If you've ever been to Berkeley's Chez Panisse or wandered the elegant campuses of Stanford or Cal, this Cole Valley home might feel somewhat familiar.

All share an architect in common: late San Francisco resident Lun Chan, an AIA Design Award recipient whose work can be seen across five continents. Chan's residential work, however, is more rare, making this nearly 4,000-square-foot home in the trees of Mount Sutro extra special.

  

While its address is technically on Stanyan Street, the house is accessed from Clarendon Avenue, down the Stanyan steps, and is one of a handful of homes on the block that can be reached only by foot. Hikers need apply!

Dramatic picture windows let in leafy views from nearly every room, but the interior architecture is just as scenic. Expect high ceilings, stained glass accents, a modern spiral staircase, and even an indoor lap pool that sparkles beneath a double-height ceiling and skylights. An aquatic mural adds a playful touch, while a poolside shower makes it extra convenient to rinse off after a swim. Also on this main level are the kitchen—a showplace, with lacquered cabinets and chevron-tiled backsplash, that overlooks the pool—and spacious, open-plan rooms for entertaining.

All four bedrooms reside together upstairs. The master suite has picture windows, a roomy walk-in closet with blond-wood built-ins, and a hillside terrace.

The lower level of the house has a media room and access to the backyard and hot tub.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Size: 3,772 square feet

Asking price: $3,795,000

// 1335 Stanyan St. (Forest Knolls); for more information, visit compass.com.