Property Description

Faberg? took the sensuous, but sturdy shape of the egg, and lavishly decorated it inside and out. Essentially, these owners have done the same thing. They bought a sturdy, but outdated, historically significant Edwardian mansion, and made it new again.

The Colgate Mansion was originally designed by well-known architect Frank Van Trees for Joseph Colgate-McQueen of toothpaste fame in 1903. The facade is classical and handsome, decorated with plaster work, rusticated stucco and ornate cast iron work. The exterior looks for all the world like a light blue Faberg? egg.

From the outer shell in, the house has been ostensibly rebuilt. Replacing the old are new foundations, plumbing, electrical and heating systems, walls, lighting and roof. The floor plan has been reworked to create lifestyle, comfort, opulence, and convenience. In every category, on every choice, the owners customized and sought out the very best.

The entry is gracious and private and sets the mood for travels throughout the inner sanctum. The first floor allows direct entry to the house from the garage. The garage houses the heating plant, an energy-efficient Munchin boiler which supplies the Hydronics in-floor radiant heat system throughout the house. There is a security system, including hidden house-wide surveilance cameras as well. Also on the ground floor is a home office or a nanny room with private bath and kitchenette. Just beyond the kitchenette is what may be the peak asset for many: entertainment retreat, filled with high-end electronics and built-ins for an at-home movie theater with THX Ultra 2 Certified surround sound system. All that?s missing is the popcorn and cigars.

French doors lead out of the theater to the landscaped yard, complete with Roman-style brick retaining wall, Orangery and reflecting pond. The Orangery was originally used for housing exotic plants and carriage bridles, but today allows for an artist?s studio or out-of-town guest quarters.

The mansion is tied together by a DNA strand of sculptural wood, glass and bronze that winds from the entrance on the first floor to the master bedroom suite on the top floor. The effect is one of flooding the home with light.

The first floor is grand, open, yet human in scale, and ideal for entertaining or family gatherings. The living room looks out to the surrounding Victorians of Alamo Square and the park. A large gas fireplace dominates the west wall, creating a focal point for the room, and an excellent display space for art, adding a spark to any conversation. The reception room or dining room, depending on your need, flows out of the living room. Note here, an invisible Sonance speaker sound system that delivers music without unsightly equipment.

Flowing from the dining room is the great room. This spectacular room has a Montiquo fireplace, an entertainment play space, an eat-in kitchen area, a copious cook?s kitchen with at-counter seating. Highlights include a Dwan dumbwaiter that brings groceries and supplies from garage to kitchen and a wall of glass that folds back for outside entertaining. This is the definition of indoor/outdoor luxury living.
The state of the art kitchen features the best of the best: Subzero Pro-48 refrigerator, a Wolf gas range and hood, Miele in-wall espresso machine, Thermador dishwasher, Viking beverage refrigerator, custom cabinetry, ceasar stone countertops and pendant lighting by Le klint.
As you head up to the third floor, look up to see the clear glass bridge way that connects the front part of the house to the back part of the home. It allows energy and light to the floors below and adds architectural interest. This floor has four well-flowing rooms that can be used as masters, guest rooms, kids? room or offices. The front master bedroom suite opens to a large entertaining deck that has sweeping views of downtown. The closets are huge and the bathrooms feature custom vanity-italian quartz stone tiles. Conveniently on this floor as well, is the laundry room with Miele washer and dryer.
The luxurious top floor is designed as a retreat away from the world. The bed faces an in-wall Montiquo gas fireplace and the room opens to its own private deck with grand views of downtown and pacific heights. Connecting to the bedroom is the master bath with Kohler Sok-overflowing infinity tub with delicately placed skylights to view the sky while soaking. There is also a two-person shower with steam room which features wall-mounted rain-head and three water tile body washers. The Toto E200 washlet (toilet) has adjustable front and rear washers, warm air dryer with remote control. The radiant heat floors keep your feet warm on cold nights. No one spends an hour in this bathroom without coming out a better person. Adjacent to the master bedroom is the master closet, ready for custom built-ins depending on your clothing collection and needs. Also on this floor is a meditation room for exercise, quiet reflection and naps.
History was interrupted by the renovation of this historic mansion. When you take possession of this house, you make it your own, it then puts its mark on you and history begins again. (Internet 5560246)