Overview

This fine Pacific Heights corner residence was designed by the American architect Warren Charles Perry in 1924. Its stately façade reflects an Italian Renaissance heritage inspired by the impeccable classicism of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580). Natural light abounds with outlooks to the beautiful homes of the tree-lined streets across the way and views of the bay from the upper floors.

The handsome stone staircase with wrought iron railing leads to the the fluted framing of the formal entry with architrave and  balcony lending an understated sophistication. The asymmetrical window placement of one window to the left of the entry and three to the right are deftly balanced. The exquisite tall signature Palladian windows of all the main floor rooms are accented with black wrought iron railings. The windows between the second and third floor windows are separated by horizontal dentils, thereby providing balance to the verticality of the structure.
 

Terrace Garden

The Mediterranean heritage of the house with its red tile roof is more apparent when viewed from the upper terrace of the garden. French doors from the formal dining room and kitchen open to the brick patio and expansive lawn surrounded by tall trees, perennials, wisteria, bougainvillea, beautiful rose, azalea and camellia bushes, delicate ground covers and colorful seasonal blooms. 

Receding layers of plantings of many hues and textures along the raised terraces create a sense of depth, both vertically and horizontally. Architectural elements include the pond, ‘walk-about’ to the upper terraces, the bird bath and classic medallion on the old stone wall, all with an impressive copper beach tree as a focal point. More than the sum of its parts, this rare and truly magical garden provides a fresh, year-round ambience for City living at its finest.

The property has been owned by only two families in its 90 year history: 1924 to 1970 and l970 to the present.

Main Level

The ENTRY HALL introduces the original fine interior architectural details found throughout the house, including high ceilings, deep crown and base moldings, wide doorways, tall French paned windows and hardwood floors. Natural light floods all three levels from the glass assembly off the top floor landing.

The light and airy LIVING ROOM features six floor to ceiling Palladian windows with outlooks to the beautiful homes and tree-lined streets. The fireplace with handsome wood carved mantle and marble surround provides a welcome setting for gracious entertaining.

The formal DINING ROOM comfortably seats a large dinner party against the elegant backdrop of the tall Palladian doors and windows. It is equally ideal for large buffet gatherings where guests can spill out to the delightful patio and expansive lawn.

Adjoining the BUTLER’S PANTRY is the generous sized KITCHEN which houses a long pine countertop with multiple glass front top and under cabinets. The vintage O’Keefe and Merritt stove has been at the service of cooks and caterers for decades. Family dining can be enjoyed in the breakfast corner or on the patio.

Returning to the front of house, the cozy STUDY opposite the Living Room houses built-in cabinets and shelves for books, files and display.

The POWDER ROOM and guest closet complete this level.
 

Second Level

Ascend the handsome staircase to the wide second floor landing with ample custom storage behind cedar lined cabinets.

The West Wing houses the light filled southeast corner MASTER BEDROOM with bay windows, lovely garden outlook and a cedar lined walk-in closet. The classic MASTER BATH features a pedestal sink, deep tub, WC and white glazed tile surround. All the other bathrooms share similar period fixtures.

Two BEDROOMS above the northwest corner and front entry share an adjoining FULL BATH.

The fourth BEDROOM and BATH look out to the south garden.

Opposite the second floor landing is the East Wing (originally staff quarters) which contains two BEDROOMS, one street side with view and the other overlooking the garden, BATH with shower, separate WC and ample cedar-lined closets.

Third Level

Ascend the staircase to the third floor landing with access to the expansive sunny south deck overlooking the garden.

The spacious FAMILY/MEDIA ROOM with splendid bay views features a coffered ceiling with multiple sets of windows on three sides; it also opens to the south deck. Abundant natural light fills the space from morning to evening with the ever-changing colors of the sky.

The adjoining ARTIST STUDIO or Teenager’s Quarters enjoys both north light, glorious vistas and south light. The space houses a BATH with shower and extra closets.

Lower Level

Completing the floor plan is the TWO-CAR TANDEM GARAGE with inside access to the kitchen plus a handy dumbwaiter to three levels. A trademan’s entrance conveniently accesses the kitchen and garden.

Other

• Exclusions from the sale:

• Bird Bath
• Celtic stone ornament on garden wall
• 2-3 rose bushes on east wall
• Urn at pond
• Chest of drawers in wine storage room

• Prospective Buyers are advised to review, prior to any offer, the Property Disclosure Package available on request.

• Taxes will be reassessed upon the sale to approximately 1.1880% of the purchase price.

THE ARCHITECT  -    Warren Charles Perry
                                    (b 1884 Santa Barbara, d l980 San Francisco)

Warren Perry studied Civil Engineering at the University of California/Berkeley under the direction of John Galen Howard from 1904-06. With the latter’s encouragement, Perry studied at the renowned Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris which was known internationally for demanding classwork and setting the highest standards for education in the classical arts and architecture. He attained the ranking of Premiere Classe within three years (1908-1911). On his return to the US, Perry began a life long relationship with the University of California at Berkeley in several capacities along with an extensive architectural practice. He was honored as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architecture (FAIA) in 1947.

Other notable American alumni of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts include Bernard Maybeck, Julia Morgan and Wm. Wurster, whose buildings would influence the history of architecture in America.

Sources

• University of California: In Memoriam, 1980                             
   Warren Charles Perry, Professor Emeritus
   Dean of the College of Architecture, Emeritus

• Encyclopedia of San Francisco
  Perry, Warren Charles
  Entry Author: David Parry

• Pacific Coast Architecture Database (PCAD)
  Perry, Warren ID: 702

• Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Wikipedia
• Palladian Architecture, Wikipedia
• Mediterranean Revival Architecture, Wikipedia
 

Video

• Floor Plans [pdf]