The San Francisco Bay Area has always served as a kind of open-air architectural archive—where Victorian opulence, Craftsman restraint, and Mediterranean formality coexist across hillsides and coastlines. These five historic residences, located in Sausalito, San Francisco, Berkeley, Piedmont, and Hillsborough, represent distinct chapters in that evolving built narrative. Their preservation succeeds as cultural continuity.
In Sausalito, the 1893 Valhalla compound reflects the Bay’s maritime past, when waterfront estates were designed for grand social gatherings and framed views of the city across the water. Across the bridge, a Georgian Colonial in Pacific Heights, built in 1910, carries the symmetry and gravitas of East Coast formality, but with West Coast light and openness. In Berkeley, The Rocks—an Arts and Crafts estate by John Hudson Thomas—embodies the Bay Region Tradition before it had a name, fusing natural materials with hillside siting and spatial generosity.
Piedmont’s 1910 estate offers a more expansive take on Beaux-Arts principles, reinterpreted for California’s scale and climate—while Hillsborough’s Mediterranean Revival home draws from Southern European precedents, but adapts them for indoor-outdoor life with fluid transitions and elevated craftsmanship.
Together, these homes illustrate how early 20th-century architects in Northern California borrowed broadly but built specifically—adapting classic idioms to the region’s topography, climate, and emerging sense of self. They remain valuable not only for their preservation but for the lessons they offer: about restraint, proportion, context, and the lasting impact of thoughtful design.
1. Waterfront Compound in Sausalito
Built in 1893, The Valhalla 1893 in Sausalito is a renovated historic estate offering 8,770 square feet across eight bedrooms and ten bathrooms. Situated on the San Francisco Bay waterfront, it includes a 6,925 square foot main residence and a 1,845 square foot guest house on expansive grounds with direct beach access.
Listed at $28,000,000, this landmark property has hosted notable figures and appeared in classic Hollywood films.
Where is Sausalito, CA?
Sausalito is a city in Marin County, California, located just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge. It developed as a shipbuilding center during World War II and later became known for its houseboat community and art scene. The waterfront offers views of San Francisco Bay, marinas, and ferry service to the city. Sausalito blends residential neighborhoods with tourism, galleries, and outdoor recreation.
Living Room
Spanning the center of the house, the main living room combines a white marble fireplace, mirrored bar, and lounge space facing the ocean. Glass doors open directly to the exterior deck, merging interior and coastal elements. Bar stools line the mirrored wood bar while a piano anchors the left side.
Dining and Kitchen Area
Located at the rear of the open-concept layout, the combined kitchen and dining room includes a long table and oversized island with fur-topped stools. Floor-to-ceiling windows brighten the area, revealing bay views. Cabinetry is white with marble countertops, contrasted by a rich wood island base.
Bedroom
Occupying a corner of the home, the main bedroom has double doors that open directly onto the terrace overlooking the water. Tall windows, neutral drapery, and dark flooring keep the tone restrained. Furnishings include a fireplace seating area and built-in cabinetry opposite the bed.
Bathroom
Positioned beside the primary suite, the bathroom is finished in white and marble with soft arched lines and gold accents. A freestanding tub sits beneath double windows, and a fireplace is inset into the wall across from it. Dual vanities and glass shower complete the layout.
Rooftop Lounge
Perched above the waterline, the rooftop area frames a wide-angle view of the bay and San Francisco skyline. Seating zones are grouped around white fire pits, flanked by box planters and a raised lawn strip. Minimalist furniture contrasts with the geometric deck pattern and hillside backdrop.
Listing agents: Bill Bullock Lydia Sarkissian, Magdalena N Sarkissian of Golden Gate Sotheby’S International Realty, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Georgian Colonial Landmark
Built in 1910, this fully renovated Georgian Colonial residence in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights spans 9,625 square feet with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
The property combines original architectural integrity with modern finishes, including a rooftop deck with Golden Gate Bridge views. It is listed for $27,500,000.
Where is San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco is a city and county in northern California, located on a peninsula between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It is known for landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and its historic cable cars. The city has a diverse population, distinct neighborhoods, and a strong presence in tech, finance, and tourism. San Francisco also features steep hills, Victorian architecture, and waterfront districts like Fisherman’s Wharf.
Entry Hall
Wood-paneled stairs anchor the entry area, flanked by turned balusters and a classic newel post. Across from the staircase, a hallway leads into a living space, marked by a wide piece of abstract art and a round table with minimal decor. Natural light enters through large windows at the stair landing and from rooms beyond.
Living Room
A crystal chandelier hangs above a square coffee table encircled by a black velvet sectional and a pair of cream armchairs. A fireplace with a marble surround and gold-framed mirror sits to one side, while a built-in window seat and ornate wall mirror add classic touches. Glass doors open to a patio, blending indoor formality with outdoor access.
Dining Room
Glass-paneled doors open this dining area to a green outdoor space, while traditional molding frames the windows and ceiling. A long dining table with seating for ten dominates the center, and a crystal chandelier hangs above it. Decorative accents include dark drapes, a sculptural horse piece on a console, and deep wood trim around the room.
Kitchen
Streamlined cabinetry in glossy white lines the kitchen walls, contrasting with grey countertops and built-in stainless appliances. A U-shaped counter includes a gas stove and bar seating with two stools. Family photographs hang above the sink, while overhead lighting keeps the space bright.
Bedroom
Padded headboard in a floral pattern defines the bed, which is centered between minimalist nightstands with rounded lamps. A pale rug sits on dark hardwood flooring, and a large Asian-inspired screen hangs on the wall. The space remains clean and open, with recessed lights and a neutral palette.
Listing agent: Maximillian Armour of Compass, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Iconic 1913 Arts and Crafts Estate
Built in 1913 by architect John Hudson Thomas, this 13,649 square foot Arts and Crafts estate in Berkeley includes seven bedrooms and sixteen bathrooms on a 1.58-acre lot. Known as The Wintermute House or The Rocks, it features a main house, pool, pool house, tennis court, gym, and a carriage house with studio apartment.
Listed at $11,000,000, the property retains original period details and has not been on the market since 1983.
Where is Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley is a city in Alameda County, California, located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, just north of Oakland. It is home to the University of California, Berkeley, a major research institution and center for political activism. The city has a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and cultural venues. Berkeley also emphasizes sustainability, public transit, and access to open space like Tilden Regional Park.
Front Exterior
Stepped walkways lined with lantern-style lights lead to a dramatic white façade with angular lines and a centered bay window. A pointed gable crowns the entrance, which is flanked by curved staircases and low walls. Trees and structured plantings add contrast to the sharp geometry of the house’s design.
Living Room
Geometric ceiling cutouts and extensive wood trim frame the living room, where four beige sofas are arranged around a square glass coffee table. A large stone fireplace with a sculptural mantel serves as the focal point, surrounded by built-in wood detailing and multiple glass-paneled doors. Natural light streams through multiple angles, reflecting off both glass and polished surfaces.
Solarium
Tall, arched windows stretch to the ceiling in the solarium, creating a curved wall of glass that brings the outdoors in. A round rattan dining set sits in the center on slate flooring, surrounded by potted greenery. Light mint trim accents the architecture, enhancing the room’s airy vertical design.
Kitchen
Wood cabinetry and granite countertops fill the kitchen, with a center island offering additional prep space and casual seating. Built-in stainless steel appliances and a six-burner range line the back wall, with windows above allowing treetop views. Clean geometry in the ceiling mirrors the symmetrical layout below.
Bedroom
A sleeping area and sitting space are joined under a wide archway in the bedroom, with multiple windows framing views of trees and sky. The bed rests on a soft rug atop a wood floor, while a neutral palette enhances the room’s light. Upholstered armchairs and a tufted coffee table create a calm retreat at the far end.
Listing agent: Julie Nachtwey of Compass, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
4. 1910 Estate with Bay Views
This 12,978 square foot estate in Piedmont offers six bedrooms and ten bathrooms on a half-acre corner lot, listed at $13,950,000. Originally built in 1910 and fully remodeled, the property includes multiple kitchens, private gym, sauna, recreation rooms, and resort-style amenities such as a pool, hot tub, bocce court, and putting green.
Designed for both luxury and leisure, the home features expansive living spaces with sweeping South Bay views.
Where is Piedmont, CA?
Piedmont is a small, residential city entirely surrounded by Oakland in Alameda County, California. It is known for its quiet streets, historic homes, and strong public school system. The city operates independently with its own police, fire, and school services. Piedmont has several parks and community spaces but no commercial zones.
Living Room
Ceiling molding and a central chandelier add formality to the living room, where seating groups mix warm neutrals with deep plum tones. A carved fireplace anchors one side, and a curved bay window at the back houses a velvet sectional surrounded by greenery. Bold artwork and natural light bring contrast to the room’s ornate detailing.
Dining Room
Wood paneling and deep blue walls frame the dining room, where a rectangular table is surrounded by high-back chairs in alternating patterns. An intricate ceiling treatment and a crystal chandelier draw attention upward, echoing the elegance of the connected entertaining spaces. French doors and transoms bring natural light from an adjacent room.
Kitchen
Golden mosaic tile spans the backsplash of the kitchen, unifying the white cabinetry and large central island. Wood stools line one side beneath pendant lighting, while stainless appliances provide full functionality. Tall windows above the sink bring in views and brightness to the central workspace.
Game Room
Columns and ceiling beams break up the open layout of the game room, where a pool table stands at the center. A media area with built-ins and multiple seating options lines one wall, while large windows and doors flood the space with natural light. Dark ceiling paint and modern fixtures contrast the traditional architecture.
Pool Area
Trimmed hedges and umbrella-shaded lounges surround the rectangular swimming pool, which includes a shallow lounging shelf. A pergola with outdoor seating and a mounted TV defines one end, with a putting green tucked beside it. Tile paths and manicured shrubs complete the secluded outdoor retreat.
Listing agent: Teresa Baum of Compass, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
5. Mediterranean-Revival Estate
Located in Hillsborough’s Homeplace neighborhood, this Mediterranean estate offers 6,140 square feet with seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms on 1.22 acres. Built with formal entertaining in mind, it features a gourmet kitchen, guest wing, wine cellar, and resort-style amenities including a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, and sports court.
Listed at $13,490,000, the gated property also includes a guest studio, two garages, and energy-efficient upgrades.
Where is Hillsborough, CA?
Hillsborough is an incorporated town in San Mateo County, California, located west of Highway 101 and south of San Francisco. It is exclusively residential, with large estates and no commercial zoning. The town is known for its tree-lined streets, historic mansions, and top-ranked public schools. Hillsborough also borders Burlingame and shares access to amenities in the broader Peninsula region.
Living Room
Curved white sofas define the perimeter of the living room, arranged around a circular ottoman and grounded by a woven rug. A black fireplace with a classical painting above anchors one wall, while soft-toned walls with molding detail frame the space. Large windows and French doors bring in natural light and views of the garden.
Dining Room
Hand-painted wall murals wrap around the dining room, depicting a pastoral scene behind a long rectangular table and twelve upholstered chairs. A crystal chandelier hangs from a coffered ceiling, reflecting light from surrounding windows. Drapes in a muted tone blend into the classical elegance of the room.
Kitchen
White cabinetry and speckled granite countertops wrap the kitchen, accented by a sky-blue coffered ceiling and pendant lights. A center island with a sink and wood flooring contrasts the neutral palette, while stainless appliances line the back wall. Windows over the sink bring in light and overlook the backyard.
Bedroom
Paneled walls and a plush white rug enclose the primary bedroom, where a large bed is flanked by side tables and abstract art. A crystal ceiling fixture and wall sconces provide layered lighting, while doorways lead into adjoining areas. Neutral tones and layered textures create a quiet, open retreat.
Pool Area
Stone decking surrounds a central swimming pool, complete with a raised spa and multiple lounge areas. A pergola provides shaded seating along the house, while trimmed hedges frame the rectangular layout. Solar panels on the roof and layered landscaping finish off the organized outdoor space.
Listing agent: Stanley Lo of Green Banker Realty, info provided by Coldwell Banker Realty
