The last time San Francisco's famed Burr House was listed for sale, the 19th century residence—a one-of-a-kind blend of Italianate style with a Second French Empire mansard roof—had a contract in just one day.
So you'll need to hop to it if you have any interest in buying (or just seeing) this home, which was built for the eighth mayor of San Francisco and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Designed by Edmund M. Wharf for Ephraim William Burr—who commissioned it as a wedding gift for his son Edmond and his wife to be, Anna Barnard, in 1875—the six-bedroom house was inhabited by the family and their two daughters until 1968. Set on one of the largest parcels in the city, the residence spans over a quarter of an acre (12,535 square feet to be exact) with lush gardens and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage in addition to the main house.
The house underwent a major restoration from 2000 to 2003. Now, back on the market, it holds preserved architectural details with a modern luxurious feel. Standout details include the mansard roof above a bracketed cornice; colonette-framed curved bay windows with Corinthian capitals and reverse fluting; molded corner quoins; and carved balustrades.
Step through double front doors (which once belonged to the New York Public Library) and into the foyer where the home's remarkable design details immediately become apparent—think crown moldings, chandeliers, and inlay hardwood floors. The curved staircase is illuminated by a stained-glass skylight overhead.
A triple parlor has high ceilings and mahogany built-in cabinets framing a marble fireplace. The living room also has an original carved marble mantel, while the dining room is marked by a bay window that opens to the fresh scent of jasmine.
Designed by the English firm Smallbone, the kitchen is peppered with chic details like granite-topped cabinets and a tiled backsplash. Appliances include a Viking six-burner stove with a grill top and commercial ventilator; a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer; Thermador dishwasher; a KitchenAid warming oven; and a GE Monogram compactor. There are also two pantries to keep the place well stocked.
The second level is taken up by private quarters. Looking over the back garden, the primary suite has an original fireplace; a dressing room; and en suite marble-clad bathroom with dual sink vanities, custom cabinets by Smallbone, a spa tub, and shower. Two more bedrooms complete this floor.
The top floor is home to a lovely family room with the original redwood-paneling and an abundance of storage for objects and books. This space can easily be used for entertaining or lounging around with a wet bar area equipped with a refrigerator and dishwasher. A fifth bedroom with en suite bath can host overnight guests.
The bottom level houses the sixth bedroom with a quaint fireplace and full bathroom, which can serve as another guest stay or an au pair suite. Exercise buffs will appreciate the mirrored workout room which has verdant views of the gardens, while oenophiles can be found sipping and swirling in the temperature-controlled wine cellar with capacity for 2,000 bottles
Additional amenities include a laundry or mud room, utility room, and storage closets.
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 4.5
Size: 7,077 sq. ft.
Asking price: $12,900,000
// 1772 Vallejo St. (Cow Hollow), for more information, visit 1772vallejo.com.
