If you've been around long enough, you might remember the work of John Vaughan, whose photographs captured local interiors (San Francisco: A Certain Style) as well as the homes of the rich and fabulous (oh hey, Babs). Though Vaughan died, much too young of AIDS-related illness, back in 1995, he left one particular legacy to our city: his custom-built home on Potrero Hill.
Designed by award-winning architect Jim Jennings, the two-bedroom modernist house at 319 Arkansas Street is as well known to the editors at Dwell (who called it "idyllic") as it is to the neighbors thanks to its site-specific architecture with gardens on three sides.
On the neighborhood's north slope, the home takes advantage of its landscape with various private outdoor spaces as well as a multitude of windows and skylights in 12-foot ceilings that flood the interior with natural light.
A handcrafted mood pervades the intentional floor plan, where exposed beams, old-growth douglas fir plank floors, and custom walnut built-in furniture add to the charm.
A large wood-burning fireplace anchors the family room, while designer lighting adds a refined touch to what otherwise feels like a contemporary cabin. An open concept dining area flows into a chef's kitchen outfitted with a six-burner Garland range with dual ovens, custom cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Double French doors here open up to a sunny patio to continue to indoor-outdoor experience.
In the back, a garden casita makes for a perfect creative studio or guest suite surrounded by more than 40 species of plants, succulents, and mature trees including one magnolia and two towering redwoods.
The airy bedroom has ample storage, and the recently updated bathroom is fitted with a custom vanity, marble countertop, and Hans Grohe fixtures. A one-car garage, extra storage, and a laundry room with new Miele appliances complete the home which is, happily, in easy walking distance to the shops and restaurants on 18th Street.
Location: 319 Arkansas St. (Potrero Hill)
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Asking price: $1,825,000
// For more information, visit 319arkansas.com.
