When San Francisco–based AD100 designer Charles de Lisle first met his would-be client, tech CEO Yishai Lerner, he thought he was signing on to decorate a Silicon Valley bachelor pad. Yishai had just landed his dream home, a quaint two-story fixer-upper on the crest of a hill in central San Francisco with impressive 180-degree views across the bay. And as the son of three architects—his mother, father, and stepmother are all in the profession—it had always been the dream to create his very own space from scratch.

Things, however, quickly changed. Shortly after commissioning de Lisle, Yishai met his now wife, Sabrina, and it wasn’t long before the two were married. Naturally, the scope of the project shifted. In fact, from the time they began planning the interiors in 2016 to when the paint was dry in 2022, his clients had multiplied from one to four when the couple’s two young sons arrived in fast succession.

Before de Lisle was brought on board, the home was largely a monochromatic shell. Yishai had worked closely with Ross Levy of Levy Art + Architecture to bring the house to life and, in doing so, had rendered a decidedly minimal aesthetic. They built out an extension in the back, adding extra square footage while simultaneously allowing the architect and client to engineer the home’s smallest details—for instance, installing invisible air conditioning vents in the seam of the living room’s gabled ceiling, or custom-designing the winding iron staircase so it appears to be floating independently of the walls. “I’ve built software my whole life,” Yishai explains. “So I’m always thinking about the user experience.”

De Lisle welcomed the family-friendly pivot. “I wanted to take his very masculine, slick sensibility,” he explains, “and add layers to it that felt very Northern California—a bit hippie and handmade but in a way that fit the space.” But de Lisle credits Sabrina with adding a real sense of vibrancy. “She took one look at the house and was like, ‘I don’t want to live in a bachelor pad,’” he jokes. “She has the most amazing wardrobe and loves color. She wanted the space to be really happy and bright.”

Together the Lerners and de Lisle pulled together references that ranged from midcentury Italian interiors to cozy Scandinavian homes: ideas easily legible in details like a custom console in the entranceway, creamy Nordic-inspired Douglas Fir wall paneling in the TV room, and Ceppo de Gre Stone in the guest suite (the very same that clads the gray facades of Milanese apartment buildings).

The post Tour a Beautiful San Francisco Household Dwelling That Used to Be a Complete Bachelor Pad appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Sometimes, what’s beautiful about Sonoma can be found outside of Sonoma. Consider, for example, all the local bottles that grace dining tables and wine cellars around the world.

An elegant and modern Colorado home, designed by Sonoma-based architect Brit Epperson, is another example of a locally designed gem found outside of this region.

Epperson, along with the team at her design firm Studio Plow, created the dwelling at the foot of the Rocky Mountains for a very special client: her parents. She says that her design firm’s ethos is to”tell our client’s story, not our own.” To design her parents’ home, she spent several holidays perusing architectural plans together with her family. 

Epperson also attempts to the tell the story of the place through each design project. The “place” in this case was the base of a 14,000-foot mountain range. The 3000-square foot home sits on a forested ridge and has views of snow-capped peaks, ancient red rock formations and Colorado Springs’ skyline.

The home has exceptional design details, like this organically shaped wood doorknob. (Nicole Franzen)
A bathroom stunningly rich in shapes and textures. (Nicole Franzen)

“The rolling hills and dramatic sunsets of Sonoma Wine Country play differently than the pines and granite, quartz, and mica of Colorado,” Epperson says, adding, “We actually had the client gather rock from the site and mail them to us in San Francisco.” 

The interior color palette takes inspiration from the hues of the natural setting. Epperson lists the “soft greens of the native junipers and sagebrush; the fall colors of the aspen trees; and the soft pinks, browns and ivory of the native limestone and sandstone.” 

The result is an impressive property that is a study in contrasts. The warm-white exterior, clad in slate-colored vertical siding, is both soft and angular. The interior offers additional contrast; it is at once serene and plush. It is nature-focused and authentic, yet in spots it is saturated in colors and patterns. 

Light-filtering linen curtains create a diffused glow from the floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow the views to be the star of the home, while the rich design also catches the eye, including low-hanging lamps, skillfully placed plants, organically shaped design elements and heavily patterned wallpaper. 

Click through the above gallery for a peek inside the home.

Interiors and architecture by Studio Plow, studioplow.com 

The post Sonoma Design Agency Creates Gorgeous Household Residence in Colorado appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Oliser Aguilar was 17 when he left his dirt shack in a small village in Guatemala and was determined to make it to the United States.

On this day four years ago, he left his mother and grandmother without saying goodbye.

“I just started running,” Aguilar said, adding he was penniless and didn’t speak English.

But he had an uncle in the Bay Area and had a choice between living in abject poverty and working in the fields, or having a bright future if he survived the journey.

This week, Aguilar will not only graduate from high school in San Francisco, but he will do so with near-fluent English and a 3.95 GPA, which he earned working two jobs.

Aguilar fended off his chances with hope and hard work. Since his uncle gave him a home, he continued, undeterred by his lack of education, language skills, or money. He had dreams.

“If someone told me when I started running, I’d be here in four years,” said Aguilar, who is a graduate of Thurgood Marshall High School. “I can’t believe something like that.”

Aguilar was one of 69,488 unaccompanied minors who arrived in the United States in 2019, a number that reached nearly 129,000 in 2020, according to the federal Department of Health and Human Services. In recent years, the vast majority have come from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

San Francisco has 1,876 new students enrolled in the district this year, a number that has fluctuated over the years depending on federal policy and international circumstances. The pandemic, for example, led to a significant drop in immigration numbers.

Because it is a city of refuge, officials do not ask about the immigration status of new students and families, or whether the young people were unaccompanied. The focus is on meeting everyone’s needs, officials said.

Oliser Aguilar, 21, will attend Skyline College in San Mateo to take courses in English, math and other majors. He hopes to learn about the jobs of electrician and plumber.

Yalonda M.James/The Chronicle

The now 20-year-old, like many others hoping to enter the country, embarked on an arduous journey that involved physical dangers into the United States, only to be met with political controversy over which new immigrants would be allowed to stay.

Upon arrival, some immigrants are homeless and often living in cramped conditions as they seek work and find their way back to school after years of not setting foot in a classroom. Many have escaped violence, gangs and hunger, their young lives filled with tragedy in their homeland.

It may seem inconceivable to many in the United States that a child or young person could make the journey to the southern border alone or in the company of guides who prioritize money over safety.

They make the trip because, even at this young age, they are the breadwinners forced to support their families, said Angela Romano, school social worker and coordinator of San Francisco Unified’s immigration and refugee program.

“It’s not about you; it’s about your whole family,” she said. “A big part of their identity, self-esteem and success is supporting their family.”

Romano added that it can be difficult for people in the United States to grasp that having a real childhood is a privilege.

The district’s goal is to help new immigrant students navigate their education. This starts with showing them how to open a locker, understanding what a cafeteria is and what is expected in classrooms, including reassurance that it’s good to join.

San Francisco offers several entry-level programs for students, including a specialty high school and a new program, El Camino Alternativo, which primarily offers online learning for older students who need a more flexible education to get work. Other traditional schools offer a range of programs and English courses for newly immigrated students.

“We stand ready to confront students as they navigate this difficult transition, sometimes with sadness, anxiety and fear that some of their issues at home may follow,” said Daniela Funes, a high school counselor at Thurgood Marshall . Her job, she said, is to help students like Aguilar feel safe so they can access an education.

Oliser Aguilar, 21 (right), a graduate of Thurgood Marshall Academic High School, receives his cap and gown May 26 in San Francisco from school counselor Daniela Funes. “On day one I said I would take any opportunity, and four years later I did,” Aguilar said.

Yalonda M.James/The Chronicle

Like many others, Aguilar had what educators call an “interrupted education” — lacking any significant academic ability, but was sent to secondary school because of his age.

He got to Marshall and hid behind a hoodie.

“On my first day in Marshall, I was scared of school because my teacher and classmates spoke English. I was just looking around,” he said. “I did not know, what I should do.”

But he always smiled, said Funes. And he wanted to get a clear one.

So he continued to go to school, even though he had two jobs on the side – in the restaurant in the evenings and as a janitor on the weekends.

To say his family was poor in Guatemala is an understatement. They grew the food they ate but had no money or opportunity to earn anything and relied on neighbors to give them discarded clothing or shoes.

“A lot of kids here have a father and a mother and they don’t have to work, they have stuff and shoes,” Aguilar said. “For me, this is a great opportunity.”

When the pandemic struck in March of his freshman year, Aguilar was presented with a laptop, the first time he’d ever touched one, he said.

“What is that?” he asked then. “I didn’t know anything about it. I never held a computer in my hands.”

Undeterred, he learned to use Zoom and other online platforms to keep up in school. He spent his sophomore year online.

In his senior year, Aguilar took advanced courses in English and concert band, where he plays drums, and ran a new club for indigenous Guatemalan students who, like him, speak the Mayan dialect Mam, Funes said, noting he is now trilingual.

He completed the first semester with a grade of 4.0.

On graduation day, Aguilar also learns that he has won several school awards, including the school’s highest honor, the Thurgood Marshall Way Award, given to the top two students who demonstrate leadership, determination, and motivation.

“I’m so proud of him,” Funes said. “He’s an inspiration to me.”

On Wednesday, she said she will give up mascara because she will cry too hard.

“I want to break the stigma,” she said. “Just because the odds are against you doesn’t mean it’s impossible.”

Aguilar isn’t the only one at San Francisco high schools who’s made it.

“He’s extraordinary and there are so many stories like his,” she said. “He is not alone in battle and not alone in success.”

Aguilar is still writing his success story.

He plans to enroll in community college in the fall and is looking for an electrical or plumbing degree.

His mother was overcome with pride, he said, adding, “Sometimes she can’t believe I would graduate from high school.”

He also has a hard time believing it and saying it doesn’t feel real, it feels like he’s dreaming.

“I want a better future,” he said. “I have always said that I will seize this opportunity.”

Reach Jill Tucker: jtucker@sfchronicle.com

The post An SF highschool pupil’s gorgeous story appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Sitting right up there with sprawling mountain ranges and cascading waterfalls, cliffs rank rather high in the dramatic natural landscapes category. These steep facades are innately precarious, lending a sense of adventure to whomever dares to stand atop one. Or, in the case of the roundup ahead, who dares to build a hotel on one. The best cliffside properties around the world can be found perched in picturesque regions and with outstanding views, some situated along rocky coastlines and others within mountain ranges or escarpments. The unifying trait? A front-row seat to unparalleled beauty.

With 2023 around the corner, planning a memorable getaway in a scenic destination feels all but necessary. And regardless of where you’re looking to travel to — the Caribbean, Mexico, South Africa, or beyond — just about every pocket of the globe boasts a jaw-dropping cliffside hotel to enjoy it from. Below, take in TZR’s favorite properties perched atop a cliff in breathtaking locales around the world and explore the different activities that enhance the drama (think: mountain-top picnics, desert wall climbing, and more). And even if an international trip isn’t in the cards for the new year, there are plenty of equally magnificent cliffside resorts to book a stay at right here in the states. All of that, and more, ahead.

Amalfi Coast

You need little introduction to the natural splendor of Italy’s famed Amalfi coast, a UNESCO-listed region defined by its steep cliffs and dazzling blue Tyrrhenian sea. Along the coastline lie 13 picturesque towns and miles of hiking trails offering panoramic views, like the legendary Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). In short — it’s the perfect destination to build a cliffside hotel. Perhaps the most iconic is Le Sirenuse Positano, which opened in 1951 and is on every aesthete’s travel bucket list. A few miles away, Borgo Santandrea recently made a splash with its debut (it’s the first Amalfi hotel to open in 15 years). The cliffside property perches 90 meters above sea level and features 29 rooms and 16 suites, all with sea views (two suites even have private infinity pools). Also worthy of a cliffside callout: Monastero Santa Rosa. The property was originally a Dominican monastery built in the 17th century and is perched atop a cliffside at the edge of the fishing village of Conca dei Marini.

California Coastline

California’s vast coastline stretches nearly 900 miles, giving way for countless cliffside hotels to crop up. One such property that tends to top the lists of dramatic view seekers is Post Ranch Inn along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline on Highway 1. The property has been open since the early ‘90s and sits atop cliffs soaring 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean. A few hours north near San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is nestled on a cliff beside the rocky coastline. The resort was designed by HKS Architects and taps into the nostalgia of 19th-century seaside lodges with its vignette of dormers, gables, and chimneys creating a unique silhouette against the vast blue sky.

Bali

The dazzling Indonesian province of Bali is replete with mind-bogglingly beautiful landscapes well-suited for adventurous travelers. Taking it up a notch, Six Senses Uluwatu is located on a dramatic cliffside at Bali’s southern tip, giving visitors front-row seats to the Indian Ocean. The property is also the location of Pura Uluwatu, which is one of this Hindu island’s most sacred temples, all adding to the spiritual quality of this scenic setting. Also in the region, Bulgari Resort Bali is another traveler favorite thanks to its position 150 meters above the sea and breathtaking sunrise and sunset views each day. If you’re ready for a dip, the resort has a private funicular that travels directly to a pristine stretch of beach.

Turkey

Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel

Surrounded on three sides by the Black, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas, Turkey is a large, beautiful peninsula that bridges Europe and Asia and is home to some of the oldest settlements in the world. Mountains and cliffs are abundant in the country, and at Yunak Evleri guests can stay in this unique hotel that was carved into a mountain cliff. The property is a collection of cave houses dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries beside a 19th-century Greek mansion. There are two swimming pools and and outdoor fireplace to relax and watch the sunset at. If you’re looking for a stepping-back-in-time kind of travel experience, this is it.

Jamaica

The Caves Hotel

One comes to Jamaica for many things — the culture, the history, the food, the scenery, and more. This Caribbean island nation is lush and awe-inducing, and a property that exemplifies all of its best traits lies on the north coast of Jamaica in Negril. The Caves offers 12 cottages perched along limestone cliffs plus unique amenities like private cave dining, a seaview spa, and The Blackwell Rum Bar that’s accessed by taking a coral staircase down to the water’s edge, crossing a wooden footbridge, and arriving at the secret cave. The walls of the bar are the volcanic cliffs, making for a thoroughly immersive cocktail experience.

Mallorca

For a travel locale that delivers on scenery, history, cuisine, and accommodations — Mallorca isn’t a bad place to start. The Mediterranean island has long been a destination for those transfixed by its turquoise waters and limestone mountains, perhaps best experienced at a cliffside hotel. Cap Rocat is located within a fortress and the building is a Heritage Asset and listed as a National Monument. It’s located in the secluded area of the Bay of Palma and the Sentinels room, specifically, offers magnificent views. Jumeirah Port Soller is another cliffside retreat on Mallorca and sits high above the port on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

Washington

Salish Lodge & Spa

For those who have explored its many national parks and breathtaking Pacific Northwest beauty, Washington is a slice of heaven right here in the states. One unique way to experience nature here is at Salish, Lodge & Spa — a property that is perched atop both a cliff and 268-foot waterfall (Snoqualmie Falls, to be exact). It’s located 30 minutes east of Seattle for easy accessibility and the dining room is situated right next to the falls for picturesque meals.

Australia

For adventurous types, the El Questro Homestead in Western Australia is a dramatic property perched at the very tip of a clifftop in the East Kimberley region. It’s surrounded by avenues of frangipani trees and the nine suites overlook the Chamberlain River. The most luxurious suite has floor-to-ceiling windows, a wraparound veranda, outdoor dining area, plus an indoor-outdoor double bath for two. Take in the rugged ranges and sparkling waters in this magnificent pocket of scenic beauty.

Baja Peninsula

Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection

The Baja California peninsula is located in northwestern Mexico and has nearly 2,000 miles of coastline. Whale watching, desert landscapes, and secluded beaches are among the many reasons tourists flock to this unique part of the country. Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection is at the southern tip in Baja California Sur and situated between two scenic bluffs. The property’s natural-toned design motifs blend in and complement the surrounding beaches and rocky cliffs overlooking the Sea of Cortez. At the same time, Made in Mexico decor accents such as textiles and millwork bring the property to life.

Ireland

Cliff House Hotel

A country already famous for its steep sea cliffs, Ireland is a natural fit for those seeking a dramatic hotel. Cliff House Hotel is near Cork and Waterford and is a privately owned luxury hotel that’s been around since 1932, with a complete rebuild in 2008. The property is rooted on a cliff on the south side of Ardmore Bay and offers 39 rooms plus an Irish destination spa and one Michelin-star restaurant. The design is timeless and atmospheric — white walls, cups stone columns, and sedum moss-covered roofs with limestone terracing.

Greek Islands

A visit to the Greek islands proves this magical destination is, indeed, vertically oriented. It’s only natural then that cliffside properties abound in this part of the Aegean Sea, beginning with Mystique Hotel Santorini. It was carved into the Caldera cliffs that overlook the water, and is a collection of 41 stone-crafted, cave-style suites and villas located across from an active volcano. Also a staple in Santorini, Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection sits atop a cliff and boasts one of the best infinity pools in the region. The cuisine here is also a major draw, with Michelin-awarded chef Lefteris Lazarou at the helm of the Greek and Mediterranean flavors.

Pacific Coast of Mexico

Referred to by some as the Mexican Riviera, the country’s Pacific coast is an enclave of beach resorts that highlight the region’s arresting beauty. In Acapulco, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués is an eco resort with 45 private pool villas and residences that cling to the dramatic hillside of Punta Diamante. Here, guests soak in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean while enjoying amenities like al fresco dining. Just a few minutes from Zihuatanejo, Cala de Mar is a resort and spa perched atop the cliffside of Ixtapa. The property has 59 suites, each with a private heated plunge pool and views of the ocean and the design follows the Zihua style philosophy with minimal straight lines or right angles, just as it is in nature.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are situated in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico and are composed of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gordo, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke (plus many other smaller islands and cays). One of these smaller escapes is Moskito Island — an all-inclusive resort with four grand estates offering striking views and unparalleled beach access. While here, guests can enjoy customized vacations with experiences like picnics on Manchioneel beach to themed dinners with live jazz bands. In 2023, the main house will debut a cantilevered glass-bottom hot tub that extends over the cliff’s edge. Over in Virgin Gorda, Oil Nut Bay is a beloved 400-acre resort with cliffside suites, some as high as 700 feet above sea level. Witness views of the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, plus a picturesque overwater restaurant and bar.

South Africa

With 21 national parks, 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and remarkable biodiversity, it’s no wonder that South Africa is such an appealing destination for travelers. Here, on the cliffs of the Cape Winelands region, guests at Birkenhead House can overlook the whale watching enclave of Walker Bay from the cliffside pool or from one of the 11 individually designed rooms located in three separate houses that make up the property. At The Twelve Apostles in Cape Town, visitors get the unique vantage point of being positioned above the Atlantic Ocean and between the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and Table Mountain National Park. This luxury boutique hotel has two restaurants, both excellent for watching the evening sunset from.

Kenya

Angama Mara

There’s nowhere on earth quite like Kenya — this east African country has coastlines along the Indian Ocean, mountain highlands, dramatic savanna grasslands, and much, much more. For those traveling here for a safari, Angama Mara is a luxury lodge in the Maasai Mara. It’s placed on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment and the property’s name is a nod to the Swahili word for ‘suspended in midair.’ While here, guests will stay in 30-foot-wide tens with floor-to-ceiling glass fronts that look out over the Great Rift Valley.

Canada

Fogo Island Inn

It is said that Fogo Island Inn is located at one of the four corners of the world. This 43,000 square-foot Newfoundland luxury hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and was designed by architect Todd Saunders. The property is perched on stilts and its 29 one-of-a-kind rooms hug the North Atlantic coastline with floor-to-ceiling views. The island has seven singular seasons and offers activities ranging from stargazing and bird watching to hiking and snowmobiling.

Dominica

To know the Caribbean Island of Dominica is to know unspoiled natural splendor. This lush escape is abundant with rainforests, rivers, and mountains and a visit is nothing short of spectacular. At Secret Bay (a property renowned for its cliffside location), guests can book one of 12 residential style villas. The Zabuco Villa was built on a clifftop promontory and is on the furthest point, lending 180-degree vistas over the mountain peaks. And even if you don’t book it, there are other special spots around the property with cliffside facets like the new Gwiyavye’ Lap Pool & Bar and the resort’s Gommier Spa. Coulibri Ridge is a newly-opened property also on Dominica and is a 14-suite, 285-acre resort perched atop a mountain ridge near the village of Soufrière. The resort is off-grid and uses solar energy as its main power source; also, rainwater is collected through their unique roof design and funneled to guest suites and two chlorine-free pools.

Hawaii

Hawaii and its network of breathtaking islands is one of those places with indisputable beauty. It’s an otherworldly destination that celebrates nature in all of its facets, from volcanos and rainforests to coastlines and coral reefs. Not at all shocking: there are many striking hotels here. At Timbers Kauai at Hokuala, the oceanside cliffs of Kauai cradle this luxury resort and private residences. It sits on the oceanside edge of 450 acres and is surrounded by 13 miles of nature trails. On the island of Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay hugs a coastal cliff on the west coast, giving prime views for whale watching and turtle spotting. The resort is set on 24 acres and this past spring it welcomed back Champagne Hale at Cliff House — an intimate cliffside venue that was originally built in 1940 as a facility for the managers of the historic Honolua Plantation.

Oman

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

A regal resort that once hosted Princess Diana, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman is located a two hours’ drive inland from Muscat and up in the mountains. In fact, it is one of the world’s highest luxury resorts and each of its rooms look out onto the dramatic canyon. Here, you’ll be surrounded by cliffs and can enjoy activities like a climb wall, hiking, cinema under the stars, and yoga atop the scenic lookout of Diana’s Point.

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The post These Beautiful Cliffside Lodges Deliver The Drama appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Sitting right up there with sprawling mountain ranges and cascading waterfalls, cliffs rank rather high in the dramatic natural landscapes category. These steep facades are innately precarious, lending a sense of adventure to whomever dares to stand atop one. Or, in the case of the roundup ahead, who dares to build a hotel on one. The best cliffside properties around the world can be found perched in picturesque regions and with outstanding views, some situated along rocky coastlines and others within mountain ranges or escarpments. The unifying trait? A front-row seat to unparalleled beauty.

With 2023 around the corner, planning a memorable getaway in a scenic destination feels all but necessary. And regardless of where you’re looking to travel to — the Caribbean, Mexico, South Africa, or beyond — just about every pocket of the globe boasts a jaw-dropping cliffside hotel to enjoy it from. Below, take in TZR’s favorite properties perched atop a cliff in breathtaking locales around the world and explore the different activities that enhance the drama (think: mountain-top picnics, desert wall climbing, and more). And even if an international trip isn’t in the cards for the new year, there are plenty of equally magnificent cliffside resorts to book a stay at right here in the states. All of that, and more, ahead.

Amalfi Coast

You need little introduction to the natural splendor of Italy’s famed Amalfi coast, a UNESCO-listed region defined by its steep cliffs and dazzling blue Tyrrhenian sea. Along the coastline lie 13 picturesque towns and miles of hiking trails offering panoramic views, like the legendary Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods). In short — it’s the perfect destination to build a cliffside hotel. Perhaps the most iconic is Le Sirenuse Positano, which opened in 1951 and is on every aesthete’s travel bucket list. A few miles away, Borgo Santandrea recently made a splash with its debut (it’s the first Amalfi hotel to open in 15 years). The cliffside property perches 90 meters above sea level and features 29 rooms and 16 suites, all with sea views (two suites even have private infinity pools). Also worthy of a cliffside callout: Monastero Santa Rosa. The property was originally a Dominican monastery built in the 17th century and is perched atop a cliffside at the edge of the fishing village of Conca dei Marini.

California Coastline

California’s vast coastline stretches nearly 900 miles, giving way for countless cliffside hotels to crop up. One such property that tends to top the lists of dramatic view seekers is Post Ranch Inn along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline on Highway 1. The property has been open since the early ‘90s and sits atop cliffs soaring 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean. A few hours north near San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is nestled on a cliff beside the rocky coastline. The resort was designed by HKS Architects and taps into the nostalgia of 19th-century seaside lodges with its vignette of dormers, gables, and chimneys creating a unique silhouette against the vast blue sky.

Bali

The dazzling Indonesian province of Bali is replete with mind-bogglingly beautiful landscapes well-suited for adventurous travelers. Taking it up a notch, Six Senses Uluwatu is located on a dramatic cliffside at Bali’s southern tip, giving visitors front-row seats to the Indian Ocean. The property is also the location of Pura Uluwatu, which is one of this Hindu island’s most sacred temples, all adding to the spiritual quality of this scenic setting. Also in the region, Bulgari Resort Bali is another traveler favorite thanks to its position 150 meters above the sea and breathtaking sunrise and sunset views each day. If you’re ready for a dip, the resort has a private funicular that travels directly to a pristine stretch of beach.

Turkey

Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel

Surrounded on three sides by the Black, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas, Turkey is a large, beautiful peninsula that bridges Europe and Asia and is home to some of the oldest settlements in the world. Mountains and cliffs are abundant in the country, and at Yunak Evleri guests can stay in this unique hotel that was carved into a mountain cliff. The property is a collection of cave houses dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries beside a 19th-century Greek mansion. There are two swimming pools and and outdoor fireplace to relax and watch the sunset at. If you’re looking for a stepping-back-in-time kind of travel experience, this is it.

Jamaica

The Caves Hotel

One comes to Jamaica for many things — the culture, the history, the food, the scenery, and more. This Caribbean island nation is lush and awe-inducing, and a property that exemplifies all of its best traits lies on the north coast of Jamaica in Negril. The Caves offers 12 cottages perched along limestone cliffs plus unique amenities like private cave dining, a seaview spa, and The Blackwell Rum Bar that’s accessed by taking a coral staircase down to the water’s edge, crossing a wooden footbridge, and arriving at the secret cave. The walls of the bar are the volcanic cliffs, making for a thoroughly immersive cocktail experience.

Mallorca

For a travel locale that delivers on scenery, history, cuisine, and accommodations — Mallorca isn’t a bad place to start. The Mediterranean island has long been a destination for those transfixed by its turquoise waters and limestone mountains, perhaps best experienced at a cliffside hotel. Cap Rocat is located within a fortress and the building is a Heritage Asset and listed as a National Monument. It’s located in the secluded area of the Bay of Palma and the Sentinels room, specifically, offers magnificent views. Jumeirah Port Soller is another cliffside retreat on Mallorca and sits high above the port on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

Washington

Salish Lodge & Spa

For those who have explored its many national parks and breathtaking Pacific Northwest beauty, Washington is a slice of heaven right here in the states. One unique way to experience nature here is at Salish, Lodge & Spa — a property that is perched atop both a cliff and 268-foot waterfall (Snoqualmie Falls, to be exact). It’s located 30 minutes east of Seattle for easy accessibility and the dining room is situated right next to the falls for picturesque meals.

Australia

For adventurous types, the El Questro Homestead in Western Australia is a dramatic property perched at the very tip of a clifftop in the East Kimberley region. It’s surrounded by avenues of frangipani trees and the nine suites overlook the Chamberlain River. The most luxurious suite has floor-to-ceiling windows, a wraparound veranda, outdoor dining area, plus an indoor-outdoor double bath for two. Take in the rugged ranges and sparkling waters in this magnificent pocket of scenic beauty.

Baja Peninsula

Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection

The Baja California peninsula is located in northwestern Mexico and has nearly 2,000 miles of coastline. Whale watching, desert landscapes, and secluded beaches are among the many reasons tourists flock to this unique part of the country. Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection is at the southern tip in Baja California Sur and situated between two scenic bluffs. The property’s natural-toned design motifs blend in and complement the surrounding beaches and rocky cliffs overlooking the Sea of Cortez. At the same time, Made in Mexico decor accents such as textiles and millwork bring the property to life.

Ireland

Cliff House Hotel

A country already famous for its steep sea cliffs, Ireland is a natural fit for those seeking a dramatic hotel. Cliff House Hotel is near Cork and Waterford and is a privately owned luxury hotel that’s been around since 1932, with a complete rebuild in 2008. The property is rooted on a cliff on the south side of Ardmore Bay and offers 39 rooms plus an Irish destination spa and one Michelin-star restaurant. The design is timeless and atmospheric — white walls, cups stone columns, and sedum moss-covered roofs with limestone terracing.

Greek Islands

A visit to the Greek islands proves this magical destination is, indeed, vertically oriented. It’s only natural then that cliffside properties abound in this part of the Aegean Sea, beginning with Mystique Hotel Santorini. It was carved into the Caldera cliffs that overlook the water, and is a collection of 41 stone-crafted, cave-style suites and villas located across from an active volcano. Also a staple in Santorini, Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection sits atop a cliff and boasts one of the best infinity pools in the region. The cuisine here is also a major draw, with Michelin-awarded chef Lefteris Lazarou at the helm of the Greek and Mediterranean flavors.

Pacific Coast of Mexico

Referred to by some as the Mexican Riviera, the country’s Pacific coast is an enclave of beach resorts that highlight the region’s arresting beauty. In Acapulco, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués is an eco resort with 45 private pool villas and residences that cling to the dramatic hillside of Punta Diamante. Here, guests soak in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean while enjoying amenities like al fresco dining. Just a few minutes from Zihuatanejo, Cala de Mar is a resort and spa perched atop the cliffside of Ixtapa. The property has 59 suites, each with a private heated plunge pool and views of the ocean and the design follows the Zihua style philosophy with minimal straight lines or right angles, just as it is in nature.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are situated in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico and are composed of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gordo, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke (plus many other smaller islands and cays). One of these smaller escapes is Moskito Island — an all-inclusive resort with four grand estates offering striking views and unparalleled beach access. While here, guests can enjoy customized vacations with experiences like picnics on Manchioneel beach to themed dinners with live jazz bands. In 2023, the main house will debut a cantilevered glass-bottom hot tub that extends over the cliff’s edge. Over in Virgin Gorda, Oil Nut Bay is a beloved 400-acre resort with cliffside suites, some as high as 700 feet above sea level. Witness views of the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, plus a picturesque overwater restaurant and bar.

South Africa

With 21 national parks, 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and remarkable biodiversity, it’s no wonder that South Africa is such an appealing destination for travelers. Here, on the cliffs of the Cape Winelands region, guests at Birkenhead House can overlook the whale watching enclave of Walker Bay from the cliffside pool or from one of the 11 individually designed rooms located in three separate houses that make up the property. At The Twelve Apostles in Cape Town, visitors get the unique vantage point of being positioned above the Atlantic Ocean and between the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and Table Mountain National Park. This luxury boutique hotel has two restaurants, both excellent for watching the evening sunset from.

Kenya

Angama Mara

There’s nowhere on earth quite like Kenya — this east African country has coastlines along the Indian Ocean, mountain highlands, dramatic savanna grasslands, and much, much more. For those traveling here for a safari, Angama Mara is a luxury lodge in the Maasai Mara. It’s placed on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment and the property’s name is a nod to the Swahili word for ‘suspended in midair.’ While here, guests will stay in 30-foot-wide tens with floor-to-ceiling glass fronts that look out over the Great Rift Valley.

Canada

Fogo Island Inn

It is said that Fogo Island Inn is located at one of the four corners of the world. This 43,000 square-foot Newfoundland luxury hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and was designed by architect Todd Saunders. The property is perched on stilts and its 29 one-of-a-kind rooms hug the North Atlantic coastline with floor-to-ceiling views. The island has seven singular seasons and offers activities ranging from stargazing and bird watching to hiking and snowmobiling.

Dominica

To know the Caribbean Island of Dominica is to know unspoiled natural splendor. This lush escape is abundant with rainforests, rivers, and mountains and a visit is nothing short of spectacular. At Secret Bay (a property renowned for its cliffside location), guests can book one of 12 residential style villas. The Zabuco Villa was built on a clifftop promontory and is on the furthest point, lending 180-degree vistas over the mountain peaks. And even if you don’t book it, there are other special spots around the property with cliffside facets like the new Gwiyavye’ Lap Pool & Bar and the resort’s Gommier Spa. Coulibri Ridge is a newly-opened property also on Dominica and is a 14-suite, 285-acre resort perched atop a mountain ridge near the village of Soufrière. The resort is off-grid and uses solar energy as its main power source; also, rainwater is collected through their unique roof design and funneled to guest suites and two chlorine-free pools.

Hawaii

Hawaii and its network of breathtaking islands is one of those places with indisputable beauty. It’s an otherworldly destination that celebrates nature in all of its facets, from volcanos and rainforests to coastlines and coral reefs. Not at all shocking: there are many striking hotels here. At Timbers Kauai at Hokuala, the oceanside cliffs of Kauai cradle this luxury resort and private residences. It sits on the oceanside edge of 450 acres and is surrounded by 13 miles of nature trails. On the island of Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay hugs a coastal cliff on the west coast, giving prime views for whale watching and turtle spotting. The resort is set on 24 acres and this past spring it welcomed back Champagne Hale at Cliff House — an intimate cliffside venue that was originally built in 1940 as a facility for the managers of the historic Honolua Plantation.

Oman

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

A regal resort that once hosted Princess Diana, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman is located a two hours’ drive inland from Muscat and up in the mountains. In fact, it is one of the world’s highest luxury resorts and each of its rooms look out onto the dramatic canyon. Here, you’ll be surrounded by cliffs and can enjoy activities like a climb wall, hiking, cinema under the stars, and yoga atop the scenic lookout of Diana’s Point.

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Speculators who evict tenants under the Ellis Act in San Francisco are seeing staggering profits, and paying only a tiny fraction of that money to help the victims relocate, a new city study shows.

In some cases, the value of Ellised properties have increase by more than 400 percent, and the average profit from selling the vacated units is $429,000, the report by the city’s Budget and Legislative Analyst shows.

Only 5.2 percent of that money goes to relocation fees and expenses to displaced tenants, the data, which covers the past ten years, shows.

The report shows the need to significantly increase the modest relocation fees that landlords have to pay tenants who are evicted under the Ellis Act, Sup. Myrna Melgar, who asked for the report, told me.

“That’s what we’re looking at,” she said.

The Ellis Act, one of the most abused state tenant laws, allows landlords to throw all of their renters out in the name of “going out of business.” Then they can sell the vacant buildings as tenancies in common, the rough equivalent of condos.

Most of these evictions don’t involve longtime landlords who are tired of managing rental property. In the vast majority of San Francisco cases, speculators buy apartment buildings with longtime tenants under rent control, cite the Ellis Act to evict everyone, then flip the building for a quick profit.

Under current local law, the evictors are required to pay $7,419 to each tenant, up to a maximum of $22,257 for a household. That, the report says, is just 5.2 percent of the profit that the typical speculator makes on the deal.

More: The relocation costs aren’t even enough to cover first-and-last month’s rent on a new apartment:

The required relocation payments for a single tenant in a 1 bedroom unit moving to a market rate 1 bedroom unit would not be sufficient to cover first and last months’ rent, a security deposit (one month’s rent), moving costs, and lost wages for five days spent packing and moving (conservatively assuming a minimum wage job in San Francisco). We estimate the deficiency in such a scenario to be $2,470 based on a relocation payment of $7,419 and relocation costs of $9,889.

The BLA examined 59 properties, representing 135 housing units, over the period of 2011-2021.

We found that the median assessed value of … such properties … increased by 464.5 percent from $299,470 in FY 2011- 12 to $1,690,650 in FY 2020-21, or by approximately $1.4 million. This rate of increase exceeds the 223.4 percent increase in assessed value for all properties for which Ellis Act Withdrawal Petitions were filed during that same period (which includes those that were not sold after the Ellis Act Withdrawal Petition was filed). It also exceeds the increase in all home values ​​in San Francisco of approximately 116 percent between 2011 and 2021 as reported by Zillow. All of this data indicates that evicting tenants through the Ellis Act corresponds to increased value of the properties, particularly if they are sold, but even if they are not.

More:

Finally, we further analyzed the financial impacts of Ellis Act evictions by analyzing the change in sales price for just those properties for which the owners filed an Ellis Act Withdrawal Petition and subsequently sold the property. Comparing the most recent sales prices prior to the Ellis Act Withdrawal Petition with the sales price after the Ellis Act Withdrawal Petition was filed for 38 properties representing 73 housing units, we found a median change in price of $949,688 for all properties, or $429,000 per unit .

This is pretty dramatic information, and it shows why so many speculators want to buy buildings in San Francisco and evict all the tenants: the profits are giant.

In 2014, then-Sup David Campos introduced a bill to raise the relocation fees; Under his proposal, an evictor would have to pay tenants the difference between their current rent and market rent on a similar apartment for two years.

(The federal standard for people forced to move when the government wants to, say, build a freeway, includes that same level of payment for four years.)

Then-Sup. London Breed tried to derail it, but it wound up passing the full board.

A right-wing property-rights group sued in federal court, and Judge Charles Breyer struck it down.

The city decided not to appeal.

So now it’s going to be up to Melgar, her colleagues, and the city attorney to figure out a way to use the data in the BLA report to craft legislation raising the relocation fees in a way that will pass court muster.

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“Pretty Woman,” prettier house.

Julia Roberts shelled out $8.3 million for a five-story century-old Victorian Revival-style home in the heart of San Francisco.

The Post has obtained photos of the five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom property, located in the quiet and low-key Presidio Heights neighborhood.

Roberts, 54, purchased the 6,245-square-foot stunner on Jan. 6, 2020 after a nearly $2 million price cut. It was originally listed for $10.25 million.

The A-list actress — who was most recently spotted basking in the Australian sun in a hot pink swimsuit — is known for her acclaimed roles including “Erin Brockovich,” for which she won an Academy Award, “Steel Magnolias,” “Pretty Woman ” and “August: Osage County,” among many others.

Julia Roberts shelled out $8.3 million for a five-story San Francisco home. Realtor.com; Getty Images

Built in 1907-’08 by architect Sylvain Schnaittacher and remodeled by John Wheatman, the “Homecoming” star’s residence boasts views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge from the kitchen, family room and the primary bedroom suite.

The house has five floors and a bonus room. Realtor.com

The home includes a bonus room on the top floor, in addition to the five floors, and a two-car tandem garage, wine room, outdoor dining space and garden.

Property records show the home is under the “Grayfox Trust,” the same trust associated with her country-spanning collection of real estate, including a scenic ranch in Malibu’s Point Dume and a West Village co-op in New York City.

The primary bedroom. Realtor.com

Interior features include a custom gourmet kitchen with marble countertops, six burner gas stove top, two dishwashers, two sink stations, a walk-in pantry, a breakfast bar and breakfast area, a previous listing said. Additionally, there is a wet bar, wine fridge and desk area.

In the kitchen is a back hallway which leads to a second set of stairs to the other four floors.

The kitchen. Realtor.com

The grand staircase features stained-glass windows.

On the third floor is primary en-suite bedroom which has a walk-out slate balcony and skylight. There is also a separate dressing table area, walk-in closet with wood-paneled doors, a large remodeled bath with split vanities and a separate shower and tub.

In 2016, she sold her sprawling Hawaiian oceanfront estate for $16.2 million.

The entryway. Realtor.com

the foyer Realtor.com

The home boasts coffered ceilings. Realtor.com

The formal dining room. Realtor.com

The reading room. Realtor.com

The formal living room. Realtor.com

Another living space. Realtor.com

The bonus room. Realtor.com

A dressing room. Realtor.com

The terrace off of the main bedroom. Realtor.com

Another bedroom. Realtor.com

One of five bathrooms. Realtor.com

Another bathroom. Realtor.com

A den. Realtor.com

A study. Realtor.com

The wine cellar. Realtor.com

An entertainment area. Realtor.com

The back patio. Realtor.com

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