Paris on the park

A victorian jewel box

Paris on the Park
A Victorian Jewel Box
 
Location: 2781 Clay Street
Price: $7,495,000
Lot Size: Approx. 25’ x 100’
Built: c.1890 by D.F. McGraw (per Here Today)
Sq. Ft: Approx. 3,945 (per graphic artist)
 
Summary: This exquisite designer-renovated 4BD/3.5BA Stick Style Victorian enjoys a coveted location in Pacific Heights—on a flat, tree-lined “slow street” directly across from Alta Plaza Park. Gracefully recessed from the street, it has exceptional curb appeal with a richly detailed façade framed by mature, thoughtfully designed landscaping. Virtually every room frames a verdant outlook. Refined finishes, preserved architectural details, and contemporary fixtures reflect the home’s serene, Parisian-inspired elegance.

The main level unfolds with a gracious triple parlor for formal living and dining, where soaring ceilings, intricate millwork, and two fireplaces evoke the home’s architectural heritage, while expansive windows showcase tranquil views of Alta Plaza Park. A beautifully renovated kitchen with a banquette lounge opens to a sunlit, south-facing, walk-out deck. A discreet powder room completes the level.

Upstairs are three bedrooms and two baths, including the spectacular, paneled primary suite with park views and a fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases. The lower level includes a mudroom, a laundry room, a guest bedroom with en suite bath, an office area, and a spacious family/media room that opens directly to the south garden—reminiscent of a quiet Parisian courtyard retreat. 2-car parking completes this rare offering.

Description: Set on a flat, tree-lined ‘slow street’ and overlooking the verdant expanse of Alta Plaza Park, this 4BD/3.5BA Stick Style Victorian is a rare jewel—where Parisian elegance meets contemporary chic. The façade has been beautifully preserved with ornate and original architectural details including stunning leaded and stained-glass windows, and “vigorous and varied Period detailing” (Here Today, San Francisco’s Architectural Heritage). The entry porch, with a set of double doors and gorgeous stained-glass transom, is illuminated by a fabulous Balloton-style, Murano glass chandelier.

Main Level: Enter into a welcoming foyer where natural light cascades through three large skylights above the central staircase. The foyer opens into a gracious double-parlor living room. The front parlor features an original tile-faced fireplace and a tranquil view of Alta Plaza Park framed by a squared bay window. Original pocket doors open to the sophisticated formal dining room, appointed with a striking chandelier and a fireplace that serves as an elegant focal point.

Off the hallway, a discreet powder room features an original stained-glass window accented by a complementary-colored, Fontana Arte light fixture and a porcelain sink.

At the back lies the heart of the home: a spectacular, sun-drenched kitchen oriented toward two picture windows flanking French doors that open to a south-facing deck with lush outlooks. The high-end, contemporary German Bulthaup kitchen is outfitted with Corian countertops and all Miele appliances—including an induction cooktop, oven, dishwasher, and a built-in espresso machine. A deep Franke stainless steel sink, paired with a Blanco faucet and a Kohler filtered water faucet, is perfectly positioned for garden views, while the adjacent butcher-block counter invites casual gathering. A custom built-in banquette with Knoll fabric offers a cozy corner for lounging or informal dining.

The expansive deck—bathed in sunlight and protected from the wind—extends the living space outdoors, ideal for al fresco dining or quiet relaxation amid the greenery.

Second Level: A trio of oversized skylights brightens both the upper and lower stair halls, casting light throughout the core of the home. At the front, the dreamy primary suite enjoys sweeping park views through tall windows. Richly paneled walls and built-in bookcases flank a central fireplace, creating a restful and refined retreat. Two generous closets—one a walk-in—offer custom storage with shoe racks, hanging space, and cubbies.

The en suite bath is finished with a rich mosaic wainscot and a ceramic tile floor. Diffused light from a decorative stained-glass window is augmented by a skylight which fills the bath with natural light. Double porcelain sinks rest within a Corian vanity beneath a Keuco lighted mirror. The bath also includes a mosaic-tiled, stall shower with Kohler rain head and hand-held spray, and a classic claw-foot soaking tub with Kohler handheld attachment.

Off the hall, the middle bedroom features both north- and south-facing windows and a fitted closet with a small pass-through to the adjoining bedroom, which is fun for children. The sunny, south-facing bedroom enjoys garden views from a squared bay window. Completing this level is a skylit salle de bains, where ‘BAINS’ is artfully spelled out in mosaic tile – a playful nod to Parisian charm - features a soaking tub and a separate, mosaic-tiled shower. Throughout this level is exceptional storage – every closet is a California Closet.

Lower Level: The lower level has direct interior access from the garage into a custom mudroom fitted with built-in cubbies, bench seating, storage cabinets, and convenient hooks. Adjacent is a well-designed laundry room with Miele washer and dryer, a deep stainless-steel utility sink, and additional storage. Off the hall, more storage is underneath the stairs. A quiet guest bedroom has a Dutch door which opens to a path to a garden. An en suite bath offers comfort and privacy. The spacious media room with an office area provides flexible space for entertaining or work. French doors open to a Parisian-style Garden—symmetrically arranged with delightfully designed borders with lush underplanting that frame a central gravel seating area. This peaceful garden is an enchanting, private sanctuary rarely found in the heart of the city.

The property includes additional exterior storage, a one car garage with epoxy floor and custom cabinets, and an additional off-street parking space in front of the garage door. A refrigerated wine cellar completes this exceptional offering.

Note: The home is mentioned in Here Today, San Francisco’s Architectural Heritage, The San Francisco Junior League, 1968, p.259 (Appendix): “2773, 2775, and 2781 Clay. All three of these houses were built by D.F. McGraw, who used vigorous and varied Period detailing.”

Exclusive Listing Agent: Janet Schindler, Sotheby’s International Realty
Shown by Appointment Only
To Show: Call or Text Janet: 415-265-5994