One source pegs its beginnings to around 1870, while another about 1882. Regardless, both agree that 2355 Washington (aka the Dallam-Merritt or Augustus Starr house) is indeed on the National Register of Historic Places. (But it’s not a Historic Landmark.)
Having last changed hands ten years ago for $2,750,000, the interior has since been remodeled and the six-bedroom home is now back on the market and listed for $6,950,000.
And the leopard print carpeting on the stairs? Probably not period.
You would think for a 7M dollar home that the Realtor could take better pictures ….
shoe box?
Oh my god those stairs made me laugh! Freakin hideous!
Actually, I LOVED the stairs. A bit of drama is always fun, however it might be a bit over the top for many.
What really blows my mind about this place – and it’s really gorgeous from the street – is at this price point the listing agent does not appear to have hired a professional photographer to take the photos. Why? I just don’t get it …..
“What really blows my mind about this place … is at this price point the listing agent does not appear to have hired a professional photographer to take the photos. Why? I just don’t get it …..”
My guess is that the listing agent has subscribed to the growing sentiment that photography is easy and should be free. Anyone can do it, right ? All you need is a $100 digicam and a finger to push the shutter button. This sentiment of devaluing the efforts of professional photographers is not limited to just real estate, you’ll see amateur photography in a lot of other marketing collateral. The sad thing is when you can tell that an cut-rate amateur was hired as if they were a pro.
As you can see from the comments here on SS that the public can tell the difference between great and mediocre work. Too bad the people putting the marketing package together can’t.
I forgot to mention that I find the amateur photos perfectly adequate to evaluate this Washington property (not that I could afford it ! 🙂 My only complaint is that there should be more photos. And I always like to see what the garage and/or basement looks like though those areas are rarely included in RE marketing lit.
Sometimes professional photographers get a little too overzealous with altering reality. That sort of deception does get in the way of evaluating a property. I’d much rather have “imperfect” photos like we see here.
@ milkshake – good point. At least with the amateur-ish photos, we don’t have to debate about the photoshopping mysteries. Still, it seems a shame to present a property of this caliber in such a shallow light. I kind of like the exterior photo on the SS home page, and that’s about it.
The photography adds to the property’s “period” authenticity. In the 1870s, flashbulbs hadn’t been invented yet.
Otherwise, I am simply stunned by the place. I want to shout, “Well, isn’t that special!” As for that stunning, 360-degree $6,950,000 view. . oh, sorry.
If the seller makes his or her $4.2 million capital gain (after 10 years), this house truly belongs on the National Register of Historic Real Estate Deals.
This is a fabulous home in a great, alive, neighbourhood. 7000 sq feet, great interior charm, high cielings, large spaces, good layouts and double lot in city. The top floor presents good opportunites – including rooftop deck with great views and light.basement nicely finished with good potential for guests, game room, home theatre, if wanted
Only drawback is shady lot.
I understand that a much smaller home across the street (4000 sq ft)two floors and basement went for 5.6m a few months ago. If true this could be in range of a fair comaprable.
Also, I understand that there was a lot of rehab and that the addition was done since the sale – any clues?
Was this pulled from the market?
Rumour is that it went under contract in less than a week with more than one offer. Pretty low key (poor) marketing, no signage … shrouded in privacy?
I lived there for over 15years and know a lot about the house. Actually it was known as the Sutro Mansion, where the owners owned the Sutro Salt baths during the 1800. It is a beautiful mansion. San Francisco should be proud of it’s Landmark mansion’s
The home was purportedly the home of our Company Commander, Capt. Augustus Washington Starr, Co. F, 2d Calif. Cavalry until he lost everything while superintendent of the Starr Mills (now the C&H plant in Rodeo that you can see from the bridge) and ended up at Napa State Hospital.
We are the current 2nd Calif Cavalry and we would love to speak or correspond with anyone who’s lived in the house. We have many questions.
Don Treco, Capt.
Co F, 2nd Cal Cav