2505 Pa c i fi c
Pacific Heights: Location Unlike Any Other
Spreckels Mansion: 2080 Washington St: Sugar magnate Adolph Spreckels hired architect George Applegarth to design this French Baroque-style chateau for his wife, Alma de Bretteville Spreckels. Big Alma, also known as the “great-grandmother of San Francisco,” was heiress to the fortune of sugar baron Adolph Spreckels. But her early life was marked by poverty. She was born Alma le Normand de
The residence stands prominently on the block, among some of the oldest and most storied homes of San Francisco. The Pacific Heights surrounding neighborhood is known for it’s stunning architecture that spans Victorians, Edwardians,
Bretteville on a sandy farm in the city’s Sunset District in 1881.Her father, Viggio de Bretteville, claimed a distant lineage to French aristocracy and delighted in telling his children of their "royal" heritage. In 1914, before the outbreak of World War
Mission Revival and French Chateaus.
I, she traveled to Paris on a furniture-shopping spree also aimed at elevating the Spreckels name among San Francisco’s
The affluent neighborhood is where international consulates of Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Russia reside. Elite
and modern dance sensation Loie Fuller, who introduced her to August Rodin and his work. With great persistence and
private schools including San Francisco High School, Drew School, Town School For Boys, Convent of the Sacred Heart
upper-class Victorians, who looked down on her for her humble, bohemian past. At a dinner party, she met vaudevillian Fuller’s help, Alma secured the purchase of 18 Rodin masterworks, including bronzes. They made their San Francisco debut
(in the former Flood Mansion), and Stuart Hall High School are all within walking distance.
at the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition’s Pavilion of France, which housed the most remarkable gathering of
Pacific Heights is renowned for its panoramic views and bucolic parks, storybook playgrounds and unbounded woods
treasures she had secured required a San Francisco museum to house them. She envisioned a museum modeled after the
and terrain of the Presidio where miles of hiking, biking and running trails become the playground for transcending the conventions of City living. Pacific Heights was first developed in the 1870s when small and serviceable Victorian homes were built to accommodate working class families. Once Nob Hill became established as a wealthy area, however, affluent families began to move west into Pacific Heights. At the turn of the century expensive Victorians and period homes replaced the more modest original
art seen on American soil to date. Alma visited the exhibit with her ailing husband Adolph and decided that the French art Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris. In 1924, the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park was completed and donated it to the city of San Francisco, dedicated to Californians who died in World War I. Alma donated Rodin’s The Thinker and had it placed at the front entrance. Layfayette Park:
homes.
Lafayette Park is an 11.5-acre multi-use recreation area bounded by Laguna, Sacramento, Gough, and Washington Streets in
Pacific Heights Architecture &
and Gough streets. Expansive city and bay views, benches, pathways, a picnic area and tennis courts, it's an urban oasis.
Historical Points of Interest:
Lafayette Park has hosted a myriad of "owners" over time, from former City Attorney, Samuel Holladay; to University of
the Pacific Heights District. Rich with a history that spans back to the 1860s, Bounded by Washington, Laguna, Sacramento
California professor, George Davidson; to real estate mogul, Louis Lurie; to condominium developer, Alexander Wilson - all of whom contended with the City of San Francisco for rights to the area. It was not until 1936 that the City secured
Those with a penchant for Victorian-style homes will find a bounty of these grande dames in Pacific Heights. While searching for the Italianate, Stick, Queen Anne or other varieties you fancy, discover historic mansions fashioned after chateaus, Georgian manors and more. Alta Plaza Park: Alta Plaza Park is bounded by Clay, Jackson, Scott, and Steiner streets; the grand staircase rises midway along its southern edge, from Pierce Street. Once the site of a quarry, Alta Plaza’s nearly 12 acres were purchased by the city in 1877. Although the park was established in 1888, nothing was done to improve the site for 20 years, when Park Superintendent John McLaren took on its landscaping. Like nearby Lafayette Park, Alta Plaza served as a campsite for refugees from the 1906 earthquake and fire. In 1971, during the filming of the Barbra Streisand-Ryan O’Neal movie “What’s Up, Doc?,” several cars were driven down the grand staircase, breaking off chunks of concrete. A broad, tiered staircase climbs the terraced southern slope of this steep hillside park; when you reach the top, you will find panoramic views of the city and Bay. Trees and benches crown the summit, while nearby are a children’s playground, a basketball court, and tennis courts. An off-leash dog-play area is in the park’s southeast corner.
Lafayette Park as purely public space - that is with the exception of the St. Regis Apartments which remain the only privately-owned building in a San Francisco public park. Haas-Lilienthal House: 2007 Franklin St.: Peter Schmidt designed this Queen Anne-style Victorian home, constructed in 1886, for merchant William Haas. The family resided here until 1972, when it donated the house to the San Francisco Architectural Heritage, a nonprofit, historical preservation organization. Captain Leale House: 2475 Pacific Ave.: After years spent on the waters of the San Francisco Bay, ferry boat Capt. John Leale purchased this home in 1883. Today it takes some imagination, but this understated house was part of a 25-acre dairy farm that once existed here. The front facade was added after the original construction.
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Property Overview This grand home born in the Victorian era when Renaissance and romantic movements inspired its architectural grace, casting a long and enduring shadow. Its signature gables and classic bell-domed roof nod to its ancestry and elegance. The resplendent 6,377 square feet residence spans four-levels connected by a glorious, cascading oak modernized Queen Anne bannister and staircase, revealing its abundant beauty and grace inside and out. Generous light bathes 6 spacious rooms, 4 bths, 2 hlf/bth, roaming basement level with concrete radiant floors and two car garage. Fusing extraordinary vision between the homeowner and architect Stephen Willrich, this classically elegant Queen Anne Victorian was polished to perfection during a complete renovation in 2016 by Upscale Construction. Radiant with light and soaring in volume, this home offers an exceptional and rare walk-out south garden that is entered through three sets of French doors from the kitchen and family room — the ultimate in endless indoor/outdoor living. The primary bedroom suite has an unparalleled dressing room with sitting area, ensuite bath with separate tub and shower and custom cabinetry. Exquisitely crafted with thoughtful design, timeless details and seamless comfort fit for a modern lifestyle. High ceilings, French oak radiant heated floors, four levels, elevator, quality custom built-ins throughout. Best Pacific Heights location near Alta Plaza Park and Fillmore Street shops and restaurants. The stately home sits near the corner of Pacific and Steiner, a site with views stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge and the downtown skyline. Inside the open floor plan evokes the optimal blend of classical spaces and comfortable living. The interiors are graced by wide, oak flooring and 11 foot height ceilings, all of which contribute to an interior that’s sensible and adaptable for both formal and informal living. From the doorstep to the dining room, chef ’s kitchen, sumptuous bedrooms and grand basement, the design and comfort is seamless and restorative throughout. One experiences Parisian design influences throughout the home where exceptional finishes like European oak floors, marble and classic moldings complete this statuesque dwelling.
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Queen Anne Victorian built in 1889 Masterfully crafted in 2016 by Architect, Stephen Willrich and Upscale Construction South-facing private garden with decks Four level home with elevator access to three levels, 6,377 sq.ft. Fully-finished basement w/ apartment suite & kitchenette, north-facing windows, radiant heat floors The home’s neoclassical revival architecture was carefully preserved while the interior was redesigned to fit a contemporary lifestyle Elevator Vintage marble fireplace Marble island & oak wood countertops Laundry room with sink, storage & Miele washer/dryer High Ceilings Media / Game room Bonus workshop 2-car tandem
2505 Pacific Historical Details • •
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Queen Anne, designed and built in 1889, considered the best of three similar residences built alongside one another at 2507, 2509, 2511 Pacific, by the same architect William F. Smith and developer James Stewart. Stewart took 2505 as his residence. Great care and meticulous attention has been paid to its architectural roots. The owner was clear in her aesthetic objective to preserve the home’s classic architecture yet instill in it a modern and balanced family atmosphere with style and character. This was the vision for reimagining this grand lady’s rebirth in a major 2016 renovation, where classic touches were re-balanced with modern, elegant sensibilities conceived by architect Stephen Willrich’s plans. The poetry of this home’s grand details have been enlightened and updated for today’s modern lifestyles. The home’s neoclassical revival architecture was carefully preserved while the interior was redesigned to fit a contemporary lifestyle. The rare, magical south facing back garden brings peaceful seclusion, tranquility and beauty to the home and its outlooks where greenery invigorates the living experience. This exceptional residence redefines city living, providing the homeowner with a private sanctuary just minutes from the pulse of the city’s energy, diversity and art. Classical architecture, pure lines, properness of scale with superb millwork and hand hewn oak wood floors on all levels
Technical Fundamentals, Materials and Key Features This home celebrates the variety, texture and irregularity inherent in nature. The architectural design of this home that interprets and embellishes European influences. Its luxury is palatable and its warmth contagious, as if one is in the arms of a beloved friend. This exceptional residence redefines city living.
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Mechanical/Electrical: All new Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Special Features and Mechanics: European oak floors Commercial elevator servicing 3 floors Photography darkroom House Elevator: Commercial grade elevator Quietly services, basement, first and second floors Plumbing: Waterworks plumbing throughout Full-house charcoal water filter
Gael Bruno Gael Bruno is a broker associate and top producer and in the top 1% of all San Francisco agents. Gael provides clients with personalized and timely in-depth analyses and knowledge of the San Francisco real estate market. Her unique ability to blend savvy marketing and negotiating skills with custom-tailored research helps keep clients informed and confident throughout the process of buying or selling. Her client relationships are built on a framework of mutual respect, trust and sensible guidance. Prior to her career in real estate, Gael worked as a business journalist. Her business background and strong analytical and writing skills provide clients with reliable services in a highly dynamic and challenging real estate market. Gael has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. Living in San Francisco for nearly 40 years, she draws from an experienced team of professionals including architects and contractors to better serve the needs of clients. Gael’s dedication to clients’ personal needs and expectations has helped her deliver greater value that lasts beyond a single transaction. A fourth-generation Californian, Gael has a deep connection to San Francisco. Three generations of grandparents have lived in the city, with the first arriving from Italy in 1853. Raising four sons with her husband, she has extensive knowledge of the public and private schools and the diverse communities that grace this city by the bay. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Gael is an adventure travel enthusiast and enjoys long walks with the family rescue dog, Lalo, at Crissy Field and Fort Funston.
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