Our Story

Elements really began on a walk in the Castro District of San Francisco. I noticed a property for sale, and something about the picture, and its description got my attention.  On my first visit, I knew there was something unique about this property. There was a palpable feeling of well being, and happiness.

Lee Julien and his partner bought the property in 2000, and began contruction in 2001.  Originally the property was a campsite, for logging and summer vacations. There was a small outside kitchen built of river rock with a small shower. The campers even built a firepit with a gimbled kettle, and the site was accessed by a steep narrow dirt road. Once Lee and Robert started initial clearing, they realized that the house’s positons needed to be changed to capture the view. The rest of the compound fell into place, almost naturally after that decision. The old campsite and firepit, became the center point of entertainment for the compound.  What I have enjoyed most about Elements is the way it inspired so many of its own transformations over the last year and a half. Our designer, Wade Hine immediately was sensitive to the natural color palate. Wade also introduced older, recycled elements into the design. Old turkey cages from India, were re-invented as lamp shades as an example. Steel Geisha did all of our custom steel fabrication, and then proceeded to “age” them to work within our design. They did a stupendous job with both the barn door and our candle chandelier in the main room. Anastastia Waterfield, did the final installation work on the property.

All of us were constantly on the alert for items that could serve another purpose at Elements. One of the biggest finds was at the nearby Berry’s Saw Mill.  We were still searching for the perfect outdoor table to join the old campsite. Jeffery found an immense slab of center cut redwood at the mill, discarded because of imperfections. A few days later it was delivered to the property, but even then it took eight men to move it into position in the grove.  The table now weathers in place, and the imperfections for the mill, have become character to us.

One of the biggest transformations came through the decision to landscape and light the compound. Rick Taylor Elder Creek Landscaping was inspired by the potential.  The compound was transformed over a two month period. Rick brought in native grasses (californicas) and ferns, and even rebuilt and landscaped the pond. He also designed and installed our impressive lighting system, which makes the compound at night as wonderful as by day. When I walk around the property I am amazed how the native vegetation has brought back our native quail, and bluebirds.  And I guess I wasn’t too suprised to see a fox the other day exploring the grasses at the edge of the compound.