Leale House

Leale House is a historic residence in Pacific Heights featuring Italianate architectural elements and a modified facade at 2475 Pacific Avenue. It stands between Fillmore and Steiner Streets, displaying characteristics typical of mid-19th century homes in this neighborhood.

The house was built in 1860 on former dairy farm land and was later purchased by Captain John Leale, who had spent his career navigating San Francisco Bay as a ship pilot. His acquisition in the 1880s marked a point when maritime workers and merchants settled into this wealthy neighborhood.

The residence reflects how Pacific Heights transformed from agricultural land into a wealthy neighborhood, with its architecture serving as a visible record of that shift. People passing by can see in its preserved details how such homes became symbols of the city's economic rise during the 1800s.

The house is accessible by public transportation, as several bus lines serve the Pacific Avenue area. Street parking nearby is typically limited throughout the day, so arriving early or using alternative transportation is advisable.

The captain created a nautical study in the back garden designed to replicate a ferry pilot house from his seafaring days. This private retreat shows how a maritime worker preserved his passion for the water and sailing even on a city property away from the bay.