The Light House, 651 Dolores Street, San Francisco: USD 6,490,000 (GBP 4,636,000)

Let There be Light

Whilst the conversion of former industrial buildings into residential lofts is a well practised art, conversion of former churches, with their vast spaces and sombre atmosphere, is a skill less well mastered.  This stunning church conversion in the centre of San Francisco demonstrates what is possible in the hands of visionary designers and developers. 

What the agent says: "The Light House offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to live in the historic center of San Francisco, with world-class culinary options nearby, Dolores Park as your front yard, and a place to call home that is as unique as you are.  Formerly a church, The Light House is a magnificent extension of the vision of architect William H. Crim, who created this neoclassical style building, with its elegant arched entry porticos, Tuscan columns, and soaring 30 foot cathedral ceilings.  The custom-built townhomes consist of four amazing and truly stunning units of a remarkable scale, at over 5,000 sq. ft. each, unlike anything available in today’s real estate market.  The perfect homes for the discerning, cosmopolitan buyers who seek to have privacy, a magnificent luxury home, and immediate access to the best of world-class San Francisco."

What we love:
The epic proportions of the church has been tamed with the clever division of space into different zones which flow into each other effortlessly.  We love the industrial luxe look of the space, with slick contemporary furniture set against the original features of the building such as the arched windows, brick walls and wooden staircase, all in layers of neutrals.  The way the lighting track is suspended over the living space is rather clever.

What we would do:
One or two large, dramatic suspension lights would look amazing in the double-height living space.

The Light House is being marketed by Hill & Company.  Prices and details correct as at 3 March 2016.

Links 

http://www.lighthouseondolores.com

Shop the Style

Product Inspiration

A huge space like the Light House work best when divided into distinct zones, perhaps with subtly different styles.  The Gentry sofa from Moroso can be configured to suit a large living space, whilst the ABC Bookcase from Saporiti makes for a stylish and unusual space divider.

Grand atrium spaces call for grand light fittings and suspension lights don't come grander than the I.Rain from Blackbody, which can be configured to create any design to suit any space.  Combine this with a few warm floor lights such as the Link from LZF to create an intimate atmosphere. 

A stunning space like this needs elegant and stylish accessories such as the Slide serving tray from Finell and the Metrobowl from Frederik Roije.