Even among San Francisco’s extensive stock of legendary Victorian era homes, this historic residence is distinguished. Over several years of scrupulous planning and construction the house underwent a complete restructuring and received a brand new interior layout to accommodate a large family. The exteriors were repaired and preserved according to the Secretary of Interior Standards for the treatment for historic properties, giving a fresh and welcome look to this prominent corner of the neighborhood.  

The first step in the renovation involving lifting the home to create a multi-car underground garage and basement, while also allowing for a more spacious interior layout. The lower portion of the exterior was painted a dark charcoal color, contrasting with the clean, bright white of everything above. This two-color palette creates a striking, modern, and timeless aesthetic. Paul Wiseman, the interior designer for the project, explains that the “darker color on the lower floor gives the house a sense of grounding, while the white color enhances the airy living spaces on the upper floors.” 

The jet-black front door harmonizes with the base color and serves as a transition between the classic exterior and the contemporary interiors within. “We didn’t pull any Victorian details into the interior,” notes Wiseman. “The idea was that the interior was a counterpoint to the traditional exterior. Wiseman emphasizes that they intentionally avoided incorporating Victorian details into the interior design, aiming for a deliberate contrast with the traditional exterior. As you enter the house, the front door reveals the modern interior, with the mahogany wood ebonized to maintain a cohesive flow that seamlessly blends the interior and exterior spaces. 

"Unlike many Victorian houses, which can be dark inside, the corner location of the house allowed for more windows along three sides of the house. The abundance of natural light prompted us to consider light, airy and contemporary interior architecture," notes Richard Beard, the lead architect for the project. Departing from the typically dark, heavy, and formal material palette of Victorian homes in San Francisco, the interiors adopt a more contemporary and neutral color scheme that accentuates the spatial qualities of the house, and better suiting the needs and lifestyle of the active family. 

The four stories are furnished in a minimalist style and connected by a curvilinear staircase. “The stair was an opportunity to create a more open and continuous flow of space between floors, a spatial quality uncommon in historic houses,” notes Beard. Large skylights on the roof channel light into the home to create a more expansive atmosphere. 

The graceful curves of the staircase, complemented by a handrail crafted by Chris French Metal, are echoed in various furnishings, including a long, slender dining table that accommodates twelve people, a curvilinear banquette, and in the comfortable chairs throughout the home. Frequent entertainers, durable outdoor-rated fabrics were chosen to ensure resistance to stains, spills, and wear. Similarly, the building materials were selected for their durability. A stairway gracefully descends to a wine wall and game room. At the pinnacle of the staircase lies the fourth floor, where the primary suite is nestled. Here, the team placed the primary bath in the turret, with modern light fixtures creating a dramatic interplay between the new and old elements of the residence.