Historic Homes of San Francisco, CA

Some cities whisper their history—San Francisco sings it from every street corner. Its hills are dotted with homes that act as storybooks of a bygone era. For those drawn to architectural richness and local heritage, exploring the historic homes in San Francisco is like walking through living history.

San Francisco is known for its postcard-perfect views and iconic cable cars, but its true soul lives in the homes that have stood for over a century. These aren’t just old houses—they’re carefully preserved pieces of history, built during boom times, rebuilt after disasters, and continuously treasured through generations.

The city’s most iconic historic homes span a range of architectural styles—from elaborately detailed Victorians to stately mansions built by 19th-century industrialists. Here’s a look at some of the most celebrated and culturally significant residences in San Francisco today.

Perhaps the most photographed homes in all of California, the Painted Ladies are a row of seven Victorian houses lined up along Steiner Street, facing Alamo Square Park. Their cheerful colors and intricate detailing make them a visual feast, and they often appear in pop culture, most notably in the opening credits of Full House.

Built between 1892 and 1896, these Queen Anne-style homes are textbook examples of post-Gold Rush San Francisco residential architecture. While the exteriors have been carefully preserved, the interiors reflect the unique choices of each owner—some modernized, others thoughtfully maintained with original period details. Together, they remain among the most iconic historic homes in the city.

The Haas-Lilienthal House is the only intact private Victorian home in San Francisco that is regularly open to the public as a museum. Located in Pacific Heights, it was built in 1886 and remarkably survived the 1906 earthquake and fire.

Designed in the Queen Anne style by architect Peter R. Schmidt, the home features rounded turrets, gables, and decorative woodwork. Inside, visitors find period furnishings, wallpapers, and original wood detailing. Operated by San Francisco Heritage, this landmark offers a rare chance to experience what life looked like inside one of the city’s grand Victorians.

Located on Gough Street in Cow Hollow, the Octagon House stands out with its eight-sided design—a quirky architectural trend from the 1860s meant to bring in more light and better airflow. With its simple symmetry and wraparound porch, it remains one of just a few like it in California.

Today, it’s cared for by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and opens seasonally as a museum featuring early American art and artifacts. Quietly tucked into the neighborhood, it offers a rare and memorable piece of San Francisco history that often surprises even longtime locals.

Built circa 1857, the Feusier Octagon House is perched on Green Street in the heart of Russian Hill. Originally a modest octagonal structure, it was expanded in the 1880s with a third story, mansard roof, and Italianate embellishments, transforming it into one of San Francisco’s most distinctive private residences. As one of only two surviving octagon houses in the city, it offers a rare glimpse into an architectural trend that briefly flourished in mid-19th-century America.

Privately owned and occasionally listed on the market (as recently as 2021 for over $8 million), the home is recognized as both a San Francisco Landmark and part of the National Register of Historic Places. Its preservation status, prime location, and architectural rarity make it one of the most sought-after properties in the city, offering a compelling mix of history and prestige.

Towering over Washington Street, the Spreckels Mansion was completed in 1912 for Adolph B. Spreckels, heir to the Spreckels sugar empire, and his wife Alma de Bretteville Spreckels. Designed in the French Baroque Revival style, the 55-room residence was inspired by the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris and built using gleaming white marble—a material choice that reflected the Spreckels' wealth and ambition.

Spanning an entire city block with commanding views of Lafayette Park, the mansion remains one of San Francisco’s most opulent private homes. As a symbol of San Francisco history and early 20th-century luxury, the Spreckels Mansion stands as one of the most recognizable and storied residences in the city.

Built in 1886, the James C. Flood Mansion was commissioned by silver baron James Clair Flood and designed by architect Augustus Laver. Situated at 1000 California Street, this imposing brownstone structure was modeled after an Italian Renaissance palazzo and constructed using stone imported from Connecticut. It is one of the only brownstone buildings in San Francisco, where wood was far more common at the time.

Although its interiors were gutted by the 1906 fire, the solid stone exterior withstood the disaster, making it one of the few pre-earthquake mansions on Nob Hill to survive. Today, it houses the exclusive Pacific-Union Club, preserving its stature while remaining closed to the public. The mansion’s endurance and architectural distinction make it a cornerstone of San Francisco history and an enduring icon of Nob Hill’s Gilded Age past.

If you're drawn to homes with rich stories, classic detailing, and timeless charm, San Francisco’s historic residences offer something truly special. From the Painted Ladies to Pacific Heights' palatial estates, these properties are physical links to the city's past—and your future.

To explore what’s currently available or to understand the unique considerations involved in buying historic real estate, connect with Nob Hill Compass. As specialists in San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods, their team offers deep local knowledge, personalized service, and access to some of the city’s most storied addresses.