If you’re going to live somewhere as stunningly scenic as the San Francisco Bay Area, it just makes sense to buy a home with a view. The Bay Area real estate market is undeniably thriving, with housing prices shooting up by over $200,000 in just the first six months of this year. For those who can afford to get in on it — and want to savor a bird’s eye view with their morning coffee — the myriad cities and towns dotted around the bay offer ample opportunities for scenic perspectives, from rolling vineyards and dramatic city skylines to sweeping ocean scenery. If you’re in the market for a room (or 12) with a view (or just want to ogle!), here are five on-the-market properties offering some of the best vistas around.
The Historic Masterpiece
2820 Scott St., San Francisco
$29.95 million
If you’re looking for not only a view but also a house that itself is a scenic work of art, look no further than this incredible Beaux-Arts gem. Known as one of San Francisco’s most expensive homes, this magnificent 16,000-square-foot mansion features panoramic views of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, and Angel Island. Completely renovated with exquisite architectural detailing, it includes seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, elevators, and a huge roof deck from which to take in the view.
Bay and City Views in Marin
229 Reed Blvd., Mill Valley
$2.85 million
It’s a badly kept secret that the best place to enjoy San Francisco’s scenery is not in the city itself, but across the bay in Marin, where the views of the city skyline are beyond compare. This property takes full advantage of its location with sweeping vistas of the city, plus the hills of Tiburon, Belvedere Island, Angel Island, and the Bay Bridge. This five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath tranquil haven has an open layout and an airy feel, with the vivid blue of the bay visible from almost every room in the house. Besides the living room, deck, and dining room, the city skyline can be enjoyed from the master suite (tub with a view) and private deck.
Vineyards in the South Bay
Woodside Vineyard Estate, Woodside
$34.6 million
While the South Bay isn’t exactly known for its scenery, this extraordinary property feels like it’s located in Napa Valley. The huge 6.4-acre property is set amongst rolling hills, offering views across its expansive vineyards. This immense acreage features not only a huge main house, but also a two-bedroom guest house and a two-room entertainment pavilion, with tennis courts, a spa, and even a three-tree treehouse, making this more like a private resort than a home.
A Prime Penthouse
282 Carl St., San Francisco
$1.9 million
This gorgeously renovated two-level Victorian penthouse condominium features four bedrooms and three baths, nestled alongside Golden Gate Park in a quiet part of Cole Valley. The elegant Victorian detailing inside is complimented by the stunning panoramic view from its rooftop deck, with views stretching over Golden Gate Park to the Marin Headlands, plus a secondary deck looking out over the charming neighborhood.
The Spring Mansion
1960 San Antonio Ave., Berkeley
$6.9 million
There is almost nothing about this house that isn’t amazing. This 1914 mansion was inspired by an Austrian Empress’s palace, has featured as a film set, and was the subject of an HGTV home remolding show. Known as the Spring Mansion, this historic structure is nestled in the Thousand Oaks neighborhood of the exclusive Berkeley Hills. Extravagantly outfitted inside and out, this elegant home features panoramic views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay Bridge from its classically-styled balconies.
A Home for a Home
In an expensive market like the Bay Area, homelessness is a persistent issue. One local real estate agent, Nick Cooper, decided to find a way to give back to those in need of housing around the world, and so Home For a Home was born. This coalition of real estate professionals in the Bay Area gives back by donating a portion of their earnings towards the construction of homes in places most in need, like Guatemala.
