Historic San Francisco Real Estate Eye Candy Off The Market!

Originally constructed in 1883, this Charles Lewis Hinkel home located at 1709 Broderick Street is one of San Francisco's finest examples Italianate, Victorian architecture. But what is most recognized about this home and adds to its historical (albeit pop-culture history) appeal is that it's gorgeous exterior was used in the circa 1987-1995 television series, Full House. 

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Photo courtesy of Vanguard Properties.

And, after 21 days on the market, someone will be the lucky new owner of this piece of San Francisco history that was priced and appears to have sold for $4,150,000. This equates to $1,328/square foot. 

The last time it sold was  in April of 2006 and the sale price was $1,850,000. That's a tidy $2.3 million dollar profit in just 10 years. Not a bad financial investment.

"The interior of this magnificent three story adobe property is sophisticated, comfortable, and timeless with a spacious, 3,125 square foot floor plan, soaring ceilings, 3 bedrooms, an office and 3 1/2 baths. A large eat-in island kitchen boasts professional style appliances and overlooks the sunny, classically designed garden. Located on a picturesque, tree-lined street, 1709 Broderick is convenient to transit, shopping and dining."

While we have the opportunity, we wanted to give you a peek inside this truly one-of-a-kind Victorian. With its blend of lovely period details and modern convenience, this Lower Pacific Heights home was listed by Vanguard Properties. 

From San Francisco to Marin County, The Costa Group has sold 100's of homes and placed families of all shapes and sizes into the perfect home for their unique lifestyle.

We invite you to experience 'The Costa Groups' hands-on availability, involvement and concern for you and your lifestyle.

A Look Inside San Francisco's Luxurious 181 Fremont

181 Fremont is making history in San Francisco as one of the City's most iconic, sophisticated, and most architecturally significant buildings in the last decade. We invite you to look inside the most luxurious new residential high-rise on the West Coast.

Developed by Jay Paul Company, 181 Fremont’s interiors were conceived by internationally-renowned architect and designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, his final achievement before retirement.  Solidifying his legacy as one of the world’s greatest design talents, the building includes 55 residences occupying the top sixteen floors of an 800’ glass and steel saw-tooth tower (which will be the third tallest building in the Bay Area), 181 Fremont is about to reset San Francisco’s standard for luxury real estate and the future of California residential high-rise development forever.

Click on images to see slideshow.

These are the first renderings ever released by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy of 181 Fremont’s final interior features and finishes, based on years of traveling to dozens of countries to source the finest materials available. Diaz-Azcuy’s goal was the fusion of old-world craftsmanship with modern luxury that speaks to the global influences of buyers who expect only the finest things in all aspects of their lives.

“I found inspiration in timeless materials, natural luxury, and the history of San Francisco,” said Diaz-Azcuy. “The care and quality that went into even the smallest details of this building make the greatest impact – it is the ultimate expression of luxury.”

If there is a defining space that captures Diaz-Azcuy’s vision it’s 181 Fremont’s lobby. Diaz-Azcuy spent three years thoughtfully conceiving the grand 25-foot high entrance, which is anchored by an open seating area that he personally designed. Suspended overhead, a flowing fabric shade casts an ethereal light that changes throughout the day. Says Diaz-Azcuy, “To enter the lobby of this building is like walking into a living sculpture.”

At the other end of the spectrum, Diaz-Azcuy spared nothing when it comes to the most minute design elements including the lobby, hallway, and lounge scones that required an artisan manufacturing process. As a result each one is completely unique.

Polished Italian Calacatta Carrara marble throughout the residences’ interiors was selected for its rarity and cut against the grain to bring out a signature deep veining in every room. To achieve this rebellious sense of individualism in the marble, Diaz-Azcuy and his team spent months in Italy, selecting and pulling each slab from the seaside quarry cliffs by hand—which also ensured continuum with 181 Fremont’s sense of absolute architectural perfection.

Even the most palatial residences in the world, however, must still feel like home. For the residents of 181 Fremont, Diaz-Azcuy envisioned them walking through their front doors into another world. As such, the front door hardware were one of the first items handpicked by Diaz-Azcuy. A polished brass handle custom-crafted by Parisian artisans Série Rare will grace the entrance door to each residence, making it feel as if you were entering an old-world, European cathedral.

One thing Diaz-Azcuy didn’t have to envision or create are 181 Fremont’s views of the San Francisco skyline and the surrounding mountains, which are the most coveted views in the city—if you’re lucky enough to be one of the rare custodians of these 55 residences.

Now 30-stories out of the ground sales for 181 Fremont began in May. If you'd like to schedule a private showing of this or any other residence in san Francisco or Marin County, contact The Costa Group!

Article excerpt and images from Forbes. 

SoMa Clock Tower Penthouse Up for Grabs

San Francisco's SoMa clock tower was an addition to a massive factory at Second and Bryant Streets, then occupied by Schmidt Lithograph Corporation. Schmidt was the City's biggest employer and the largest printer on the West Coast. As such, the tower symbolized San Francisco's economic prowess. 

Click here for a gallery of all of the penthouse photos.

The warehouse property has been reimagined over its 94 years and in 1993, it was renovated, becoming a modern live-work loft concept with 127 units designed by David Baker. The penthouse Clock Tower loft, by far the crown jewel of the building, is on the market for the first time in 23 years. 

View of the inner workings of the clock from inside the iconic tower.

A two bedroom, two bath  3,000 square foot residence with exclusive access to the 3-stories that comprise the Clock Tower, this home is priced at $8.5 million. The home also includes a modern kitchen and spacious living room with glass-enclosed fireplace. Exposed brick walls and cathedral ceilings with exposed steel beams harken back to the building's industrial past.

From the wrap-around deck outside you can see AT&T Park, all of SoMa, and the downtown skyline. The property also provides an unparalleled view of the Bay Bridge.

Can you see yourself living in this one-of-a-kind home? Contact The Costa Group if you'd like to schedule a private showing.

Hot Home Design Trends

For those of you looking to update you home's personality, here are 10 design trends that are still hot among designers and homeowners alike.

Worried that by the time you update your condo, townhome or house, these trends may go by the wayside? Like many before them, the popularity of these designs shall (probably) pass at some point, but for the most part, they each have enough sticking power to hang in there for years to come.  

1. Graphic tiles

With a foothold in history with their midcentury vibe, graphic tiles embrace color and pattern, making a statement that likens itself to art. If you choose a pattern that you appreciate, it will be something that will endure the test of of time.

2. Statement light fixtures

Lighting is a necessity for every home but can also serve as artwork. The wide variety styles and sizes of lighting can transform any room, giving it a distinct personality and presence as well as be functional and beautiful.

3. Sectional sofas

Homeowners wants spaces that offer comfort and usability and the sectional sofa offers both. Available to fit any design sense, sectionals work well in open floor plans, designating informal spaces for engaging with family and friends.

4. Minimalist design

A trend that benefits healthy living, minimal design creates a clutter-free living environment that is easier to navigate and clean as well as provides a sense of relaxation rather than feeling overwhelmed.

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5. Stairs as a focal point

Stairs are being transformed into an architectural element instead of simply being seen as a utilitarian object. When incorporated as a design focal point of a home, stairs add visual interest as well as serving a transportation function.

6. Black window frames

Windows provide our homes with natural light and often amazing views. What better way to accent them than with a black frame? This bold move transforms windows into pieces of art, drawing attention to one of the key elements your home has to offer.

7. Mismatched materials

This daring use of materials, hues and textures, when used correctly, adds visual interest to any room. It adds character, color and keeps boring at bay.

8. Open floor plans

The top request of homeowners is a desire for an open, airy home environment. Gone are the separate, closed off rooms and instead are spaces that flow into each other and provide multiple use and invite connection.

9. Foregoing a formal dining room

Most homeowners no longer want or need a formal living room and many are also ditching the formal dining space. Instead, they want open spaces that flow and invite daily rather than occasional social interaction. An integrated dining space sparks family meals gathered around the table and also allows for larger parties to move about the home more easily.

10. Reclaimed materials

In addition to the sustainable, environmentally friendly aspect of reusing materials, incorporating reclaimed wood, metal and other materials adds personality and interest both inside and out.

Article excerpts from Houzz.

Hunter Pence Buys Second Millennium Tower Condo

Outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, Hunter Pence has purchased a second condo on the 51st floor of the Millennium Tower, reports the San Jose Mercury News. 

In 2014, Pence purchased Joe Montana's one-bedroom unit and last October, he laid down $4.25 million for the 2,230 square foot, 2 bedroom, 3 bath residence with floor-to-ceilings views of the Bay Bridge. Whether Pence resides in his newly acquired residence remains to be seen.

Click for more photos.       

The tallest residential building gracing San Francisco's skyline, the South of Market Millennium Tower offers over 20,000 square feet of amenities including a 5,500 square foot fitness center, a screening room, wine cellar and tasting room, pool and outdoor terraces, and children's play area to name but a few. 

Are you in the market to buy or sell in San Francisco? Contact The Costa Group. We can help you meet your real estate goals. 

Boutique Brokerage Sets the Standard in Real Estate Office Design

SAN FRANCISCO – September 22, 2015 – Always at the forefront, Vanguard Properties is once again setting the standard for Bay Area Real Estate with the unveiling of its newly reinvented office at 555 Castro Street in San Francisco. Known for its fresh and exciting approach to buying and selling homes, the boutique firm’s redesigned space is a dramatic departure from traditional Real Estate workspaces. It reflects Vanguard's innovative thinking and collaborative team approach that have made it one of the most successful and influential brokerages in Northern California.

“Our company culture has always been about great style matched with open communication, sharing information and supporting one another’s success,” said Vanguard Properties CEO, James Nunemacher. “Our offices epitomize these values.”

Creative Director Mitch Laufer and Rohan, Wallace & Aherne contractors have created a friendly and welcoming environment for clients, visitors and agents. The interior features an open floor plan, multiple conference rooms and meeting spaces, and an outdoor sun deck. A recycled white glass reception desk and a suspended steel and American white oak staircase lead to California Space Organizer workstations equipped with Herman Miller chairs. 3-D recycled paper wall tiles by Inhabit, Saarinen conference tables, Shade Store NY window treatments, and lighting fixtures by Sonneman, Excel and Kartell highlight the multi-level space. Downstairs, the intimate lounge is an informal gathering place to meet with clients.

Established in 1986, Vanguard Properties is a market leader in buying, selling, and leasing Real Estate. With more that 300 licensed agents in its 10 offices throughout San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties, and Palm Springs, it is highly regarded for its distinctive design and marketing of homes. More information is available at www.vanguardproperties.com.

Welcome to REAL News - The Costa Group Real Estate Blog!

We are excited to share inspirational ideas, relevant real estate news, best in class LOCALES and fun events.  Journey with us through the beautiful city of San Francisco and Marin County to experience the incredible Bay area lifestyle.

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The Costa Group blog hopes to inform, delight, and provide you with resources and information about the lifestyle and opportunity that await those of us who are currently living, or those who want to live in San Francisco or Marin County, California. We look forward to serving you. 

““Home is where the heart is” -Pilny the Elder”

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