Breathtaking. The only word to describe sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, extending from the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island, and facing 663 Marina Blvd., a 5,420-square-foot, 3-story stunner of a single-family home set on the exclusive Marina waterfront—the 5th Avenue of San Francisco real estate.
The Marina is full of life, and it’s all at one’s doorstep in this spectacular 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath abode. Whether you have a yacht docked at the San Francisco Yacht Club in front or a cultural engagement at the Palace of Fine Arts just blocks away, or farmer’s markets and food-and-wine festivals at Fort Mason, the eclectic neighborhood makes the pursuit of culture and recreation effortless.
The home stands apart from its more ornate neighbors with its clean and modern façade and interior. Large windows take every advantage of the views and the daylight. Originally built in 1937, the home was completely redone in 2014–2015.
The living room, with its near-panoramic view of the marina, bay, and surrounding hillsides, is a luminous sanctuary bathed in natural light. Anchoring this extra-wide room is a grand, floor-to-ceiling marble fireplace. Traversing the wide-plank-engineered white-oak floor toward the fabulous curving staircase, I can picture Joan Crawford in her heyday, gliding down to greet throngs of adoring fans and the paparazzi. A glittering, custom-blown chandelier from Bacchus Glass is competing for the title of most fabulous design element in the foyer.
Not to be outdone, the master bedroom, with its cozy seating area warmed by its own marble fireplace, provides equally stunning views in a more intimate setting. I step out onto the private balcony through beautiful French doors, to soak in the sights and sounds of my surroundings—water lapping the shore, children laughing and playing, kites whipping back and forth through the air currents, sailboats gliding across the water, and bicyclists riding by.
Is there a more delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon? I certainly haven’t found one (but if you have, drop me a line).
The backyard offers respite from the bustling city life that is characteristic of this City by the Bay. Accessible from both the ground and second floors, this outdoor oasis is a rarity in San Francisco homes. Two rear second-floor bedrooms share a balcony that overlooks the garden, while one ground floor guest suite has a private entrance to the garden. Privacy from towering trees allows inhabitants and guests alike to lose the day in a good book or bask in the sun in seclusion. When you’ve had enough alone time, fire up the high-end barbeque grill and fire pit to heat up the night with good friends, great entertainment, and luxurious surroundings. On chilly San Francisco evenings when dining al fresco is not an option, unleash your culinary talents on the gourmet kitchen with its Thermador double ovens, built-in and wine refrigerators and Calacatta Vagli Oro marble.
Enticing? Made up your mind to spend the rest of your life in this home that has everything? Then you'll be happy to hear the architects planned for that as well, building in a central elevator with access to each level of the home, making it easy to transition through every stage of your life.
