a generously sized dressing room plus an adjoining sitting room with fireplace. The two additional bedrooms are en suite, divided by a den that looks east onto the park.
The garden level features spacious guest quarters plus a media room & wet bar, gym, wine vault and laundry room. Both the guest quarters and the wide lower hall open through arched doorways to the rear garden and the greenhouse studio beyond. There is also an outdoor barbeque for courtyard dining. Extra storage areas, an electronics room and a double deep garage all open onto the lower hall. The garden and garage may also be entered by a wide service passage along the north side.
With high ceilings, crown moldings, hardwood and stone floors, multi-media electronics throughout, select fixtures and finishes, this extraordinary renovation reflects a successful blend of old world charm and contemporary style.
Features
- Per tax records
- Living Space: 4711
- Lot Size: 9783
- Walk Score: 91
- Transit Score: 86
- Bike Score: 73
- Three levels 4BR/4.5BA
- Great room, library, den, media room
- Gym, wine vault, laundry
- Separate garden studio & barbeque
- Extensive sunny gardens and terraces
- Recent renovations, updated systems
- Double garage plus off street parking
Location
Contact
Dona Crowder
866-523-7169 dona@donacrowder.com
1560 Van Ness Ave. Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States