1547 Oakdale Ave

San Francisco, CA 94124

One of only two remaining Carpenter Gothic Victorian homes in San Francisco, 1547 Oakdale is a rare and remarkable piece of the city’s architectural history. Perched on a double lot with brick pathways and an olive tree and a camellia tree, this home offers breathtaking downtown views and a welcoming front porch—an idyllic spot to watch the sunset over the city while sipping a glass of wine.
Meticulously updated to blend historic charm with modern convenience, the home features a brand-new kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a newly renovated bathroom, all completed with permits. The home’s steeply pitched roof, intricate bargeboards, spindles, and delicate cut-out adornments showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era, while soaring 11-foot ceilings and expansive rectangle windows bathe the interior in natural light.
The history of this home is deeply intertwined with San Francisco’s own. The Carpenter Gothic style was an American interpretation of European Gothic, brought to life by skilled woodworkers freed from the shipbuilding trade. With the arrival of steam-powered scroll saws, these artisans created intricate woodwork that transformed simple timber homes into architectural masterpieces.
San Francisco in 1848 was a rough-and-tumble outpost, freshly acquired by the United States following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. That same year, James Marshall’s discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill set off the California Gold Rush, drawing tens of thousands of fortune-seekers westward. James Hitter, an ambitious settler, sailed around Cape Horn and arrived in San Francisco, where he began purchasing land and constructing homes in the city’s sandy dunes.
Among his creations was 1547 Oakdale, built during the height of the Gold Rush to house the merchants, bankers, and tradesmen who flocked to San Francisco. Originally built at grade with no foundation, the home relied on a well, outhouse, and oil lamps in an era before city services reached the area. Over the decades, it has stood as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the city’s early settlers.
Now, this lovingly preserved Carpenter Gothic Victorian is ready for its next chapter. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an admirer of classic architecture, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of old-world craftsmanship, this home offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of San Francisco’s storied past.