722 Steiner St., a historic and iconic Painted Lady anchoring what is known as the Postcard Row of Alamo Square’s quintessential San Francisco Victorians, has just been listed, asking $5.75 million.
There are seven of these ladies (also known as the Seven Sisters), lining up across from the park, with the city skyline and westerly sunsets creating a backdrop San Francisco residents and tourists alike know and love.
Classic leaded and stained glass in the home’s vestibule add sparkle to this vintage light fixture.
Stephen Sugg/Radiant Photo VideoThis particular Painted Lady, built in 1892, presides over 2,286 square foot on the corner of Steiner and Grove. If it’s possible to be even more historic than her sisters, she is: According to Inside San Francisco Real Estate, “722 Steiner is actually the oldest of the group and is the former home of Matthew Kavanaugh, who was the original builder of the Painted Ladies.” This home is also the largest of the seven, at least 1,000 square feet bigger than any other sister.
The floor plan is open, with living room and dining room both anchored by this marble hearth.
Stephen Sugg/Radiant Photo Video
The formal dining room flows into the kitchen.
Stephen Sugg/Radiant Photo VideoAn article from 2010 tells us that “after Kavanaugh finished his own place, he built the three matching houses at the far end on spec. When they sold for around $8,000 apiece, Kavanaugh finished the strip, in 1896.”
The kitchen is modern and open, featuring folding glass doors that open to a balcony and views.
Stephen Sugg/Radiant Photo VideoMollie Poe and Declan Hickey of Indigo Group Real Estate are the co-listing agents for this sale. Poe told SFGATE that along with the Kavanaugh history, “another awesome part of 722’s past is that this was also the home of legendary Jose Julio Sarria, aka Mama Jose by those who loved him.”
Sarria was a World War II veteran, and “the first ‘out’ candidate for public office in 1961 … a cabaret performer and a political activist, Jose’s love for San Francisco is still reveled by our LGBTQ community and beyond,” said Poe.
From the balcony, morning coffee and evening cocktails would be dreamy.
Stephen Sugg/Radiant Photo VideoThough the history is deep in this, the “big sister” of the Seven Sisters, her interior is modern. This tasteful makeover was accomplished by the current owners/sellers, who purchased 722 Steiner off-market in 2014 for $3.1 million. The remodel includes updates such as the open, light-filled kitchen fully equipped for today’s chef; new custom-designed cabinetry; spa-like bathrooms; a solar array and Tesla battery system; as well as an artfully landscaped exterior with patio.
The carved wood of the staircase and gleaming hardwoods evoke the home’s historic pedigree.
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