The last remnant of Michael H. De Young's estate, the Tobin House, is on the market for a cool $13.85 million.
The bright and airy dining room
In 1915, San Francisco Chronicle founder Michael H. de Young commissioned lauded architect Willis Polk to design a home for his daughter, Constance M. Tobin, and her husband. It would sit next door to his estate in Pacific Heights. Originally, two homes were connected visually by an arch, thought to be for de Young’s other daughter, but only one was completed. The Tobin House is all that remains of the de Young estate, and the curious half arch has landed the home architectural and popular acclaim. The San Francisco landmark is available once again, listed with Joseph Lucier and Stacey Caen of Sotheby’s International Realty.
A dramatic hallway reveals the architectural brilliance of the original design.
Polk’s famous Gothic Tudor style shines throughout the 9,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, 6 ½-bathroom space, starting with the facade crafted from concrete plaster and ornamented with copper chimney stacks. Inside, the main floor gallery greets with stunning 11-foot ceilings and rich hardwood floors. Seven diamond-pattern glass windows overlooking the abundant south garden decorate the grand living room, while floor-to-ceiling French doors in the sitting room lead to a spacious and well-appointed outdoor terrace. The gourmet kitchen boasts a built-in banquette, marble countertops and large center island.
The chef’s kitchen with its built-in banquet
Three en suite bedrooms dot the second floor, including the 1,000-square-foot primary suite. A wood-burning fireplace adds a sense of coziness, while the wall of south-facing windows and walkout terrace promote indoor-outdoor living. The primary bath is a spalike retreat with an Italian marble soaking tub and glass steam shower.
The 1,000-square-foot owner’s suite
The lower level can act as a stand-alone apartment (with access points from both the kitchen and California Street) with a full bath or be repurposed into an entertainment center or gym. Other luxe amenities include a vaulted skylight sitting room, double-stacked washers and dryers in the laundry room and a spacious wine room. This famous abode stuns with historical elegance and charm, and is sure to be snatched up soon. $13.85 million, 1969 California St., 415.450.8465, 1969california.com
Diamond-pattern glass windows in the living room overlook the south lawn.
Photography by: JACOB ELLIOTT
