One of the most iconic images of the city of San Francisco is that of the row of colorful Victorian homes lining Steiner Street, called the “Painted Ladies.” Most tourists visiting San Francisco don’t feel as if they have completed their tour of San Francisco’s sightseeing attractions until they have visited the ornate and brightly painted row of houses. The image is one that succinctly summarizes San Francisco, with its Queen Anne era homes sitting behind the green grass of the park in the foreground, with the city’s modern downtown architecture standing in stark contrast beyond the Victorians, with the bay in the distance. Now it is possible to do more than merely enjoy the experience of replicating the postcard view in person, as one of the “Painted Ladies” is for sale. The 1888 home located along the eastern side of Alamo Square at 908 Steiner Street is now for sale at $ 1.6 million.
People may recognize this particular home as the one with the likeness of a three dimensional alligator sitting between the second floor windows; a feature that has helped establish it as a favorite postcard for San Francisco tourists. It is also known as the “Rainbow House” or Hippie House” for the use of more than the usual three or four colors; this one uses the spectrum of colors which further sets it apart. It also holds the distinction of having been a men’s shelter in the late fifties before continuing its glory as an ornate single-family home. This home is also credited with being the first of the “Painted Ladies”, with that moniker. If you have interest in owning a historic home on a historic strip of beautiful homes, this is your chance. And that’s not something that is often available; one of these homes only comes on the market once every five to ten years. But potential suitors should keep one thing in mind; this home is not for the camera shy.
