Spectacular $45 Million Garden Oasis Estate Blooms Over San Francisco’s Lombard Street

A spectacular hilltop without a picturesque perch isn’t worth a damn. Beautify it with an extraordinary estate and look out—it’s priceless. One of America’s best views has come to market high above perhaps America’s most beautiful metropolis—San Francisco. Residence 950, a biophilic-designed mansion atop the Russian Hill neighborhood is listed as the Bay City’s most expensive property at $45 million by Val Steele of Pacific Union, who also sold San Francisco’s most expensive house in 2017 (at $40 million).

This exceptional 9,500-square-foot bay view estate radiates a sense of wonder, wellness and serenity within an elevated park ambiance in the nation’s 13th largest city. Celebrating views from the Salesforce Tower to Alcatraz to the Bay Bridge, it sits a block from the “crookedest street in the world”—Lombard Street’s iconic 5 mph, zig-zagged lane of curves, floral hedges and gorgeous Victorian mansions.

Sprawling across a full-city block, this intimate home is full of surprises, including a cantilevered infinity-edge pool, an alfresco dining and entertainment hook-up (with retractable projection screen and surround sound), fireplace, and a lush garden oasis with century-old olive trees, lemon trees and native flowers on .36 acres of land.

Another outdoor space has heated bench seating, a fire pit, rotisserie grill, a wood burning pizza oven, and beverage center. Then there’s that breathtaking backyard view of the San Francisco Bay, the East Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, downtown San Francisco, Coit Tower, and terra-cotta-style rooftops.

But there’s more. Residence 950’s state-of-the-art air filtration system completely recycles interior air 12 times per day—an underrated luxury in light of nearby Butte County’s wildfires whose drifting haze contributed to the Bay Area’s recent air quality index warnings. Clean air, clean California living.

Built by Troon Pacific, Residence 950 blends classic San Francisco architecture with modern, open floor plans and flexible entertaining spaces. A pre-certified LEED-Platinum property, the estate includes a main house (five bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms) and a restored historic cottage (one-bedroom, one-bathroom) with modern finishes and appliances. A pedestrian path from Lombard Street to Residence 950’s front door presents a secluded park vibe between the main house and the wellness cottage.

“A home like Residence 950 is an impossible find in San Francisco, a virtual oasis in the heart of the city,” said Troon Pacific CEO Gregory Malin. “It was essential for us to provide a home that is truly unique, remains understated from the street, and then reveals a rare level of amenity and openness.”

The three-story property is protected by layered security, including a Siedle Steel keypad/biometric access by the pedestrian walkway entrance, and a gated lower-level underground car tunnel entrance dramatically illuminated by custom Jonathan Browning Spear lanterns and LED up-lights (with a glass garage door).

Natural light permeates the main floor of the open-concept home through floor-to-ceiling glass wall sliders and a skylighted glass Elevator Boutique framed by a custom-made steel-and-wood floating staircase. This level boasts a formal dining room, living room (with jewel box-like wet bar), and a chef-inspired gourmet kitchen that opens to the outdoor grounds.

The contemporary kitchen showcases a large bar island, walnut-hued Boffi cabinetry, Calacatta marble countertops, Mandarin white limestone floors and integrated Gaggenau appliances (gas and induction cooktops; and three ovens, including a plumbed-in steamer).

Residence 950’s top-floor master suite has vaulted ceilings, ensuite bathroom, a foyer office, and French doors that open to a balcony overlooking the alfresco garden and shade trellis. The bathroom has marble slab walls, a free-standing soaking tub, in-shower TV, and rainfall shower head.

On the ground level of Residence 950, a four-car garage includes integrated speakers, recessed LED lighting, an automotive turntable, a dog wash, catering area and a separate entryway to a two-story art gallery with adjacent wine wall that’s a work-of-art itself. This double-height space is flexible—designed to serve as the owner pleases, as an art gallery, sports court, a fitness center or even a nightclub.

The ground floor showcases two guest bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a grand parlor with custom bar, cantilevered peninsula, sink, ice maker, and beverage center. There’s also an entertainment space, mudroom, and double laundry room with dishwasher on this level.

The detached wellness cottage soothes the soul with a steam room, sauna, massage area, outdoor shower, and hot tub with ultraviolet filtration. The retreat, which includes a kitchen and Great Room, is convertible to an office or in-law suite.

The estate is technologically superior, offering an array of sustainable features—Zehnder high-quality air ventilation (even under the concrete foundation), Japanese Tensui water filtration (aiding hair, nails and skin), water preservation, solar energy, temperature controls and even “Thoughtful Energy Improvements” to reduce the risks of electromagnetic fields while sleeping.

“Responsibility includes both environmental sustainability for the planet as well as thoughtful wellness amenities for the human soul,” says Malin. “Our mission of creativity allows for flexible, future-proof layout so that new owners could make it their dream home and adapt it to their preferences and lifestyle.”

San Fran’s most famous wonder hill may have a new tourist attraction. Residence 950 makes the trek back down Lombard Street less daunting, and attractive beyond the lush zig-zags. A spectacular hill like this deserves a spectacular view—and this exceptional home.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.