A historic mansion built for a prominent timber businessman in the years following San Francisco’s devastating 1906 earthquake has returned to the real estate market after nearly three decades.
Known as Doe House, the 1908 residence in the city’s prestigious Pacific Heights neighbourhood is listed for $27 million, according to SFGATE and its Sotheby’s International Realty listing. Located at 2120 Washington Street, the 8,175-square-foot property combines early 20th-century architectural character with contemporary interiors, landscaped outdoor spaces and sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island and the surrounding hills.
Its location beside Lafayette Park adds to the appeal of a home that reflects the period when Pacific Heights emerged as a favoured address for the city’s wealthy residents.
A mansion shaped by San Francisco’s rebuilding years
Doe House was constructed in 1908 for Frank P. Doe, a timber baron, during a period of reconstruction and expansion following the earthquake and fires that devastated much of San Francisco in 1906. The residence reflects Classical Revival influences within Edwardian-era architecture, a style that favoured balanced proportions, restrained decorative details and brighter, more spacious interiors than the elaborate ornamentation associated with many Victorian homes.
Its white-shingled exterior maintains a stately appearance without excessive embellishment. Traditional architectural features remain visible throughout the house, including crown moulding, exposed beams, arched doorways and curved bay windows. The property occupies a double lot, with front and side courtyards framing the main residence. At the rear, a terraced garden descends towards a patio surrounded by dense greenery, creating several outdoor spaces within the urban setting.
Period architecture meets contemporary design
Despite its historic origins, the mansion has been updated for modern living. Work by Butler Armsden Architects introduced contemporary elements while retaining the building’s architectural character. The main floor features an expansive great room that combines living and formal dining areas into a single, open space. Its position along the southern side of the house allows natural light to enter throughout the day, while broad views provide a visual connection to the surrounding landscape.The kitchen continues the modern approach, with high-end appliances, a substantial island and a wall of glass opening towards an outdoor cooking area. The arrangement makes the most of the property’s outlook across the bay, with Alcatraz Island and the hills beyond forming part of the scenery. The house has seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms and two partial bathrooms, offering considerable space across its multiple levels.
Bay views, park outlooks and private retreats
The primary suite is designed as a private retreat, featuring a gas fireplace, a deep soaking tub and walk-in closets. The home’s orientation gives the bedrooms distinctive outlooks, with views of the water on one side and Lafayette Park on the other. On the uppermost floor, a family lounge occupies the space beneath the roof’s original peaked lines. Bright yellow walls and floor-to-ceiling windows give the room a contemporary character, while views of the city, hills and water remain a defining feature.
The combination of formal interiors, open communal spaces and outdoor courtyards gives the mansion a layout suited to both entertaining and everyday living.
A rare opportunity in Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights has long been associated with San Francisco’s historic mansions, prominent residents and elevated views across the city and bay. Doe House stands out for its architectural heritage, substantial footprint and position alongside one of the neighbourhood’s best-known green spaces.Its return to the market after almost 30 years offers prospective buyers an opportunity to acquire a residence that preserves elements of San Francisco’s early 20th-century residential history while incorporating the conveniences of a modern luxury home. Listed at $27 million, the property brings together period craftsmanship, extensive living space, landscaped grounds and a location that places the city’s historic character and waterfront scenery at the centre of the experience.