If your algorithm has recently served you videos of gold mirrors, carved armories, and rooms filled with antiques, then you may have already seen 2101 Divisadero Street. The home’s estate sale recently went viral on TikTok and had San Franciscans lining up down the block, drawn to its furnishings and hidden treasures.
But linger a little longer, and it becomes clear that the true beauty isn’t what was in the rooms, but the rooms themselves. Deserving just as long of a line, the 149-year-old Victorian, which was one of the first homes built in Pacific Heights, is now listed for $5.995 million.
The original owner, Dr. Charles Fottrell, was a prominent physician in the area who made house calls by horse and carriage and used the backyard to house his trusty steeds. Architect Frederick H. Meyer rebuilt the circa-1877 home after the 1906 earthquake, preserving the original structure while incorporating infrastructure that was ahead of its time. In the 1970s, it became home to the Thornton family, who have held onto it every since.
The exterior is painted an elegant butter-yellow and classically ornate with its towers and gables, while the interiors display refined, contemporary-chic style that paints a picture for modern living. White walls contrast with the rich, original wood flooring and moldings. Other historic delights include the fireplaces and arches throughout the house. The listing agent, David Cohen of City Real Estate, recently told Home.com, “We kept the integrity, we kept the charm, the details, but made it more palatable for a lot of the buyers of today,” adding that many “want a more neutral palette.”
Set in a neighborhood lined with magnolia trees and further architectural gems like the Painted Ladies, this seems like the quintessential historic San Francisco home. After remaining in the Thornton family for the past five decades, the special property is looking for new caretakers to carry on its legacy and preserve its treasured features.
