Atherton House

Atherton House is a residence in Nob Hill that blends Queen Anne and Stick-Eastlake architectural styles. It features horizontal lines, a clipped gable, and a small tower at the corner of California Street.

The house was built in 1881-1882 by Dominga de Goñi Atherton and changed owners several times over the decades. In 1923, architect Charles J. Rousseau converted it into 13 apartment units.

The house reflects how San Francisco's wealthy families shaped residential life in the late 1800s. Its conversion to apartments shows how the city's housing needs transformed after the 1906 earthquake.

The building operates as a residence with multiple apartment units and can be viewed from the street. To arrange detailed visits for architectural or historical documentation, contact in advance.

Novelist Gertrude Atherton married into the family and documented the house in her literary works. Her detailed writings offer rare insights into the daily lives of residents during its early years.

Location: San Francisco

Address: 1990 California Street, San Francisco, California, U.S.

GPS coordinates: 37.79000,-122.42611

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:01