1509 47th Avenue

Steps from the Pacific Ocean, this beach compound would make the perfect movie set. If you’ve ever fantasized about owning a cool and unique home a few blocks from the beach, this is it. The use of reclaimed wood, the contrast of deep emotional colors with the clean, white, crisp master bedroom, the bright colors that pop up unexpectedly, and the use of organic materials and native plants create the ultimate beach vibe. Built with green features in mind, the home features solar panels, recycled denim insulation and a living roof on the studio.

The main house is comprised of a sexy living room with a cozy gas burning fireplace, designer bookshelves, and two sets of wood pocket doors; one that closes off the kitchen and the other closes off the hallway that leads to the bedrooms.

The remodeled and huge kitchen and dining area kills it with an unexpected and unique combination of finishes, materials, and colors. A Bertazonni range completes this kitchen that is suited perfectly for the home chef.

The aesthetic of the large full bath is commensurate with our fantasies of what a beach house bath should be; an exquisite modern soaking tub combined with reclaimed wood sourced from the first fire station in Fairfax, a heated towel rack and extra storage (for those wet suits, of course).

The beautiful and light infused master bedroom has a massive custom cedar closet outfitted with an Elfa system. It faces the courtyard and walks out through sliding glass doors to a deck.

In addition to the master bedroom there are two other bedrooms, one of which is currently configured as a library with an abundant number of stylish bookshelves.

There is an additional 1/2 bath behind the kitchen and a small office at the rear of the home is one of the access points to the courtyard.

Step outside to the lovely private courtyard garden which is adorned with many planters containing native plants and a zenlike rock garden. Nestled in the southwest corner of the garden/courtyard is the most compelling studio. Many elements of the studio carry a piece of historic San Francisco; wood from the old lanes of the Marina Bowl, doors salvaged from a pre-1906 mansion in the Fillmore, an authentic salvage porthole. This studio can be used as many things. It has a built-in loft bed, a built-in desk, and a small refrigerator. The concrete floors even have radiant heat. The living green roof is irrigated and planted with native plants to support butterfly, bird and bee populations.

The separate detached 2-car garage is a huge boon in a city where space is at a premium. Currently, one half of the garage is used for parking and the other half lives as the Foosball Lounge! It really is suitable as a ping pong pavilion, creative work space, a gym… you decide!

Behind the gate lives this beautiful, interesting and spacious compound. The detached garage, the main house, the lovely courtyard, and the ultimate studio tie together aesthetically and emotionally to create some real magic.

Neighborhood (From the Sellers’ Perspective):

The Outer Sunset is a beach village attached to a great city. When you cross Sunset going west the vibe changes and lowers and engages. Down Judah is the superb Other Avenues co-op, General Store, Trouble Coffee, and Outerlands, as well as the Ocean Beach Little Free Library outside the church at 43d. And almost at the end of the continent are Beachside Café and Java Beach.

There are also the little gems on Irving—The Last Straw, Hook Fish, and 3 Fish Art Studio.

Over on Lawton are Andytown Coffee and the The Great Highway, a contemporary art gallery that never disappoints.

Farther south a bit is Noriega and the other wonderful grocery store in Driftwood Alley is Gus’s, accompanied by Devil’s Teeth bakery, Establish (hip jewelry, retro thingies, clothes), La Playa Taquería, Toyose, the Pizza Place, and Sunset Pet Supply. Big shout-out to Overland One for hair color and styling—we bought 1509 from one of the stylists!

Ortega Branch of the SFPL is a great resource and a good little walk.

Then there’s Taraval a bit farther south—Riptide Bar! The White Cap! Also a great little vinyl shop next door to The White Cap. Other goodies scheduled to come along soon.

Other mad perks of the Outer Sunset: a long, robust beach with intrepid surfers; a beautiful drive up and around Land’s End to Geary; Golden Gate Park with its myriad activities a short walk north; and a quick drive to SFO!

This is a solid little neighborhood with a mix of people, pets, and qualities that resonate for everyone’s benefit. We can recommend everything noted above and more. We leave with regret, of course, but are happy to hand over 1509 to its next inhabitants and can envision your excitement and satisfaction with the house and the neighborhood.