Pretend for a moment that the San Francisco Bay's waters are crystal clear and swimmable and that the breeze is warm. Keep telling yourself this and you'll believe you're buying into the beach resort life when you purchase a luxury townhouse on Yerba Buena Island.

In truth, the developers here have done an excellent job of creating the mirage. There are sandy beaches, five miles of trails, 72 acres of parks and green space, and a 10,000-square-foot Aidlin Darling–designed Island Club with an outdoor heated pool, gym, sauna, and yoga room. But let's get to the home, where floor to ceiling windows throughout bring all those urban island vibes indoors.

  

Owning a townhome on Yerba Buena Island comes with the perks of community living—there's also a modern terrace with an outdoor fireplace, massage room, and dog park—but a premium is also placed on privacy. Each home has its own private entrance and attached garage. This three-bedroom unit is three levels with a roof deck and maintains the air of a single family home.

Designed by Hart Howerton, the architecture strategically follows the natural contours of the island's hillside and promotes indoor/outdoor living with expansive windows and terraces. The interiors, designed by Meyer Davis, keep gathering and entertaining in mind.

In the townhomes (there are also condos, flats, and estate homesites available on the island), 10-and-a-half-foot ceilings soar over a flowing floor plan with wire-brushed oak wood flooring.

Ample windows and glass doors ensure the living room, anchored by a stone fireplace, is well-lit and has showy views. The dining area easy transitions into the chef's kitchen where you'll find Arclinea cabinetry, natural stone countertops, Dornbracht fixtures, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and Wolf gas cooktop.

All three-and-a-half bathrooms are all clad in marble; dual-sink vanities and soaking tubs for spa-like vibes. Need a little more R&R? Head over to the Island Club for a workout followed by some decompression in the sauna or at the pool.

But remember, home here may feel like a coastal getaway, but it's really just 10-minute ferry ride to downtown San Francisco.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3.5

Size: 2,379 sf

Asking price: $3,825,000

// 300 Meadow Dr #1 (Yerba Buena Island); for more information, visit coldwellbankerhomes.com; yerbabuenaislandsf.com.