San Francisco mansion featured in Hollywood hits lists for $32M

A San Francisco mansion with a storied history dating back to 1899 — including serving as the backdrop for several movies — has hit the market, and it could fetch one of the city’s highest real estate prices this year. 

The residence located at 2898 Broadway, which is listed for $32 million, is for sale for the first time in 35 years, SF Gate reported.

The current owners, tech investor Jim Willenborg and his wife Barbara Willenborg, purchased the mansion for $3.4 million and have preserved and improved it over the years, according to the listing agent, Karen Mendelsohn Gould of Compass. Max Armour, also of Compass, is the co-listing agent.

The mansion was designed by architect Walter D. Bliss as one of his first projects. It survived the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire with only minor damage, losing just two chimneys. 

Spanning over 11,000 square feet across five floors, the luxe home boasts 10 bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and numerous living spaces, many of which are centered around the eight fireplaces within the house.

A unique feature of the property is its unobstructed views of iconic San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts. Despite predating these landmarks, the mansion’s windows frame them beautifully.

Having served as a favorite location for Hollywood productions over the years, the mansion has appeared in several films, including “Portrait in Black” (1960), “Jagged Edge” (1985), “Sweet November” (2001), and “Blue Jasmine” (2013). (The scenes from the latter two films were cut from the final edits).

The decision to sell the mansion comes as the Willenborgs are relocating out of state to be closer to family. Mendelsohn Gould said that the home would easily claim a place among the world’s top homes. 

— Ted Glanzer