Architecture Wednesday: Peninsula Residence

Okay, I know, I can’t make up my mind. Last week I was all about simple Craftsman by the sea, and this week I’m back in my favorite part of the world, the San Francisco peninsula, and this stunning Italianesque stone mansion. The 12,000-square-foot home sits on a rare, flat 2-acre parcel, perfect to accommodate a bright, large sunlit home that is both private and open. Architect Richard Beard created a perfect home to satisfy all of the homeowner’s needs and desires, for a casual, elegant lifestyle.

This was done by building a series of stone-clad, linked structures and walls that  define the property, and help to break down the scale of what is, let’s be honest, an enormous home. The spaces between structures became a series of exterior courtyards, patios, sitting areas, and dining areas … along with an outdoor kitchen and pool and pool house.

The path to the front door is marked by another series of walls and courtyards, beginning at the street, that lead to the autocourt, where you walk across another courtyard and reflecting pool to the front door.

Inside the home, the stone walls continue, before transitioning to a mix of limestone walls and floors, wood floors and modern steel-framed windows and rustic red cedar beams. Shared gathering spaces— living room, dining room, kitchen, etc.—dominate the first floor, each with access to the exterior. The second floor includes a zone exclusively for kids bedrooms and a playroom, that is distinct and apart from the master bedroom, but not so far away.

Why do I love it? The location, the style, the outdoor spaces, the indoor elegance … a butler’s pantry and a wine room?

You had me at wine …

 One Kind Design