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.
1698 Armstrong Ave. in Bayview was originally built in 1924 for Italian sculptor Cesare Santini and quickly earned the nickname Villa Santini.
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.
The home’s 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.
Its current design also reflects a layered history and thoughtful curation, brought to life by celebrated interior designer Antonio Martins, whose work has appeared in Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Sunset, and CA Home + Design.
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.
When 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 with City Real Estate.
“Antonio is an interior designer, very successful, and he’s 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.
“Bayview is kind of a hub, it’s very urban, but also full of artists. I think that was what attracted him to the area.”
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.
“It 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’s been his primary residence ever since. He splits his time between Portugal, where he’s from, and San Francisco.”
Martins restored the structure in two careful phases. First, he addressed the building’s essential structure, preserving the historical integrity and original craftsmanship.
“Antonio developed the downstairs area,” Droubi added. “It was originally just a big open space, and it was dated; the house felt old in a way that wasn’t particularly stylish. But he had a vision for it. He saw that the bones were there.”
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.
“He 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’s even hosted shows and parties there.”
Interestingly, the original plaster embellishments weren’t typical of the 1920s. As Droubi notes: “They 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.”
Upstairs, Martins honored the home’s 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.
The staircase and hallway feature large hand-painted blue-and-white tiles with ornamental depictions, showcasing the home’s unique artistry.
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.
Each room preserves the connection to the home’s history while accommodating modern lifestyle needs, reflecting Martins’ ability to harmonize past and present.
The property also highlights the Bayview neighborhood’s 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.
Surrounding the home are historic shipwright cottages and other artisan residences, creating a neighborhood long intertwined with San Francisco’s 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.
Droubi emphasizes the value proposition: “Also, what you’re purchasing here for $1.6 million is hard to find in San Francisco. I know that’s a lot of money anywhere else, but in this city, you don’t 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.”
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.
The home balances historic architecture with contemporary design, resulting in a property that is sophisticated, functional, and full of character.
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’s cultural and architectural legacy.
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.
