Sure, the views are nice—you know, the panoramic kind that encompasses a swath of the San Francisco Bay from the Marin Headlands to the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz and beyond—but that's just icing on the cake.
Within the walls of this 8,600-square-foot, Second Empire–style manse there is an endless array of creature comforts and amenities to keep one happily occupied—a billiards room, movie theater, wine cellar, and "auto gallery" to name but a few.
From the curb, the five-bedroom, eight-bathroom Green Street home (which, incidentally, was featured by Architectural Digest in 2006) is aesthetically low key—less assuming than it all sounds, and melding classical architectural elements (columns and intricate molding) with simple landscape and a pretty wood door.
A tour would begin in the grand foyer, of course, where hardwood floors stretch out to a gentle curving staircase. On this main level, there are ample living and entertaining spaces. The dining room and formal living room both have fireplaces; the latter opens to a wide terrace overlooking the manicured backyard. There is a library with maple-clad walls, and a chef's kitchen with a Viking range, large island, and breakfast nook.
At the top of the stairs, the landing has been a graceful spot for a piano for the present owners. Also on this level is an additional family room with long arched windows, a fireplace, and wet bar, as well as an office and four bedrooms. The sprawling master suite is bathed in light from large windows, while a fireplace maintains a sense of coziness. For the ultimate respite, step into the bathroom for a dip in the spa. Here, dual vanities are separated with a bench seat—no sharing required.
The lower level, however, is your escape and your lair. Watch a flick in the theater with its Dolby surround sound and plush seating for 12, or pick up a game in the billiards room. A temp-controlled wine cellar and another wet bar will keep the drinks flowing.
Looking for something a bit more restorative? Sweat it out in your personal fitness room and then relax in the dry sauna and steam shower. Rounding out this floor is another large bedroom with an en suite bath and separate entry, ideal for an in-law or overnight guest. If, for whatever reason you decide to leave the house, just pop into the auto gallery with remote diamond plate turntable when you want to take out your Prius (sorry, we assume they'll take their Ferrari fleet with them).
Location: 2590 Green St. (Pacific Heights)
Size: 8,630 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 8
Asking price: $32 million
// For more information, visit michaelkingestates.com.