16 minute read

California Lifestyle Collection

Magnificent Belvedere Waterfront Home with Stunning Views of Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco

4 Beds | 5 Baths | 1 Half-Bath | ±8,131 sq. ft

Price Upon Request

Reduced to $28,880,000 4 Beds | 5 Baths | 2 Half-Baths | ±8,131 sq. ft | 2 Elevators | 3-Car Garage

Featured in Architectural Digest, this world class residence showcases panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco and Sausalito. A magnificent masterpiece in a dramatic setting, this property has a most prestigious location and is comprised of a ±8,131-squarefoot home on a ±0.67-acre lot. It features 4 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths. This work of architectural art was designed by the world-renowned architect Charles Gwathmey and boasts spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive floor plan. The primarily vertical organization of this house takes advantage of its sloped site on the Southern coast of Belvedere Island. The uppermost level contains a 3-car garage, an elevator descends to a courtyard where you will find a detached 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest house and a wine cellar. The main house’s is situated between two large retaining walls which follow the site’s natural contours and splay outwards toward the Bay. An interior circular staircase winds around an elevator and forms a cylindrical focal point. A barrel-vaulted ceiling articulates the living and dining room at

Featured in Architectural Digest, this world-class residence showcases panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the entire city skyline of San Francisco, and Sausalito. This magnificent masterpiece in a dramatic setting on the most prestigious location is comprised of a ±8,131 sq .ft. home on a ±0.67 acre lot, featuring 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. This architectural work of art was designed by architect Charles Gwathmey, with spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive 4-level o or plan. The primarily vertical organization of this house takes advantage of its sloped site on the southern coast of Belvedere Island. The uppermost level contains a 3-car garage with glass doors, an elevator which descends to a courtyard, a detached one bedroom, one bath guesthouse and a spacious wine cellar. The remaining levels of the main house are situated between two large retaining walls, which follow the natural contours of the site and splay outwards towards the Bay. The house’s compact organization within the precinct formed by the retaining walls ensures privacy. An interior circular stair winds around an elevator and forms the cylindrical focal point of the house’s massing. A barrel-vaulted ceiling articulates the living and dining room at the entry level of the main house, and a large deck projects towards the Bay to extend the space into the landscape. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a study and a two-story entertainment room occupy the intermediate oors, while a media room, a beautiful wet bar, a full bath with steam shower and sauna on the lowest level open onto a spacious outdoor terrace with a pool, whose “in nity edge” of water establishes a poetic connection to the Bay. The interior oors are limestone and wide plank, Bubinga wood and cabinets are lightly stained maple. The exterior is clad in gray stained cedar, with a curved standing seam zinc roof. All exterior windows, doors and decks are teak, all terraces are beige/gray amed limestone pavers and the retaining walls are painted warm white stucco. More photos and information can be found at: 445BelvedereAve.com the entry level, and a large deck projects towards the bay, extending the space into the landscape. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a study, and a two-story entertainment room occupy the intermediate floors, while a media room, a beautiful wet bar, a full bath with steam shower, and a sauna fill the lowest level which opens onto a spacious outdoor terrace with an infinity pool on the edge of San Francisco Bay. The interior floors are limestone and wide plank Bubinga wood, and cabinets are lightly stained maple. The exterior is clad in gray stained cedar and a curved, standing seam, zinc roof. All exterior windows, doors, and decks are teak; all terraces are paved in beige or gray-flamed limestone; and the retaining walls are painted a warm white stucco. The home is a state-of-the-art smart house within walking distance of the San Francisco Yacht Club, Corinthian Yacht Club, and downtown Tiburon where you will find ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island and dozens of fine restaurants, including Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, and French Bistro Left Bank.

More photos and information can be found at: 445BelvedereAve.com

This issue is an emotional one for me, as the cover story about Gordon Getty and the story of Susan Williams on her late husband, Robin Williams, were close to my heart. I met Robin a couple of times in Paris, the first time at the celebration of Lance Armstrong’s victory in the Tour de France. He told me jokes about Tiburon-Belvedere. It was one of the saddest moments when I heard of Robin’s suicide. I went to his Tiburon home and placed flowers at his front gate, along with dozens of other fans. Our editor-in-chief’s interview with Robin’s widow, Susan Schneider Williams, seeks to understand his life and death. Susan’s dedication to the beloved comedian and actor’s impact was immeasurable and gives Robin’s legacy new meaning. Susan spoke to Teresa about the details and complexity of the Lewy body dementia Robin suffered.

Our cover story subject, Gordon Getty, is truly an original Renaissance man. I’ve met Gordon dozens of times over the last 35 years, since we were both on the board of the now-defunct Marin Opera in early 1990s. Gordon is larger-than-life, not because of his billions, but because of his big personality and openhearted generosity. He inspired my pledge of $5 million to Festival Napa Valley for the Olivia Decker Power of Music Series. Gordon announced his $5 million matching grant when he hosted a dinner at his home to welcome me and others as new board members of Festival Napa Valley in November 2019. His grant was for five years and matched anyone who donated to festival during that period. My donation fulfilled his remaining grant within less than three years. Gordon was impressed and donated another $5 million matching grant in January 2023. At nearly age 90, Gordon’s long, rich life is iconic and fascinating. It’s truly interesting to read even a glimpse of his vast world.

We also profile Daydreamers founder, Bay Area entrepreneur Katina Bajaj, who is a clinical psychology researcher, author, speaker, and creator. You must read this article to understand why, although daydreaming seems to be not doing anything, it works the brain to make myriad connections through creativity and help us with burnout and stress.

We also profile British fashion designer Marchesa’s co-founder, Georgina Chapman. I met at her at a 2019 fashion show for San Francisco Opera Guild’s annual fundraiser. I won the bid to go to New York Fashion Week, where I visited her at the Marchesa atelier. Georgina returned to Fashion Week this year. Her flowing, colorfully floral gowns are so feminine and romantic. I think the world would be much more peaceful if every woman dressed in Marchesa!

In this issue’s Haute Events, I cover the San Francisco Opera’s 100th anniversary concert and a dinner with the artists. This one-night-only centennial celebration featured a program spanning San Francisco Opera’s first century with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus; conductors Eun Sun Kim, Sir Donald Runnicles, and Patrick Summers; and 15 vocal soloists who have been active on the opera stage for decades. The concert included projected archival imagery from 100 years of San Francisco Opera history. Founded in 1923, San Francisco Opera is only the third American opera company to reach the centennial milestone.

One other Haute Event this issue is my beloved Festival Napa Valley. Please read Jennifer Boden’s interview with Festival President Rick Walker on this 17th season’s upcoming programs, July 14–23. Highlights this year include the Arts for All Gala fundraiser at Nickel and Nickel with a special dinner by chef Charlie Palmer, a concert headlined by 8-time GRAMMY® award winner Carrie Underwood on July 16, and the Olivia Decker Power of Music concert of Matteo Bocelli on July 15. Young Bocelli has an amazing voice like his father, Andrea. He will perform a mix of classic and contemporary songs. The Manetti Shrem Opera on July 21 will be Don Pasquale, starring Lucas Meachem, Alexey Lavrov, Serena Saenz, and Xabier Anduaga. Both concerts go on stage at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena. While you attend Festival Napa Valley, please check out the vineyard estate for sale in this issue’s Haute Residence at www.3265SodaCanyon.com.

Our July-August issue is our official kick-off for summer. We feature a lot of food, wine, and travel stories, too. Enjoy reading it!

PUBLISHER

Olivia Hsu Decker

Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Teresa Rodriguez

Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Restante Michelle@HauteLivingSF.com

DIGITAL EDITOR

Laurie Jo Miller Farr

Laurie@HauteLivingSF.com

COPY EDITOR

Karen M. Smith henhousepublishing@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Boden, Noël Burgess, Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Becca Hensley, Steph Keay, Fran Endicott Miller, Robert B. Richards, and Sharon Seto

ABOUT TOWN AMBASSADOR

Aubrey Brewster

HEALTH & WELLNESS AMBASSADOR

Lydia Graham

BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE AMBASSADOR

Karen M. Horton, MD, FACS

LUXURY AUTO AMBASSADOR

Tim Lappen TL@JMBM.com

SOCIETY AMBASSADOR

Stephanie Block Stephanie@HauteLivingSF.com

WINE COUNTRY AMBASSADOR

Claudia Ross Claudia@HauteLivingSF.com

SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES

Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com

AD SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Cindy Pelland Cindy@HauteLivingSF.com

Haute Living San Francisco Visit us at www.HauteLivingSF.com

Follow us @HauteLivingSF for your guide to all things haute

ICONIC PACIFIC HEIGHTS GOLDEN GATE AND BAY VIEW MANSION | $14,950,000

STUNNING BAY, GOLDEN GATE & SKYLINE VIEWS FROM A PREMIERE RUSSIAN HILL HIGH-RISE | $3,950,000

STYLE GLAMOUR ON NOB HILL | $8,700,000

GRAND-SCALE BUENA VISTA PARK WITH TOP-OF-THE-WORLD SKYLINE AND BAY VIEWS | $7,500,000

WORLD-CLASS PANORAMIC VIEW GRAND RESIDENCE AT THE MILLENNIUM TOWER |UPON REQUEST

SUPER-SOPHISTICATED FOUR

ON THE COVER: GORDON GETTY

BY GIAN ANDREA DI STEFANO

6 PUBLISHER’S LETTER

12 EDITOR’S LETTER

13 CONTRIBUTORS

14 HAUTE CALENDAR

From theatrical productions to the drama of the world’s finest antique cars, summer has something for everybody.

18 HAUTE KITCHEN

Managed by a third generation of its founder’s descendants, Original Joe’s has served as a place where families gather together and celebrate life. Sharon Seto reminisces about her family’s fondness for this top-grossing, independently owned restaurant and shares a couple of its iconic recipes.

24 HAUTE SHOPPING

Whether you’re gadding about incognito or just adding that finishing touch to your favorite summer outfit, these sunglasses are the must-have accessories for savvy summer fashion.

26 HAUTE WINE

A vibrant mosaic of cultures contributes to Victoria’s amazing food and wine scenes, which makes it the perfect place to host the 10-day Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

30 HAUTE DRINKS

You might consider gin a quintessentially British liquor, but this juniper-flavored liquor is popular around the world. Meet botanically inspired gins from these international distillers.

34 HAUTE CUISINE

The newly renovated La Mar Bar celebrates the social aspect of eating and drinking with a new menu showcasing inventive cocktails and the vibrant cuisine of Peru.

36 COVER STORY

Gordon Getty is a modern renaissance man, educated and skilled in diverse topics both artful and scientfic. Writer and sorpano Lisa Delan interviews this West Coast icon.

HAUTE PROFILES

42 Susan Schneider Williams, the resilient widow of comedic genius Robin Williams, speaks to the terrible toll taken by Lewy body proteins and what she’s doing to build awareness and support research.

50 Retiring in November 2023, Randall Kline reflects on his incredible achievement in building SFJAZZ, its unique building, and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

52 Celebrity auctioneer Liam Mayclem has a passion to help nonprofit organizations raise the funds they need to help the world, and expresses his deep appreciation for the San Francisco community’s ongoing generosity.

54 Author and clinical psychology researcher Kitina Bajaj founded Daydreamers, a service that helps stressed-out, burned-out adults rediscover their creativity and incorporate it into improving their well-being and mental health.

58 Diversity makes companies stronger by bringing in a variety of perspectives. Julie Castro Abrams, founder and CEO of How Women Lead, discusses the benefits of increasing female representation in business and venture capital investment.

60 Ultra-feminine and romantic characterize the Marchesa woman, according to co-founder Georgina Chapman. The fashion powerhouse specializes in creating gowns with a botannical flair and a sense of escapism.

64 HAUTE HOTEL

Extend your forest bathing tranquility and Yosemite National Park adventures with a stay at Château du Sureau. The resort offers plenty of Old World charm, sumptuous luxury, and exquisite dining.

68 HAUTE TRAVEL

With over 7,000 shops and restaurants, a walking tour of Nice offers myriad ways to satiate the senses with the French and Italian fusion of sights, smells, and tastes of Provençal.

HAUTE SCENE

72 SailGP and Rolex share a passion for teamwork and precision. Their partnership for the third season finale pushed the boundaries of maritime achievement in the exciting world of yachting.

74 Where else can foodies and gourmets gather for a mindboggling array of winemakers, chefs, sommeliers? The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, back for a second year, delivers an event that exceeds all expectations while celebrating the producers and agricultural workers who make the bounty possible.

76 The Westin St. Francis hosted the launch party celebrating the May-June issue of Haute Living, San Francisco.

78 The Academy of Art University’s Spring Fashion Show revealed graduating students’ collections.

79 Four Seasons Resort Hualālai hosted the second of its 2023 Winemaker in Residence series, featuring premium wines from Harlan Estate.

80 For three days of literary discussion and fellowship, 20 famous authors and 400 devotees of literature gathered at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. The luxurious setting offered intimacy, comfort, and fine dining conducive to a memorable event.

81 The Presidio Performing Arts Foundation hosts a benefit performance honoring the women of Iran.

82 BODYTRAFFIC’s signature energy and dance moves accompanied world-renowned cellist Sophia Bacelar in the Olivia Decker Power of Music Series’ June program.

86 Bay Area notables host a book signing for Making Their Mark: Art by Women in the Shah Garg Collection by Komal Shah.

87 Citizen Film debuts a poignant film about three autistic race car drivers.

88 HAUTE MOVES

Invited to participate in the Mercedes-Benz Test Drive

Experience at Stanly Ranch, Robert Richards recounts his thrill and delight in testing out the Mercedes 2023 EQS SUV and AMG SL 63 convertible.

90 HAUTE BEAUTY

Summertime means outdoor fun, but too much sunshine damages the skin. Our recommendations for the best sunscreens do more than just protect your skin from sun damage, they also leave your skin moisturized and smooth.

92 HAUTE WELLNESS

From Malibu to the Maldives, spas worldwide cater to sun worshipers and help them recover from the cumulative damage of sun exposure while also offering rituals that impart tranquility, peace, and relaxation.

96 HAUTE RESIDENCE

With magnificent views of distant mountains and its own vineyards, this prized property offers gracious living in the Atlas Peak AVA and some of the best grapes sold to local Napa Valley wineries.

HAUTE EVENT

100 Festival Napa Valley brings the arts to all, July 8-23. With world class performances at stunning Napa Valley venues and beyond, their innovative year-round programming showcases both big-name legends and budding talent.

104 The San Francisco Opera commemorates its first 100 years with a century-spanning program and a rare dinner with the artists.

HAUTE AMBASSADOR

108 Lydia Graham interviews internationally acclaimed biochemist Judith Campisi who explores the road not taken in her research to ease or even eliminate age-related ailments.

110 Gracious summertime entertaining brings up images of elegant apparel and dainty afternoon tea, a quintessentially British tradition. Man-about-town Aubrey Brewster shows us how it’s done and shares his foolproof party planning tips.

114 Dr. Karen Horton shares her belief that a caring relationship with staff, celebration of everyone’s victories, and opportunities for continuous improvement result in the ongoing success of San Francisco Plastic Surgery.

116 Fine dining goes hand-in-hand with fine wines, and many menus pair the excellence of their locally sourced cuisine with locally sourced wine. With so many excellent wine options from which to choose, why do many restaurants offer internationally sourced wine lists? Claudia Ross speaks to several local sommeliers to find out.

118 HLSF’s newest ambassador, comedian and wine expert Stephanie Block, regales readers with the latest and greatest of San Francisco’s society and fashion trends.

TERESA RODRIGUEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO

Over the last 20 years, working in publishing has been an incredible experience. One of the highlights has been the opportunity of meeting and interviewing some truly exceptional individuals. From Richard Branson and John Legend to Nancy Pelosi and Isabel Allende, I’ve been privileged to share the captivating tales of those who shape our future and inspire us with their ideas. In this issue, I had the honor of spending time with Susan Schneider Williams, the passionate and determined widow of Robin Williams. She shared with me the heartbreaking truth about the little-known protein that destroyed her husband’s brain and how she turned her grief into positive action by raising awareness and funds for Lewy body dementia research. In writing this poignant story, I intend to initiate dialogue, explain symptoms, and break down the barrier of fear and shame that can prevent individuals from sharing their private struggles. If this article can positively impact even just one family, I will consider my goal achieved.

In addition to Susan’s compelling narrative, we feature other individuals making a significant difference in the world. Laurie Jo Miller Farr interviews the beloved celebrity auctioneer, Liam Mayclem. Liam shares his very personal childhood with us and shows us that, even through tragedy, we can find glimmers of hope. Our food and travel writers, Noël Burgess and Becca Hensley, take us on a delectable journey through their personal experiences, showcasing the vibrant cultures and culinary delights of Melbourne, Australia, and Nice, France.

We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie Block back to our publication. She offers her unique perspective on the latest happenings in the city. With her signature wit and brilliance, Stephanie takes us on a fabulous ride “Around the Block,” revealing the hidden gems and vibrant personalities that make up our community.

We are grateful for the support of our advertisers and subscribers who help sustain our print publication. If you’re interested in advertising or subscribing, contact me at Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com, and don’t forget to use the code EDITOR to receive 50 percent off your annual subscription through our QR code below.

BECCA HENSLEY

A bon vivant journalist who believes travel is the ultimate celebration of life awash with lessons waiting to be learned, widely-published, Texasbased Becca Hensley is travel editor for New Orleans Bride and editor-at-large for Insider’s Guide to Spas

In a career spanning three decades, she has contributed to scores of magazines and newspapers, including Architectural Digest, Elite Traveler, Global Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, and the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @beccahensley.

Sharon Seto

A graduate of Golden Gate University and serial entrepreneur, Sharon loves the excitement and creativity of the business world and its people. Her addiction to business ventures began with the acquisition of the El Cid Building, site of the famous SF Jazz Mural. She has served as a board member, fundraiser, and event chair for nonprofit organizations, including the SF Symphony Board of Governors, City College of San Francisco Foundation Board, Red Cross Board, National Colorectal Cancer Alliance Board, SF Ballet, and Dress for Success.

JENNIFER BODEN

Jennifer is a freelance wine, food, and travel writer based in beautiful Sonoma County. She has an extensive career in journalism. She contributes to KRON 4 News San Francisco, ABC 10News San Diego, and others. Prior to her writing career, she worked for several network affiliates as a news anchor and executive producer. She earned a degree in broadcast journalism from Arizona State University’s prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Aubrey, an epicure and man-abouttown, is a product of his environment. His affinity for cooking, fashion, and entertaining was inherited from summer vacations shared in Charleston, West Virginia with his southern belle model-turned-hostess grandmother. It should come with no surprise that he followed in his grandmother’s footsteps, with an inherent talent for hosting legendary parties. He is often listed among San Francisco’s best dressed. Aubrey is a San Francisco native, traveler, and food and lifestyle blogger (aubreyabouttown.com). He resides in San Francisco with his husband, Edward. Aubrey can be found enjoying afternoons lunching with friends at Neiman Marcus and some of San Francisco’s favorite haunts when not hosting or attending events.

No L Burgess

Noël Burgess is an East Coaster living in Northern California wine country. His goal is to promote diversity and inclusion in wine, food, and travel with a focus on the places, the products, and most importantly, the people! Noël’s work can be found in VinePair , Wine Enthusiast , Travel & Leisure , Thrillist , San Francisco Magazine , and many other media platforms. Follow him on Instagram @mrnoelburgess and at noelburgess.com.

Laurie Jo Miller Farr

Laurie is a US/UK dual citizen and dedicated urbanite who loves walkable cities. As a San Franciscobased travel writer, she enjoys views from its crazy, signature hills following half-a-lifetime promoting her two hometowns—a couple of oh-so-flat places: New York City and London. Laurie’s byline is found in USA Today , CBS, Where Traveler , Haute Living , Epicure , Fast Company , Napa Valley Life Magazine , Food & Travel Magazine , Eater , Google Touring Bird , and other major media titles. She was awarded Yahoo Contributor of the Year and is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.

LYDIA GRAHAM

Lydia is an enthusiastic advocate and explorer of healthy living. She has launched and positioned health and wellness companies, products, technologies, and organizations receiving more than 100 awards nationally and internationally. Her favorite focus is on healthy living and healthy longevity. She sits on the board of the Buck Institute for Research and Aging whose mission is to eliminate the threat of age-related disease for today’s and future generations. Like the scientists at the Buck, Graham envisions it will be possible for people to enjoy life at 95 as much as at 25. She reminds us in her articles that what we do each day matters in our journey to achieve optimal wellbeing.

Steph Keay

Steph Keay is a Canadian freelance and technical writer currently based in Silicon Valley. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta, she spent a summer in Croatia assisting The Yacht Week with events management on the islands of Hvar and Vis. Formerly in PR/marketing, she has also placed stories for a variety of clients—including tech leaders, international artists, and acclaimed actors and musicians—with ABC, FOX, NBC, San Francisco Chronicle, The Mercury News, American Way, and others. In her spare time, she enjoys adventuring, photography, and travel—all of which she documents on on her website, StephKeay.com.