Calling San Francisco romantics! If you're the type who gets all misty-eyed over the city's fanciful Victorians—what with their splendidly painted and gilded facades, graceful niches, Juliet balconies, and turrets—then you're sure to love this 1893 residence at 459 Ashbury Street in the Upper Haight.
As SF Victorians go, this one is pretty much postcard-perfect, even inside where the interior architecture has been carefully renovated both to honor the home's lovely period details—such as carved fireplaces and intricate plaster molding—and to be comfortable for modern living.
The elaborate, multihued home is striking, especially thanks to its position sandwiched between two neutral houses, and its location is easy—just a block south of the Panhandle and a quick walk to the N-Judah and nearby Golden Gate and Buena Vista parks.
Once inside, you'll see the most major of the updates in the spacious, semi-open layout that spans four floors—there's no sign of the small, awkward rooms seen in many of the old houses in the city.
The main level is the most contemporary of the spaces with an airy living room, anchored by the original fireplace, which shares an open plan with a dining area that flows into yet another sitting area with a fireplace. It's all accessible to the kitchen, which has Viking appliances and an 11-foot marble island. Nearby, the powder room has chic patterned wallpaper and an interesting floating sink.
Five bedrooms can be found on the two upper floors. The sprawling primary suite has an expansive walk-in closet, a washer and dryer, and its own sitting room. The master bath has a dual-sink vanity and soaking tub.The hallway just outside leads to an office behind coffered doors and another bedroom with a fireplace and private balcony. The two bedrooms on the top floor could easily be used as work or entertaining spaces.
On the bottom floor is another office, a bonus room, additional laundry, and ample storage.
This home also makes use of its outdoor spaces with several terraces and patios, a cedar-lined sauna, and a landscaped backyard. There is garage parking for three cars.
Bathrooms: 5.5
Size: 4,270sf
Asking price: $4,995,000
// 459 Ashbury St. (Upper Haight); for more information, visit compass.com.
