Oldest West Clay Park Home Nabbed For $7M

UPDATED, April 1, 1p.m.: A four-level home that dates back to at least 1900, making it the oldest in San Francisco’s West Clay Park neighborhood, went into contract for just shy of $7 million.

The 7,000 square-foot home at 40 22nd Avenue has seven rooms, four full bathrooms and one partial bathroom, according to its Zillow listing. It’s being sold by the Judith Hellman Revocable Trust, property records show. The house sold for $7.2 million in May 2018.

It has high ceilings, molding and trim details, pocket doors and fireplaces and has been updated with custom high-end finishes, according to the listing. The home has three fireplaces, a soundproofed music studio, a spa and parking for four cars. The primary suite has a walk-in closet, a double vanity and a jetted tub. The lower floor has its own kitchen and living room.

The home was built in 1896 at cost of $10,000, according to a website about the neighborhood, predating other residences built on property bought by Boston Investment Co. by 14 years. Designed by Harold Mitchell.The first owner was A.L. Bowhay, who may have been the tailor who created a women’s equestrian outfit that shares his name, archival documents show.

“Mr. Bowhay is frequently referred to as the California Worth, and his reputation as an originator of elegant and picturesque costumes is second only to the famous Parisian,” the documents read.

A back yard wraps around the back and sides with several trees and an astro-turf deck area. The home also has several outdoor areas, including a rooftop terrace and another one above the garage.