Breathtaking Belvedere Island Villa

This elegant villa-style estate epitomizes architectural excellence, effortlessly capturing the romantic charm of Italy's coastal allure with a breathtaking panorama that includes views of Corinthian Island, Belvedere Cove, Raccoon Strait, the San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge, reminiscent of the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and Portofino.

Rich in history, this landmark estate is designated by the City of Belvedere as the 24th historic property in Belvedere and retains the significant tax advantage of its Mills Act Agreement.

Built in 1907, this iconic Belvedere Island residence was constructed on land purchased with ten gold coins. Over the years, the home has been owned by distinguished figures who have left their mark on its storied history.

Located on the coveted East side of Belvedere Island, this stately residence underwent an extensive renovation from 2006 to 2009, and again in 2024. No expense was spared in preserving and enhancing the original period elements while seamlessly integrating modern amenities and high-quality finishes to create timeless living spaces.

This captivating estate is a true haven for entertainers, seamlessly integrating exceptional outdoor spaces with its enchanting park-like grounds. The property features a large ceramic-tiled pool with a pool deck and bathroom, extensive multi-level gardens with mature plantings, multiple entertainment terraces and balconies, turf lawns, patios, meandering pathways, and a beautiful pond, creating an idyllic setting for both grand and intimate gatherings.

As you step through the front gate into the private courtyard, you will be captivated by a regal fountain, manicured landscaping, red brick walkways, and the impressive columns and intricate millwork framing the grand entry.

Beyond the stately front door you are transported into a world of refined sophistication and grand-scale living spaces. Exceptional architectural design and world-class finishes merge effortlessly while highlighting the distinguished character of this one-of-a-kind estate.

Elaborate crown molding, finely crafted millwork, stunning wainscoting panels, and beautiful herringbone-pattern hardwood floors echo the timeless beauty and classic charm of this stately Belvedere home.

Main Level:

The elegant and inviting grand living room boasts coffered ceilings, an impressive wood-burning fireplace anchoring the room, wonderful natural lighting, and a tiled Juliet balcony with Marvin French doors overlooking the picturesque grounds.

Positioned to capture breathtaking views of the scenic backdrop, the extraordinary formal dining room features coffered ceilings, built-in cabinetry, and oversized windows overlooking the Bay.

Enveloped in natural light, the family room features custom built-in cabinetry and shelving, coffered ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace with stone surround, wainscoting-paneled walls, built-in bench seating, and large windows framing stunning views of Belvedere Cove, Corinthian Island, Angel Island, the Bay, and the rolling hills of Tiburon.

Kitchen:

One of the most beautifully designed and executed kitchens on Belvedere Island, this culinary haven offers enchanting views of Belvedere Cove, Corinthian Island, Angel Island, the Bay, and Raccoon Straits. Marvin glass folding doors in the breakfast area gracefully open to the view balcony, offering a dynamic panorama of daily sailing activity and enhancing the connection to the water and the coastal ambiance synonymous with the Tiburon-Belvedere peninsula.

This state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen boasts carefully selected Calacatta Oro marble countertops and backsplash, hardwood floors, a 10’6” x 3’4” center island, two pantries, extensive soft-close custom cabinetry, and a private exterior entrance for kitchen staff and catering needs.

Professional-grade stainless steel appliances cater to the most discerning culinary enthusiasts. The kitchen features a Thermador Professional range with two ovens, six gas burners, and a center griddle; a Miele oven and broiler with a MasterChef automated cooking program and rotisserie; a Miele steam oven; two Miele Optima Series dishwashers; a Sub-Zero refrigerator with separate freezer drawers and ice maker; a Sub-Zero two-drawer refrigerator for vegetables and beverages, integrated into the center island; and a U-Line wine cooler, also seamlessly integrated into the center island.

A media room/den complete with hardwood floors, recessed lighting, and a powder bathroom complete the main level of the residence.

Upper Level 1:

A grand staircase with detailed wainscoting-paneled walls ascends to the first upper level of the residence, featuring a luxurious primary suite, three comfortable bedrooms, a newly remodeled “Jack & Jill” full bathroom, and a laundry closet.

Encompassing a large portion of the upper level, the expansive primary suite is an unrivaled sanctuary of comfort and privacy, boasting new carpeting, a wood-burning fireplace, an inviting lounge, a wet bar, a balcony overlooking the garden, an impressive walk-in closet with custom wardrobe system, two additional closets, and two lavish primary bathrooms.

The fully equipped wet bar features a sink, a refrigerator, a dishwasher drawer, built-in cabinetry, and a seating area.

Connected by a large steam shower, the two lavish Calacatta Oro marble bathrooms feature separate vanities, a cast iron soaking tub, and two separate toilets.

The second bedroom, or potential nursery or den, is situated at the entrance of the primary suite, offering ample closet space with built-in cabinetry and a sunny balcony with picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, and Sausalito.

The third bedroom features new carpeting, recessed lighting, custom built-in cabinetry, and wonderful natural lighting.

The spacious fourth bedroom features new carpeting, recessed lighting, and an incredible adjoining sunroom with atrium windows and walls of glass capturing the sweeping views.

A stylish and recently renovated full bathroom connects the third and fourth bedrooms, featuring Calacatta Herringbone mosaic floor, a vanity with a marble countertop, and a shower/tub combination.

Upper Level 2 (Top Floor):

The top floor features two bedrooms, a bonus room/sitting area, an office area with a built-in desk, a full bathroom, and two large cedar closets with deep storage space.

The fifth and sixth bedrooms feature wood-burning fireplaces, custom built-in cabinetry, recessed lighting, and French doors opening to a shared balcony with mesmerizing views.

The full bathroom on the top floor features hand-painted artisanal tiles, dual sinks, a shower/tub combination, and skylights.

Lower Level 1:

The lower level of the residence features two ensuite bedrooms, an in-law unit/guest quarters, a laundry room, a wine cellar, a fitness room with a full bathroom and a sauna, and multiple storage areas.

The seventh bedroom, or Au Pair suite, features carpeting, great closet space, a full bathroom with a shower/tub combination, and a private deck with incredible views.

The spacious in-law suite, or guest quarters, features a living/rec room, a kitchenette with a dishwasher and refrigerator, picturesque bay views, French doors opening to the wrap-around deck, a private entrance, and the eighth bedroom, which offers carpeting, a walk-in closet, and a full bathroom with a shower/tub combination.

The fitness room features a mirrored wall, a ballet barre, and a private exterior entrance. The full bathroom features tile flooring, a stall shower, and a sauna.

Lower Level 2 (with exterior access only):

A fabulous private office with a tiled balcony and separate entrance is located on the lower northeastern corner of the residence.

A spacious partial basement serves as the perfect storage and tool room.

The Grounds:

The exceptional park-like grounds distinguish this extraordinary dream home from any other, offering a multitude of outdoor living spaces designed for both everyday relaxation and grand-scale entertaining.

The upper brick patio, shaded by a magnificent oak tree, provides the perfect spot for peaceful reflection or dining al fresco. A larger curved brick patio offers expansive bay views and is adjoined by a level grass lawn play area.

Stucco garden walls wind down from the large brick patio to the pool area, where a 35’ x 16’ ceramic-tiled pool and sunny pool deck offer captivating views reminiscent of Lake Como. A half bathroom, a pond, and a meditation garden complete the private outdoor living spaces.

Extensive gardens with mature plantings ensure year-round greenery and color, with seasonal blooms including ornamental cherry trees, magnolias, camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons in winter; roses, lilies, sweet jasmine, dogwood, princess flowers, azaleas, and rhododendrons in spring; glorious hydrangeas, lemons, and more roses and azaleas in summer; and vibrant Japanese maples in autumn.

2-car detached garage and adjacent covered carport.

This premier location offers close proximity to waterfront pathways, island pathways, Belvedere Park, local schools, and San Francisco and Angel Island ferry services. Just minutes away from downtown Tiburon’s Main Street, waterfront restaurants, and trendy shops.

History:

The first owner, Edward B. Jennings, co-founder of the prominent wholesale grocer Hooper & Jennings in San Francisco, kept the home in his family for 49 years, from its construction until 1956. At that time, the residence was acquired by Admiral Morton D. Willcutts, a distinguished U.S. Navy surgeon known for his illustrious career. Admiral Willcutts held prestigious positions as the head of U.S. Naval Hospitals in Bethesda, MD, and San Diego, CA. He is notably recognized for leading the inquiry into the controversial death of the first U.S. Secretary of Defense, James Forrestal, during his tenure at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

In addition to his medical expertise, Admiral Willcutts performed emergency surgery on Ethel Du Pont, the fiancée of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr., during the Roosevelt administration. His service extended to escorting President Roosevelt, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and their son, Col. James Roosevelt, on a tour of the U.S. Navy Hospital in San Diego in 1944, where he oversaw the care of 9,000 patients, primarily veterans of Pacific war campaigns. Earlier, in 1934, Admiral Willcutts served as the U.S. Navy’s observer in China during the Sino-Japanese War. Later in his career, he became the Chief Medical Officer at San Quentin Federal Prison, a role he fulfilled while residing at 308 Golden Gate Avenue from 1956 to 1976. Admiral Willcutts is interred at Arlington National Cemetery, marking the legacy of this remarkable home and its influential owners.

Additional Features and Improvements:

2006 - 2009:

• Complete painting, interior and exterior

• Installation of approximately 150 ceiling lights

• Lutron lighting system in the main living and master bedroom levels

• Installation of CAT-6 wiring at all levels for high-speed internet, with correlated computer center

• New Marvin windows where needed

• Installed whole house water filtration for maximum purification of water; replaced the whole system in 2001 to include UV light purification

• Upgraded plumbing and electrical throughout

• Refinished all hardwood floors

• Replaced electronic security system

Main Level:

• Complete remodeling of kitchen with all new cabinetry (soft close), Calacatta Oro marble countertops, 2 Miele dishwashers, Sub Zero refrigerator-freezer plus 2 refrigerator drawers in the island; added Miele steam oven and regular oven; Sharp microwave drawer in island; instant hot water dispenser at the main sink, retained wine fridge and Thermador range and dual ovens

• Added balcony at kitchen with Marvin folding glass doors to maximize view

• Remodeled powder room (new pedestal sink and Toto toilet); added hand-painted bird mural

• New stone fireplace facings in the Living Room and Family Room

• Added tiled Juliette balconies with Marvin folding doors in the living room and kitchen

Second Level (upstairs):

• Addition of laundry area

• Added a second sunroom at the guest bedroom

Primary Suite:

• New windows with sound reduction on the front and side of the master bedroom

• Added a wall to delineate the dressing area with Juliet balcony and Marvin French doors

• New stone fireplace front in master bedroom

• Addition of sunroom with wet bar with refrigerator and dishwasher

• Installation of custom closets (his and hers) with dressing rooms

• Complete remodel of primary bath with two sides and connecting steam shower, Waterworks cast iron soaking tub, Calacatta Oro marble vanities and slab floors

2002 - 2009:

• Converted pool to saltwater purification

• Added new pool cover with bench housing the mechanics

• Replaced large portions of the lateral sewer line twice to meet the current specs of the City of Belvedere ($48K the second time, in 2022)

• Replaced broken pipes in the irrigation system

• Replaced two of the three furnaces in 2019

• New water heater (2013)

• Replaced wiring for non functioning exterior lighting in the garden and along the pathways

2024:

• Converted 2nd-floor half-bath to a full bath with tub, tiled shower, and new designer marble floor

• Painted all interior spaces except for the primary bedroom and sunroom, plus the office and three bathrooms at the lower level

• Installed new carpeting throughout the 2nd floor and partial new carpeting in the in-law suite at the lower level

• New lighting fixtures in the main entry, stairwell, top-floor hallway and lower-level southside entry

• Painted the deck of the in-law unit

• Installed artificial grass on two lawns

• Pool bathroom was painted and received a new faucet and matching accessories

• Pool bench was refurbished and painted

• New pool heater and main pump