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Super Contributor
Posts: 495
Registered: ‎03-31-2010

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Love the long rail and the bell hanging from it, in the kitchen.  Wonder if during an earthquake the movement rings the bell.  Like the long shelf above the rail also.
 
It is fascinating that the kitchen sink has separate spigots for the hot and cold water rather than the water mixing through one nozzle.  Illogical, Captain.
 
The House & Garden UK article calls this a "basement" redesign.  Whereas an article in Dwell(dot)com calls this a "garage" remodel, and provides additional photos and information such as square footage and a floor plan ("Before and After: A Gloomy San Francisco Garage is Retooled as a Charming English Cottage").
 
Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,537
Registered: ‎11-08-2014

oinRe: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Yeah, Mz imac, @Critter friend,  and others interested in the basement question-- the term "basement" is very elastic.  Walk-out basements are super desirable in my eyes.

 

According to the Appraisers' forum, a basement can technically be considered one, if even a portion is below grade, or if a portion is below the level of the front steps of the actual house.

 

That's what fascinated me about this one-- it seemed at least mostly, above grade.  Yet, I wondered-- even if you look carefully at the first living room picture, where the couch abuts the glass doors, there looks to be a "step up" to walk out through the door to the yard.  A few other places to me looked like there was at least a "step's worth" difference between outside and inside.

 

@QVCisFun ,  that's interesting that another mag called it a garage, but makes sense.  Some old houses had bottom levels that were technically a little below ground and used as garages-- when you put your car in, you'd be slanting or ramping down as you drove in. 

 

@Critter friend's point is important, that it can really depend on the slope of the lot.  If you throw in the hilly San Fran area landscape, you can have all kinds of scenarios for above and below grade floors, I expect. 

 

@DREAMON ,  you described it!   I'm always susceptible to that calm, considered mix of vintage and modern, a look that seems to have evolved, not been thrown together at once.

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,510
Registered: ‎06-10-2010

Re: oinRe: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

I love that they kept this basement apartment simple. One thing I really love the most in almost any home is that big woodwork. Something so quality in the way it looks.

 

We lived in a two-story home and raised our kids there. It was owned by a relative of my husbands and we had asked if they ever wanted to sell it to have first whack at it. We bought it. I imagine at that time (early 70's) that  the house was 90+ yrs. old.

 

The wood in that house was so hard you could barely drive a nail through it! It was built with native wood which is older and  much better quality then  wood used today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,258
Registered: ‎05-24-2010

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Very well done. They used high end materials for this renovation. I’m guessing they spent a small fortune.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,556
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Isn't it amazing what a few cans of white paint can do? Looks really great!!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,051
Registered: ‎06-29-2010

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

when can I move in?

Never Forget the Native American Indian Holocaust
Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,453
Registered: ‎03-19-2014

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

I'm not a fan.  I just don't find it visually interesting.

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.
- Author Unknown
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,575
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

As someone who lives where there are no basements, due to the high water table, I have serious basement envy - any and all basements.  All of that extra space!

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett
Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,954
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

Beautifully done, and not over the top. The style, I think would fit a good number of people.....

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,168
Registered: ‎05-31-2022

Re: CALIFORNIA BASEMENT APARTMENT, BEFORE AND AFTER

I love this! I used to live in a basemnt rancher...it was a walkout.....to the garage. I really love seeing the antique table becoming a desk. I always like to see beautiful things put to good use. A wonderful makeover where money was no object, I would guess.