189 Florence Avenue

Spectacular Views in Upper Rockridge

Whoever said “the best views of San Francisco are from Oakland” could have had this home in mind.  Upstairs and downstairs, inside and out, the home looks across the Bay at the City, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Richmond Bridge, Marin County, and Mount Tamalpais.  The modern-design home was built to capitalize on the views.  Downstairs, the kitchen, dining area, and living room all look out through 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and sliders that spill onto a generous deck to the stunning views to the west.  The spacious deck floats on a state-of-the-art grid with no grouting (making it exceptionally easy to clean) and accommodates a 10-seat dining set, built-in grill, and sitting area with a fire pit.  The deck is an entertainment hub (with an elite all-weather speaker system) for gatherings large and small.  

The home is the brainchild of noted architect Eric Manou, a modernist, who treats a vacant lot as “my canvas” upon which to paint.  He is known for blending textures and ergonomics to create a feeling of light and air.  This home is a perfect example.

The open-concept kitchen has every amenity, including a La Cornue range (custom made in France for the home), Gaggenau steam oven, custom cabinetry (designed by Eco Home Improvement) with built-in sliding drawers, Neolith counters and an island (with seating for three at a breakfast bar), a Perlick wine refrigerator, and striking overhead lighting.  A spacious pantry and refrigerated walk-in wine cellar sit adjacent.  The white oak Duchateau flooring throughout looks like new.

The home’s 3655 square feet offer four bedrooms and four and one-half bathrooms.  One bedroom, with an en-suite bath, is on the lower level and is ideal for guests.  Upstairs are three bedrooms with private bathrooms.  The principal bedroom has unobstructed views of the Bay (as does the adjoining bedroom) and includes an exceptional closet by the Italian company Poliform.  The principal bath is particularly noteworthy, with an oversized rain shower, radiant-heated towel racks, soaking tub, and dual sinks, all under skylights that draw in cheery sun.  Also upstairs is the third bedroom (with hillside views), a generous sitting area, and the laundry room (under a skylight).

If the weather is too chilly for outdoor entertaining, family and friends will gather in the spacious living room, warmed by an oversized fireplace and the radiant heating that extends throughout the home.  The home is fully equipped with air conditioning as well, although the temperate climate and vented operable skylights make its use infrequent.

A well-appointed office on the main floor makes work from home a pleasure, with built-in custom cabinetry and a storage closet.   

The home also offers a spacious and peaceful garden, featuring a Wilsonii olive tree, a strawberry tree, a fountain, and a vegetable garden featuring tomatoes, basil, rosemary, and French lavender.  There are 20 solar panels on the roof and an electronic car-charging station in the garage.

Completed in 2018, this home is an Upper Rockridge treasure.