12 San Francisco Homes That Embrace Cali Living

Surround yourself with trees as old as time and unplug from it all with an offering of some of the best homes that San Francisco, California, has to offer — 12 of them, to be exact. Take this chance to peek inside visions created by people living out their days where ancient redwood forests meet the Pacific Ocean. A city with a storied past, where Mark Twain cut his teeth as a young journalist in the 19th century after the gold rush to now, a new era of Silicon Valley tech colors our perception of the place. No matter your preconceived notions, take in every bit of charm these homes have to offer.

TAKE THE TOUR: If you're considering a high-contrast exterior, something along the lines of black trim with raw wood, you should check out that, plus the gorgeous live-edge wood staircase at this Northern Cali home.

TAKE THE TOUR: This space feels as if owning just the right amount of furniture will lead to a peaceful existence — so it makes sense that a custom furniture designer and woodworker found his Zen in this minimalist SF cottage.

TAKE THE TOUR: Calling all vinyl-loving book nerds out there ... this house is your paradise (you'll barely even notice that insane, in-your-face ocean view).

TAKE THE TOUR: If you've been waiting to see some of that quintessential "quirky Berkeley," 1960s vibe, here it is, in all its groovy glory.

TAKE THE TOUR: Built by developer Joseph Eichler, this and all homes by the iconic midcentury architect have become icons of California modernism and this one in particular shows how it's done, more like redone, 21st-century style.

TAKE THE TOUR: It has been said (by us) that this bright, 1906 Victorian home in SF is California living at its best (editor's note: 100% agreed).

TAKE THE TOUR: The kitchen ain't the only thing that came out picture-perfect after this Noe Valley renovation ... we're talking total, three-story swoonfest.

TAKE THE TOUR: Here's a couple who built a Silicon Valley property with nature, not technology in mind, and the result is an airy, H-shaped layout that maximizes sunlight and creates a connection to the towering redwoods and oak trees beyond.

TAKE THE TOUR: This 6,000-square-foot refuge took land that was once an orchard and transformed it into a property in tune with the elements, where warm summer days and cool winter nights could be enjoyed with equal opportunity (and breezeways).

TAKE THE TOUR: This Russian Hill apartment goes from an empty canvas to a striking art-filled home for grown-ups, expertly curated with a neutral color scheme that complements sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

TAKE THE TOUR: But wait, where is all the low-key, accessible boho interior porn that only a place like SF could produce? Right here in the Dogpatch Neighborhood, with this space by Lauren Geremia of Geremia Design, of course.

TAKE THE TOUR: Blocks away from the famous Painted Ladies houses in SF's Lower Haight neighborhood, a 100-year-old apartment still brimming with original Victorian details mixed Target with vintage furnishings to get a perfect right-now look.