Any passerby can see that the meticulously restored 1900 Victorian home at 2053 Vallejo is something special.

With all the layers and creamy flourishes of a wedding cake, the 4,800-square-foot house—with its frothy walkup staircase, turret, and high windows with valence grids—is a slice of turn-of-the-century elegance. Lush gardens and bay views from three of the four levels are just icing on the, well, you know.

  

Fans of the period's architecture will find much to love inside: elaborate woodwork, shapely alcoves, and original carved stone fireplaces. We could live without the Greek-style Ionic columns, but we'll overlook those for now. Modern updates include newly refinished hardwood floors throughout, and an eat-in kitchen with a Wolf gas range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and granite countertops.

Crystal chandeliers glitter over the living and dining rooms. In the first space, find a lovely marble fireplace, bay windows, and built-in shelving. An additional parlor, also with its own fireplace, is perfect as a family room.

There are five bedrooms in all, including the primary suite which has two romantic alcoves with bay views, a fireplace, and a jacuzzi tub in the spacious bathroom.

Things get interesting on the top floor where the turret makes for a dramatically shaped interior. From here you can step out onto the private roof deck.

On the ground floor, a studio with its own small kitchen and a separate entrance can serve as a guest suite or home office.

But don't forget about the views. French doors open to the tiered garden with multiple patios, and panoramas are plentiful through the home's many windows.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 4.5

Size: 4,769 square feet

Asking price: $5,750,000

// 2053 Vallejo St. (Pacific Heights); for more information, visit bellingsmansions.com.