{"id":1015,"date":"2025-10-26T16:16:49","date_gmt":"2025-10-26T21:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brickellsold.com\/blog\/historic-1-6-million-italianate-retreat-comes-with-a-century-of-artistic-legacy\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T10:48:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:48:16","slug":"historic-1-6-million-italianate-retreat-comes-with-a-century-of-artistic-legacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brickellsold.com\/blog\/historic-1-6-million-italianate-retreat-comes-with-a-century-of-artistic-legacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Historic $1.6 Million Italianate Retreat Comes With a Century of Artistic Legacy"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

A one-of-a-kind San Francisco home, blessed with nearly a century of artistic ownership, has hit the market for $1.6 million, offering buyers a rare chance to own a property that is both a residence and a living work of art.<\/p>\n

1698 Armstrong Ave. in Bayview was originally built in 1924 for Italian sculptor Cesare Santini<\/strong> and quickly earned the nickname Villa Santini.<\/p>\n

Originally, it functioned both as a family residence and a plaster workshop, where Santini meticulously crafted ornate ceiling medallions, friezes, and decorative trims. These pieces would go on to adorn theaters, Victorian mansions, and hotels throughout the Bay Area. <\/p>\n

The home\u2019s dual purpose as artisan workshop and family living space is still evident today. Its Italianate style is immediately apparent, with elaborate plaster moldings, detailed crown work, a Juliet balcony with French doors, and hand-crafted interior touches throughout, reflecting the artistry of its original owner.<\/p>\n

Its current design also reflects a layered history and thoughtful curation, brought to life by celebrated interior designer Antonio Martins<\/strong>, whose work has appeared in Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Sunset, and CA Home + Design. <\/p>\n

Ornamental blue-and-white hand-painted tiles adorn the stairwell and hallway, highlighting the home\u2019s unique artistic heritage. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The living room combines historic architecture with contemporary style, featuring a gallery wall and access to the Juliet balcony. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Antonio Martins\u2019 design expertise shines in the bedrooms, blending historic details with modern comfort. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The entrance to the home, with tiling that pays homage to the original owner. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The dining room showcases the owner’s collection and nods to the original owner’s work. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The home marries its artistic past with modern sophistication, offering three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and an extraordinary opportunity to inhabit a space that seamlessly blends history, design, and functionality.<\/p>\n

When <\/strong>Martins acquired the home in 2017, he approached it with both respect for its past and a vision for its future, according to listing agent Lamisse Droubi <\/strong>with City Real Estate<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\u201cAntonio is an interior designer, very successful, and he\u2019s been practicing in the U.S. and in Europe for decades. He was my designer as well, so I knew him personally,” Droubi revealed. “He owned a house in a neighborhood called Dogpatch and was looking for another interesting space. <\/p>\n

“Bayview is kind of a hub, it\u2019s very urban, but also full of artists. I think that was what attracted him to the area.\u201d<\/p>\n

The house on Armstrong Avenue had gone through many evolutions by the time Martins took it over in 2017, but, Droubi notes, it still had plenty of its old charm.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt had a lot of the original details: plasterwork, floors, and some embellishments from the original owners. I think he was fascinated by it,” the listing agent revealed. “He bought it in 2017, and it\u2019s been his primary residence ever since. He splits his time between Portugal, where he\u2019s from, and San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

Martins restored the structure in two careful phases. First, he addressed the building\u2019s essential structure, preserving the historical integrity and original craftsmanship.<\/p>\n

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1698 Armstrong Ave. in Bayview was originally built in 1924 for Italian sculptor Cesare Santini and quickly earned the nickname Villa Santini. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The home marries its artistic past with modern sophistication, offering three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and an extraordinary opportunity to inhabit a space that seamlessly blends history, design, and functionality. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The versatile lower level flows seamlessly among garage, art studio, and gallery space, perfect for displaying Antonio Martins\u2019 curated collection. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The space currently operates as a garage, studio, and gallery, but the open floor plan makes it extremely flexible. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cAntonio developed the downstairs area,\u201d Droubi added. \u201cIt was originally just a big open space, and it was dated; the house felt old in a way that wasn\u2019t particularly stylish. But he had a vision for it. He saw that the bones were there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lower level, previously used for sculptural production and storage, is now a gallery and garage filled with Chinese and European art, antiques sourced at auction, and a few contemporary pieces. <\/p>\n

\u201cHe also liked that there were two garages,” Droubi shared. “One he uses for art projects, and the open space downstairs now flows nicely between the courtyard and studio area. He\u2019s even hosted shows and parties there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the original plaster embellishments weren\u2019t typical of the 1920s. As Droubi notes: \u201cThey were more in line with an older Victorian or 1890s property. So, it had a really interesting blend between a 1920s home and a turn-of-the-century design.\u201d<\/p>\n

Upstairs, Martins honored the home\u2019s past while creating a comfortable and functional living environment. Light-filled rooms feature high ceilings, careful attention to original detailing, and a thoughtful layout that balances elegance and livability. <\/p>\n

The staircase and hallway feature large hand-painted blue-and-white tiles with ornamental depictions, showcasing the home\u2019s unique artistry.<\/p>\n

The living and dining areas open to a Juliet balcony, welcoming soft natural light, while the roof deck provides sweeping views of Twin Peaks and the bay, making it a space perfectly suited for quiet afternoons or entertaining guests.<\/p>\n

Each room preserves the connection to the home\u2019s history while accommodating modern lifestyle needs, reflecting Martins\u2019 ability to harmonize past and present.<\/p>\n

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Several spaces in the dwelling offer a more modern feel to them while reflecting an artistic legacy. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The listing agent said that the property is very reasonably priced for the area. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Living spaces open up to the great outdoors. (Drew Kelly & Christopher Stark )<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The property also highlights the Bayview neighborhood\u2019s rich artistic and cultural history. Villa Santini sits near the Bayview Opera House, a City Landmark that helped launch the careers of entertainers like Danny Glover and Cindy Herron. <\/p>\n

Surrounding the home are historic shipwright cottages and other artisan residences, creating a neighborhood long intertwined with San Francisco\u2019s creative community. The home is also within easy reach of Dogpatch, Mission Bay, and Potrero, making it both a retreat and a convenient urban residence.<\/p>\n

Droubi emphasizes the value proposition: \u201cAlso, what you\u2019re purchasing here for $1.6 million is hard to find in San Francisco. I know that\u2019s a lot of money anywhere else, but in this city, you don\u2019t get this amount of square footage and this kind of product for that price. In more central neighborhoods, that would only get you a two-bedroom condo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Villa Santini is more than just a home, it is a living record of San Francisco craftsmanship. From the original plaster medallions and friezes crafted by Santini to the curated gallery and elegant residential spaces shaped by Martins, every corner tells a story. <\/p>\n

The home balances historic architecture with contemporary design, resulting in a property that is sophisticated, functional, and full of character.<\/p>\n

For buyers seeking a home with artistry, history, and modern comforts, 1698 Armstrong Ave. offers a rare opportunity to inhabit a piece of San Francisco\u2019s cultural and architectural legacy.<\/p>\n

With its Italianate details, layered design influences, and thoughtfully restored interiors, Villa Santini stands as a testament to nearly a century of creative vision, a home built to be lived in, celebrated, and admired for generations to come.<\/p>\n

Miami market relevance<\/h2>\n

If this topic impacts buyers or sellers, the most useful context is what is happening locally. Track current pricing, inventory, and days on market in Miami, and compare active listings by building or neighborhood before making decisions.<\/p>\n

Browse current Miami listings<\/a> or request a tailored report<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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