DESCRIPTION:

Set back from stately Santa Clara Avenue on a grand double lot, this magnificent home is an entertainer's dream as well as providing every amenity for comfortable family living.

The entrance to this home is through a picturesque garden pathway to an original Mediterranean-style arched front door.? Once inside, the marble entry foyer welcomes the guest with Mediterranean textured walls, mosaic tile accents and gleaming glass light fixtures.? Two small coat closets with original detailing and a lovely powder room with an onyx bowl sink serve guests.? To the right is the sunken living room with a beautiful oversized wood-burning fireplace and gorgeous tall windows on three sides.? On the same level is a lovely guest suite with an en suite marble bath with a glass-topped vanity and walk-in glass shower enclosure. This suite has a separate seating area with arched doors out to one of three private outdoor areas.? This patio has a charming water fountain and arched wooden gate leading to a small grass enclosure perfect for pets.

Leading to the kitchen is a very large dining area with space for two separate seating arrangements or one very long table.? The kitchen is truly a chef's dream with lovely granite countertops, glass-fronted cabinetry, a BlueStar 6-burner range, Viking refrigerator, two Bosch dishwashers, Thermador built-in oven, microwave and warming drawer, trash compactor, wine refrigerator and second sink.? The enormous center island is granite with a "leather" finish, lending a subtle sheen to this gorgeous fixture with loads of storage, including custom roll-outs and a wine rack, and space for 6 to eat or casually observe the cook.? Two sets of French doors from the kitchen showcase the tiled center patio and bathe the room in natural light.? There is also a small office off the kitchen and another French door leading to the landscaped back yard.

Down a short flight of stairs from the kitchen is the wonderful sunken family room with a very large floating stone fireplace, terrazzo floors and dramatic beamed ceilings.? French doors on one side lead to the garden, while a wall of glass on the other side showcases the large indoor pool.? The heated pool, which has a very secure mechanized pool-cover, is enclosed in a glass room, with a small fenced-in patio space on the other side from the family room and multiple skylights lending an entirely outdoor feeling to this level while remaining a comfortable and cozy place to relax or entertain.? Also on this level is a dry infra-red sauna, a full marble bathroom with a glass shower enclosure, and a large laundry room.

The staircase up from the entry is accented by a delicate iron railing and a tall leaded-glass window.? At the top of the stairs is a charming reading nook.? This level has three bedroom suites.? The first is very spacious with large walk-in closet and bath with a tub over the shower.? The second bedroom has a very large attached deck, closet with built-ins, and bathroom with radiant-heated marble floors and a glass mosaic tiled shower/bath combination.? The master suite has lovely details including a lit ceiling cove above the bed, a small balcony, and his-and-hers walk-in closets.? The master bathroom is fabulous, with heated floors, a separate W.C., two vanities, a jetted soaking tub, and enormous glass shower with a bench and multiple showerheads, all done in serene white and sea-foam marble.? A linen closet and additional closet space in the hall completes this level.

Unusual for this neighborhood, the house also has a small basement housing telecom equipment, room for lots of storage, and a finished, heated room that could be used for a variety of purposes.? Additional amenities include three separate furnaces, 2-car parking behind a dramatic stately gate, and membership in the exclusive St. Francis Woods HOA which includes community center membership and access to tennis and basketball courts and playground.? Walking distance to thriving West Portal's shops and restaurants and an easy commute both downtown or to the Peninsula.