Battery cofounders' Gold Coast manse with its own British-style pub re-lists for $35 million
06 October 2022
Among the neighbors: Battery cofounders Michael and Xochi Birch, who made a splash in SF in 2013 with the opening of the exclusive Ken Fulk–designed club following the sale of their British social media company, Bebo, which went to AOL for a cool $850 million.
The Birches bought this 12,000 square-foot corner residence for $29 million in 2008, and brought Fulk in to give the elegant rooms his maximalist flair—think Union Jack tiling on a fireplace, high-gloss paint (in his upcoming book, More Is More Is More: Today’s Maximalist Interiors, Fulk reveals that the peacock blue walls in the dining room required 20 coats), and exquisite furnishings, many of which are available for purchase.
Those panoramic views of the SF Bay? Priceless.
With seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the home is pure luxury, with no detail left untouched. There are elaborate coffered ceilings, walnut floors, 14 sets of mahogany French doors, and an OMG serpentine staircase.
But despite the grandeur, this is also prime territory for entertaining family and friends. A surprisingly quiet, almost traditional great room include a cozy family room, a dining area that barely seats ten, and an eat-in kitchen that opens to the manicured backyard.
The private quarters are truly grand. The master suite has a sprawling walk-in closet; the master bath with dual vanities and a standalone soaking tub against a wall of glass. Each bedroom has its own unique character with a different hue, wall pattern, and custom flooring.
But it's the extra rooms here that feel particularly special: a library with paneled walls; a British-style pub and billiards room anchored by an antique bar sourced from a real English tavern; an intimate wine cellar; a home fitness center; and even a pet bath. There is also a garage for three or four cars. Don't miss the terrace with a tiled spa and panoramic views.
This is second time in just a few years the home has hit the market. The Birches listed it in 2019 for $39 million. After two cash offers that fell through, they've used it sporadically since, spending the majority of their time at homes in Sonoma and the British Virgin Islands. A $4 million price reduction brings it to about $3,000 per square foot.
Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 8
Size: 11,635 square feet
Asking price: $35 million
// 2799 Broadway (Pacific Heights), for more information visit sothebysrealty.com.