A piece of San Francisco history has surfaced on the real estate market for the first time in decades. A townhouse on Cherry Street, built in 1900 by the notable architect Willis Polk and maintained by one family since the 1940s, is listed for $2.995 million. The Presidio Heights home features detailed woodwork and period charm, characteristics of Polk’s early work. Listing agent Alexander Fromm Lurie referred to the property as “a special and rare enclave where architectural grandeur meets real neighborhood warmth: refined, timeless and unmistakably San Francisco,” according to Mansion Global.
Spanning over 3,700 square feet, this townhouse connects history with potential. It has four bedrooms, an office, a den, and two and a half bathrooms. The home’s high ceilings and detailed moldings are complemented by modern amenities, such as a Wolf range and new stainless-steel appliances in the updated kitchen that opens to a garden area. While its historical elements are preserved, the residence offers a canvas for reimagining by the next owner. The neighborhood, known for boutique shops and local restaurants, places the home within a convenient and sought-after location. The listing is detailed on Lurie Group’s website.
The home was originally built for Joseph B. Batten, a businessman during the city’s early 20th-century expansion. Its design features hallmarks of Polk’s work, with dark wood millwork and beamed ceilings, a unique fireplace setup with bench seating, and built-in bookshelves. The property’s authenticity and enduring quality underscore this listing’s architectural significance.
Upstairs, the living space includes a primary bedroom with a seating area, a fireplace, and an adjacent office. An additional cozy den and bedroom occupy the third floor. The outdoor space features mature trees and a stone path, enhancing the quiet charm of the property. Notably, Willis Polk’s firm was responsible for more than 100 residences and commercial buildings in the Bay Area, and the Batten house stands as a testament to his early commissions, offering a glimpse into a significant period of San Francisco’s residential design history. Its architectural pedigree and potential make the old townhouse a rare find in an area where such properties seldom change hands. Potential buyers now have the opportunity to preserve or transform a piece of the city’s fabric with this rare offering.
