This Mid-Century Modern home cantilevered over a Sausalito, CA, hillside stands out as a design marvel. Get a martini shaker ready—you could be its next owner if you have $2.99 million to spare.
Local Skidmore, Owings & Merrill architect John Hoops designed the home in 1954 for himself, using techniques that were novel at the time. “He helped pioneer the idea of building homes with steel I-beams and glass and concrete the way they did with high-rise office buildings,” listing agent Randi Deutsch said.
Deutsch added that the property is securely anchored into bedrock, “It’s a magnificent concept for a hillside.”
Even as the modern masterpiece was being built, folks were taking notice. In 1953, the Sausalito News said, “The house [is] believed to be the first of its kind in the Bay Area.” It also described how, upon completion, “the house will appear to ‘float’ above the terrain.”
The publication noted that the architect chose to preserve a “grove of live oaks along the street edge.”
Fast-forward 60 years: The landscaping—along with everything else—still stands.
“There’s a canopy of coastal oak trees that sits at the base of the deck, screening the home,” Deutsch said. “That maintains the total privacy the home enjoys.” The trees have been tended to by the “same tree master for 40 years,” she added.
The most recent owner, an artist and designer who bought the 2,300-square-foot house in 2002 for $1,500,000, spruced up the home with bathroom and kitchen updates. The glass was replaced with UV-protected windows, so any works of art hanging in the home won’t be damaged, according to the agent.
Although there are plenty of windows, there’s also enough wall space to support an art collection. In fact, potential buyers include artists and architects, along with entrepreneurs, who appreciate the impeccable technique of the place and, naturally, the panoramic views of the bay and Mount Tamalpais.
The price may be as steep as the hill it’s on, but it’s priced right for the area. “For Sausalito, it’s a high price per square foot but not anywhere near the highest price that’s been sold,” the agent said. “It’s in pretty great shape.”
Deutsch pointed out that this area of Sausalito was developed in the 1950s, meaning that Mid-Century Modern-style homes abound. But, she maintains, this one is different.
“It’s the most unique one, because of where it’s situated. It has the most privacy with the most unobstructed views.” No rooftops, no telephone wires or cables—just sweeping vistas.
Deutsch also noted that San Francisco is only 10 minutes away. But with views to die for around cocktail hour, we’re betting San Francisco comes to you.
The post A Mid-Century Home in Sausalito Floats Above the Bay appeared first on Real Estate News.