The Haas-Lilienthal House in San Francisco is a stunning example of American Victorian-era architecture that has stood the test of time. Built in 1886 for William and Bertha Haas, the house was occupied by three generations from 1886 until 1972.
The house was designed by Bavarian architect Peter R. Schmidt and constructed by contractors McCann and Biddell. The 11,500-square-foot mansion embodies the ambitious spirit of San Francisco’s pioneers and its grand Victorian-period architecture.
As a Queen Anne-style home famous during the Victorian era (1837–1901), the house is characterized by asymmetry, using turrets, towers, and bay windows to create a dramatic effect. The house also has elements of other architectural styles, including Italianate and Eastlake (a 19th-century architecture and home design trend of the late Victorian era).
The house withstood the 1906 earthquake with only slight damage, a testament to the quality of its construction. Its design has influenced countless architects and designers, and its lasting qualities continue to inspire new generations. The Haas-Lilienthal House will reopen for events and public tours this spring.
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