Homes Description

Majestically towering on a premier Eureka Valley corner, this Arts & Crafts former church has been masterfully reincarnated into a single family home. This one of a kind residence, rich in history, successfully blends modern features with original architecture creating a dynamic space.

First Floor

The entry starts in the two story tower illuminated by an impressive large globe fixture and custom up lighting for a dramatic effect. Through the archway door you enter the former sanctuary, now the grand living and dining room, lined with gothic windows, exposed scissor trusses and the former altar which has been transformed into an expansive Rumford fireplace. The dining room is lit by two Ralph Lauren drum shades creatively hung with vintage rope adding to the eclectic feel of the home.

Past the home’s office, the former alter with exposed ceiling trusses, is the impressive kitchen which has been updated with black marble tile flooring, a large custom made marble topped island and luxury level appliances including:

• Bertazonni 6 burner gas range
• Bertazonni dishwasher
• Bertazonni microwave drawer
• Thermadore range hood
• SubZero Glass front refrigerator
• 4 foot galley style sink with 2 faucets and numerous accessories

The kitchen has also been outfitted with custom floor to ceiling cabinetry with industrial handles and a whimsical library ladder.

The first of three bedrooms is found on the main level with walls adorned with custom stenciled Venetian plaster by world renowned painter Caroline Lizarraga and lit by an enormous Ralph Lauren chandelier.

The main floor full bath features a reclaimed sink from a Pacific Heights mansion and walk-in shower.

Second Floor

Up the staircase, lit by overhead pendant and stair lights is where two additional ensuite bedrooms are located. The first is the guest room with two generous closets and a Juliet balcony with downtown city views. The attached bath has another reclaimed vintage sink and a large soaking tub. Down the hallway, past a wall of built-in cabinets topped with decorative… is a large closet custom outfitted for shoe and hanging storage.

Entering the primary suite you will notice the exposed scissor trusses, similar to the great room and a second fireplace. This one is wood burning. The impressively large walk-in closet has been customized with a floor to ceiling closet system with pull down rods for ultimate storage along with built-ins with drawers. Past another Juliet balcony is the primary bath. Two huge reclaimed janitorial sinks have been outfitted with foot pedals instead of standard handles creating sinks as unique as the home itself. The walls have been custom painted by decorative painter Caroline Lazarraga to resemble agate stone.

Lower Level

The lower level of the home offers internal access through a mudroom to a spacious 1 car garage equipped for EV charging. There is an additional area for storage and a mechanical room. The reappointed laundry room offers a washer and dryer topped with a stone countertop, cabinetry and a deep laundry sink.

Those Ceilings

One of the most impressive features of this home are the ceiling heights, rarely found in residential homes.

• Great Room has ceilings over 21 feet high
• Office/Den, Kitchen and Bedroom on main level are over 13 feet high

Primary bedroom is over 15 feet high. The original scissor trusses were sand-blasted and retained from the original structure. The primary suite’s exposed trusses were discovered under a drop ceiling during the conversion and left exposed.

Additional Features

The custom features and amenities include:

• 6 Zone Radiant Heating
• Built in Speakers in most rooms with individual controls
• Video Cameras on both entry doors
• Fire Sprinklers throughout
• Refinished Wood floors

Homes History

Originally built in 1906 as a Mormon Church it later was expanded in the 1940’s by adding a two story structure to the back where the downstairs held a cafeteria, the current kitchen and a kitchen where the bedroom is now located. External stairs led upstairs to the church’s offices. The church changed hands and became Sha’ar Zahav, San Francisco’s first gay and lesbian Synagogue where they remained until they outgrew the space and moved to their current location.

In 1998 the building was purchased and transformed into a single family home and was chronicled on the TV show This Old House, their only project in San Francisco. Once it became a private home it still remained part of the community by hosting charity and community based events including ones for Muttville (senior dog rescue) the Trevor Project and REAF (Richmond-Ermet Aids Foundation) just to name a few. The home has also been featured on HGTV’s “You Live in What?” and used in several catalog/website shoots.