San Francisco’s Victorian Haas-Lilienthal House

In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we learn that this well-constructed home survived the earthquake of 1906.

The façade of the Haas-Lilienthal House shows the pitched roof, wrap-around porch, bay window, and stained glass windows with intricate framing typical of Queen Anne style Victorian homes. All elements of the exterior are made of redwood as it is plentiful, easy to carve, durable, and pest-resistant. The home's size, décor, and more ornate intricate gingerbread displayed the owner’s wealth and importance. Library of Congress. Public Domain

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.

The first-floor entry boasts hardwood floors with an ornately carved hall table. The brass lighting fixture is authentic to the era, as is the standing lamp. The stairs leading to the second floor are redwood, as are the wainscoting, stair banisters, and newel posts. Leaded glass windows let in light at the bottom of the stairs, and an electric lamp is fixed on the stairway post. Courtesy of Barry Schwartz Photography

The Piano Room, or First Parlor, features a baby grand piano, shiny hardwood floors, and a Persian carpet. An intricately carved crown molding tops the walls. The sheer curtains sided by velvet tiebacks in the alcove are typical of the city because of its mild climate. The room is warmed by a marble fireplace with a mahogany mantel and decorated with oriental vases popular at that time. The small inlaid table stands between two Queen Anne-style chairs, richly upholstered with handmade needlepoint fabrics. The room is lit with electric wall sconces and an unseen chandelier. Courtesy of Barry Schwartz Photography

The home was retrofitted and repaired as close as possible to the original after the San Francisco earthquake in 1906. The original “ice box” (L) is now used for storage. The stove is typical of the time for the wealthy. Dinnerware is visible inside a built-in redwood hutch. Courtesy of Barry Schwartz Photography

The living room, with hardwood floors covered by a Persian carpet, is located on the main floor of the house, just off the dining room. The walls are covered in redwood paneling and surround a marble fireplace. The fireplace has brass andirons, fireplace tools, and a box for wood on the side. In the center of the room is a Queen Anne-style chair covered with tapestry fabric. The room is lit by a multi-globed brass chandelier. Courtesy of Barry Schwartz Photography

Although some of the fixtures have been updated in the bathroom, the vanity and cabinetry along the wall are original, as are the tiled floor, tiled walls, and electric wall sconce lighting. Simple and white was traditional for family bathrooms of the day. A wicker chair sits along the soft yellow vanity and large mirror. Courtesy of Barry Schwartz Photography

The back bedroom is on the second floor, with walls adorned with sizeable floral-patterned wallpaper and wall sconce lighting. A chandelier is in the center of the ceiling. The fireplace has been designed to scale, with a small mantel and a tiled front. The stained-glass windows above the plane glass windows with ruffled sheer curtains are typical of the Queen Anne style. A dressing screen next to a bed was used for modesty when changing, especially if servants were helping one to dress. Courtesy of Barry Schwartz Photography

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