This Renovated Esherick Perfectly Frames the San Francisco Bay

Located in the city's iconic Sea Cliff neighborhood, a historic abode is treated to a stunning renovation.

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When San Francisco architecture firm Edmonds + Lee was hired by San Francisco-based bakery entrepreneurs to remodel their home, the couple had a fuzzy idea of what they wanted for their midcentury Sea Cliff residence. 

Originally designed by the famed Bay Area architect Joseph Esherick in 1958, the iconic property holds a special sense of place. Not only does it overlook the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the San Francisco Bay, but the home also houses breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Fortunately, the existing structure had good bones, so Edmonds + Lee was able to maintain the dwelling's original footprint, and focus on opening up the interiors. 

Photo: Joe Fletcher

A grand staircase was transformed into a floating cantilevered structure, bringing natural light into the lower rooms.

Photo by Joe Fletcher

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To give a sense of containment to the newly expanded spaces, the team collaborated with interior designer Ina Nouel to infuse bright colors into the home.

Photo: Joe Fletcher

One of the architects' main focuses during the remodel was opening up the interior space. 

Photo by Joe Fletcher

 The firm's mandate was to create architecture that worked, yet "disappeared."

Photo by Joe Fletcher

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Thanks to the help of Nouel, the newly-expanded space now incorporates bright pops of color by way of paintings, furniture, and accessories.

Photo by Joe Fletcher

The team also worked with Nouel to incorporate the expressive maximalism that the couple naturally gravitate toward.

Photo by Joe Fletcher

Here is a glimpse of the mesmerizing views the home frames of the surrounding Bay Area. 

Photo: Joe Fletcher

A peek at the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Photo: Joe Fletcher

The streamline design of the kitchen is practically camouflaged into the design of the home. 

Photo by Joe Fletcher

Photo: Joe Fletcher

Photo: Joe Fletcher

Because the house is a flip plan, the living spaces are located on the top floor, and the bedrooms and a family room are on the lower level.

Photo by Joe Fletcher

A bathroom skylight brings in additional natural light. 

Photo by Joe Fletcher

Bright, colorful wallpaper adds a fun touch of midcentury vibes to the bathroom.

Photo by Joe Fletcher

With assistance from landscape designer Monica Viarengo, the outdoor space has been designed to draw the excitement of the city in toward the home.

Photo by Joe Fletcher

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Edmonds + Lee Architects

Builder/General Contractor: Forsythe General Contractors

Structural Engineer: Yadegar & Associates

Landscape Design:  Monica Viarengo

Interior Design: Ina Nouel / Insite Antiques & Design

Cabinetry Design/Installation: Mueller Nicholls

Photography: Joe Fletcher Photography

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