Ten years of careful construction, countless European travels and a love for the warm tones of the Mediterranean inspired the work of art that is 1553-1555 11th Ave.
When brother and sister, Rose and Alex Tsapenco, moved from Europe to San Francisco, they purchased the former fixer-upper with the hope of creating their dream Tuscany-inspired home. And now, the doors to that home are for you…
As the creative and constructive genius behind the home, which rests on the borders of Golden Gate Heights and Forest Knoll neighborhoods close to UCSF, Alex’s careful eye and skillful touch is evident from European wooden accents on the ceiling’s light fixtures, to the elegant hand-painted tiles in the bathrooms and kitchens.
As owner of Magic Brush Painting, Alex created the property’s exterior so it never needs to be touched up or re-painted. The entire home is also reinforced with the strongest of steel beams in order to support a third floor. “I built with all the permits,” said Alex.
The house is designed to expand up to 3,000 square feet, allowing the buyers to construct their own dream master bedroom, with walk-in closet, and bath outfitted with the top amenities. The luxurious master suite would open onto a private deck, providing a bit of the magic of Tuscany with uninterrupted views of Golden Gate Bridge and park.
A grand bay window welcomes natural light in the front living area, complete with a fireplace. The entirely remodeled kitchen is complimented by a peninsula designed with a marbled mosaic and exotic travertine tiles from India covering the floor.
The quaint downstairs unit, perfect for a live-in nanny, has its own separate entrance and relaxing sauna attached to the second bathroom. French sliding doors lead to an expansive patio covered in rare Mexican clay tiles.
Raised flower beds and accent lighting make for a romantic outdoor setting reminiscent of a Tuscan garden. The added building at the back of the patio is perfect for a private gym or office.
Young professionals, especially doctors and lawyers, are drawn to the neighborhood because of its close proximity to USF Medical Center. The neighborhood boasts the added convenience of a school, hospital, transportation, museums, parks, and restaurants all within a few blocks.
“We hope for people who love architecture, and will get as much pleasure out of living in this house as we did. My son grew up in this house and it’s a great place to raise a family,” said Rose of this bit of Italy hidden in the convenient and lovely San Francisco neighborhood. “We brought our soul here. Everything in here was touched by love.”
