The Story Behind
Gardner Dailey Modernist Masterpiece with Iconic San Francisco Views
This architecturally significant Telegraph Hill residence represents the pinnacle of California modernism, designed by renowned architect Gardner Dailey in 1960. Spanning 6,950 square feet across multiple levels, the light-filled home features soaring 19-foot ceilings, panoramic views from Coit Tower to the Golden Gate Bridge, and sophisticated living spaces that have graced the pages of Architectural Digest. Set on a rare separate 3,219 square foot lot, this once-in-a-generation offering combines historical pedigree with contemporary luxury.
This Telegraph Hill masterpiece stands as a testament to Gardner Dailey's visionary approach to California modernism, where clean geometric lines meet sophisticated spatial planning. Originally commissioned in 1960 for noted socialite Whitney Warren Jr., the residence embodies the golden age of San Francisco entertaining, when architectural innovation merged seamlessly with social sophistication.
The home's dramatic entry reveals Dailey's mastery of scale and light, with soaring 19-foot ceilings that create an immediate sense of grandeur. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city beyond like living artwork, while polished hardwood floors flow throughout the principal rooms. The limestone fireplace in the living room serves as both architectural anchor and gathering point, its substantial presence balanced by the room's airy proportions.
The formal dining room showcases exquisite herringbone flooring and built-in cabinetry that reflects Dailey's attention to integrated design. Adjacent, the glass-pavilion sunroom demonstrates the architect's skill in creating spaces that seem to float above the cityscape. The kitchen combines light wood cabinetry with granite surfaces and professional-grade stainless appliances, designed for both intimate meals and grand-scale entertaining.
The full-floor primary suite represents a private sanctuary, with panoramic views serving as a constantly changing backdrop. Walk-in wardrobes and a spa-like bathroom featuring dual vanities and natural stone finishes complete this luxurious retreat. The dedicated home office provides a sophisticated workspace surrounded by built-in shelving that speaks to the home's intellectual pedigree.
A guest suite designed by renowned Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta adds international flair to the composition, while an elevator connecting all levels ensures seamless circulation throughout the home. The extensive wine cellar and 4,060 square feet of additional garage and utility space accommodate serious collectors and multiple vehicles.
This residence has earned recognition in Architectural Digest, Town & Country, and Rizzoli's "Inventing the California Look," cementing its place in the canon of significant California architecture. The rare separate lot amplifies the property's architectural significance, creating a true compound that stands apart from typical San Francisco real estate.
Telegraph Hill represents one of San Francisco's most storied and architecturally significant neighborhoods, where bohemian history meets contemporary sophistication. Rising 275 feet above the bay, this legendary promontory has attracted artists, writers, and visionaries since the early 20th century, creating a unique enclave that balances urban energy with village-like intimacy.
The neighborhood's crown jewel, Coit Tower, stands as both architectural landmark and navigation point, its Art Deco silhouette visible throughout the city. Built in 1933 as a tribute to San Francisco's firefighters, the tower houses Depression-era murals that chronicle California's social and economic history. The surrounding Pioneer Park provides verdant respite and gathering space for the close-knit community.
Telegraph Hill's famous wild parrots have become neighborhood celebrities, their bright plumage and raucous calls adding exotic charm to daily life. The birds, descendants of escaped pets, represent the area's embrace of the unconventional and unexpected. Residents often gather to observe their daily routines, creating informal community moments that define the hill's social fabric.
Filbert Street's famous steps, lined with terraced gardens maintained by passionate resident volunteers, create one of the city's most photographed pedestrian experiences. These community gardens showcase everything from California natives to exotic specimens, demonstrating the neighborhood's commitment to beauty and environmental stewardship.
The proximity to North Beach places residents at the heart of San Francisco's Italian-American cultural heritage. Family-owned restaurants like Tony's Little Star Pizza and Mama's serve neighborhood classics, while historic cafes such as Caffè Trieste and Vesuvio continue their roles as literary and artistic gathering places. City Lights Bookstore, the legendary Beat Generation landmark, remains a cornerstone of intellectual life.
Transportation convenience enhances the lifestyle appeal, with multiple bus lines providing connections throughout the city. The nearby Embarcadero offers waterfront recreation and dining, while Union Square's shopping and cultural offerings lie just minutes away. Parking, a premium commodity in San Francisco, becomes less critical given the neighborhood's walkability and transit access.
Telegraph Hill's real estate market reflects its unique character and limited inventory. Properties rarely become available, and when they do, they attract discerning buyers who appreciate both architectural significance and community character. The neighborhood's zoning protections help preserve its distinctive scale and character, ensuring that Telegraph Hill's village-like atmosphere endures within the urban metropolis.
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Curated Content • Presented by Karen Mendelsohn Gould