William Wurster (1895 – 1973), famed modernist architect and a founder of the prestigious UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design, built hundreds of California homes over the course of his 45-year career. A handful of those treasures are situated in San Francisco, and the one-of-a-kind at 173 – 175 Chestnut Street built in 1940, is on the market now.
Wurster’s genius, not only in modern design but also in a home’s siting and orientation, becomes more apparent to me each time I show this unique and sophisticated property. I am both pleased and honored to represent William Wurster’s 173 – 175 Chestnut Street, a co-listing with Joel Goodrich.
In typical Wurster style, the orientation of the house gives each room the benefit of a beautiful view. Whether sweeping from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge or looking out at the sun-dappled Thomas Church-inspired garden, each room is situated in a way that displays the outdoor beauty on the inside. Selected spaces, the living room, dining room and master bedroom, have direct views to the Bay and also windows and terraces to the interior garden.
Perched on the coveted northeast tip of Telegraph Hill, this William Wurster-designed home also includes a legal rental unit. The quiet cul-de-sac at the top of Chestnut Street makes for an enchanting setting. At first glance, Wurster’s understatement might fool you. He had a disdain for luxury and over-design yet his use of modesty was brilliant.
William Wurster homes in San Francisco:
- 2600 Pacific Avenue in Pacific Heights (1936); sold for $15.5 million in 2010
- 2850 Broadway in Pacific Heights (1956); sold to Larry Ellison for $3.98 million in 1988
- 3610 Washington Street in Presidio Heights (1959); sold for $11.3 million in May 2016
- 3598 Jackson Street in Pacific Heights (1935); sold for $11 million in June 2013
- 10 Normandie Terrace in Pacific Heights (1953); sold for $7.6 million in October 2016
- 2424 Jones Street on Russian Hill (1961); sold for $1.45 million in 1990 (recently appraised for $7 million)
- 2514 Gough Street in Pacific Heights (1941); sold for $3.4 million in April 2014 (sale price was $1,405 million over the asking price!)
- 17 San Andreas Way in St. Francis Woods (1937); sold for $3.75 million in January 2016
Anne Laury, Top 10% Producer, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
BRE#0169827