Fresh off 2023 SFAIA Home Tours, this reconceptualized single-family home (plus guesthouse) by renowned architect John Lum is a masterpiece of Japanese-inspired design. Following a multi-year and $4+ million transformation with no detail overlooked, it has graced the pages of California Home+Design, Digs, and Houzz. More than picture-perfect, it’s a living experience.

And, now, 565 Ortega Street is looking to break real estate records in San Francisco’s majestic Golden Gate Heights neighborhood, listed for sale at $5,950,000.

Originally built in 1950, the home was lackluster when tech investor and art aficionado Andrei Dunca purchased it in 2016. Great bones but dated styling, along with an oversized hillside lot boasting landmark views, would be the starting point in creating a space fit equally for large gatherings and tranquil respite. Keeping entirely within the structures’ existing envelopes, the project retained all 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths albeit elevated, simplified and imbued with a playful sensibility.

At the facade, minimalist cedar siding rises above the double bay garage now disguised by vertical boards treated in the traditional shou sugi ban method. Replacing existing windows, a continuous wall of sliding doors opens to a new balcony. Past the orange glass front door and up a stone staircase through the tunnel entrance, this home’s spectacular indoor-outdoor design is revealed upon landing at a Zendo-inspired garden entry.

Nearly every interior wall has been deleted at the main level to produce seamless flow from the entrance into the living, dining and kitchen areas. A glass-encased wine display punctuates the space. The custom kitchen, now a focal point, features state-of-the-art equipment, teak cabinetry and live-edge island countertop, marble and flame-cut granite, and brass accents — a nod to 1970s glamour.

Stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to Sutro Tower and across Golden Gate Park to the Marin Headlands, the outlooks are captivating. And then, with the click of a button, blackout shades transform the space into a cinematic experience complete with drop-down screen, projector, and integrated audio system. Additional in-home technology includes Lutron RadioRA wireless lighting control, clear-to-frost electric privacy windows in the primary bath, and two EV chargers.

The rear wing delivers a family room with Space Age Sputnik style. Opposite its brass-paneled fireplace, a glowing Chroma-backed wet bar wrapped in teak is beyond cool. An accordion five-panel door opens to the deck and garden terraced with basalt stone. At the top of the lot, a 1-bedroom and 1-bath guesthouse connects to main home’s upper floor via catwalk.

Of course, there is much more to 565 Ortega Street than these transformation photos reveal. Have a closer look at the masterfully curated spaces below.