A Hollywood fave, historic S.F. mansion is on ‘world stage of top homes.’ Price is $32M
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A stately home in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco with unparalleled views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz just hit the market for $32 million — and if you’re a movie buff, you may have seen the mansion on the big screen.
“The breathtaking views encompass the ever-changing colors of water and sky, along with transiting cruise and cargo ships, ferry and sailboats,” according to the property listing. “The 2800 and 2900 blocks— the Gold Coast of Broadway — feature grand homes built for some of the city’s earliest entrepreneurs and industrialists who hosted the most elegant parties, civic events and cultural affairs in their day.”
Compass listing agents Karen Mendelsohn Gould and Max Armour said the Gilded Age mansion is a rare listing because of its grand stature, history and availability — it’s hitting the market for the first time in 32 years.
“It’s an iconic home that would easily sit on the world stage of top homes anywhere in the world,” Mendelsohn said in an email to the Sacramento Bee.
Built by lumber and railroad magnate Duane Leroy Bliss around 1900, the home — which commands a corner lot at 2898 Broadway Ave. — has played a role in several films, according to marketing material, including:
▪ “Portrait in Black,” the 1960 American neo-noir melodrama film starring Lana Turner, Anthony Quinn and Sandra Dee
▪ “Jagged Edge,” a 1985 mystery thriller starring Jeff Bridges and Glenn Close
▪ “Sweet November,” a 2001 American romantic drama starring Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron
▪ Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine,” a 2013 American comedy-drama film.
The Bliss family lived in the house until the 1940s, according to history provided by Compass. D.L. Bliss was honored with a state park named after him in El Dorado County. Renowned architect Walter Danforth Bliss designed the home for his own parents.
The Dutch Colonial Revival brick estate spans 11,000 square feet with 10 bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
“The excitement and intrigue of what lies behind the front door builds as you approach 2898 Broadway from the street,” Armour said. “You feel the significance of the location. The neighborhood is called the Gold Coast for good reason. These homes are the pinnacle of San Francisco real estate.”
Once inside the residence, the exceptional design and size are captivating, Armour said.
“When I first stepped into this home I felt a beautiful sense of peace and calm,” he said in an email. “The combination of graceful elegance, grand scale and exceptional construction quality creates a special sanctuary. Museum quality comes to mind as I move through the main level towards the main attraction, the views. The property floats over the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge is perfectly framed. I could just sit and look out and be happy for the rest of my life.”
There are eight fireplaces, a solarium, two guest suites with a separate entrance, a caretaker apartment and a pent-level “sanctuary”, according to the listing.
“The heart of the house for daily living is the most delightful pent level,” the listing states. “The light and airy, fully equipped family kitchen is ideal for today’s informal lifestyle of cooking and daily dining. Bar seating is at the large island or the cozy breakfast nook.”
Original mill work and detailed crown mouldings adorn expansive living and entertainment spaces.
Tech investor Jim Willenborg owns the home through a trust, according to public records.
He and his wife Barbara have spent at least $2 million renovating and upgrading the house, according to the Wall Street Journal.
