Haas-Lilienthal House Tours

By San Francisco Limousine Specialist on April 10, 2018

The houses of San Francisco are something that visitors to the city have always taken notice of. There is some stunning old world architecture on display in our great city. Houses dating all the way back to the Victorian era live along their modern counterparts. For those of us that have been dying to step back into the past, and take in one of these houses, the wait is over. A tower-topped, 1886 Queen Anne has just been reopened for the public to tour and enjoy. The Victorian in question, is the Haas-Lilienthal House. The houses location played a part in it surviving the fire caused by an earthquake in 1906. Though the house survived a fire, years of age and damage is taking its toll on the vintage house. 130 years of fog and dry rot turned the once beautiful house into a tarnished gem.

San Francisco Heritage decided that it was time to do something to save the house. They’re a group dedicated to preserving the beauty of old San Francisco in the modern day. They took it on themselves to raise $4.3 million. The goal, was to save the 24-room mansion from age. The house is brimming with original furnishings and details that could only come from a bygone era. The interior is sure to excite anybody with a flair for design and a love of California history.

The house was built by William Haas. Haas was a Jewish immigrant from Germany. He became a successful grocery wholesaler. The house sits on a lot that’s far wider than most modern San Francisco homes. This extra space allowed architect Peter R. Schmidt the ability to scale up and embellish upon the houses design. The Victorian Era was known for its excess and grandiose design. The attic at the top of the house was only used as a place for storage and a play area for children.

The entry parlor is paneled in golden oak, and the bedroom’s mantle is Mexican onyx. The Victorian elegance once again shines like it was the old days. Back in the houses glory days, it served as a social meeting place for some of the founding families of San Francisco. Visitors shouldn’t expect a brightly decorated Victorian. The Haas-Lilienthal home is covered in Dunn Edwards’ Armored Steel paint. This is because the “painted lady” Victorian design didn’t become a thing until 1960.

For those of you looking to get a taste of old school San Francisco should look no further than this beautiful house. Guided tours are available on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Adults can get in for $10, seniors and children 6 to 12 get in for $8. No reservation required.