A slice of San Francisco's architectural history has entered the market with a $5.25 million price tag. In the heart of the Russian Hill neighborhood, the storied residence at 2-4 Montclair Terrace now seeks a new owner. Having once housed early California painter Rowena Fischer Meeks Abdy in the 1920s, this home's walls are steeped in the city's past.
According to a listing on Redfin, the house, which has functioned as a single-family home, shines with modern updates that seamlessly align with its historical details. Per a San Francisco Chronicle article, the home was once maintained by maritime architect and arts patron Mérí Jaye until her passing in 2023. Offering panoramic bay views, the five-bedroom home features an open-concept living area. On the upper floors, expansive windows bathe the space in natural light, enhancing the existing ambiance of urban sophistication.
The particulars of the property reveal more than just living spaces. The secondary unit within the dwelling provides an opportunity for rental income or a multigenerational living arrangement, complete with a living room, kitchen, and plenty of storage – as reported by the Redfin listing. The main residence showcases a master suite with an en suite bathroom, while a smaller bedroom gives the flexibility of being converted into a home office.
One of the residence's most distinctive features, a lush garden crowned by a 100-foot redwood tree, becomes the city's sanctuary. Planted by Jaye in 1962, the redwood tree, designated as San Francisco Landmark Tree No. 26, has been a topic of neighborhood contention for years. Fulfilling more than the role of a mere garden centerpiece, the tree stands as a living tribute to Jaye's late husband and children, per information from the San Francisco Chronicle. The garden and adjoining courtyard, offering peace amid the city bustle, accentuate the property's inimitable allure.
Further enriching the property's narrative, a 1972 essay titled "The History of Russian Hill" hints at the significance of the block, mentioning that media magnate William Randolph Hearst learned the “clog dance” in its vicinity while Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson resided nearby and Thomas Crowley of Crowley Maritime across the street. This intriguing slice of local lore was noted in the San Francisco Chronicle.
San Francisco homes with such a blend of character and mod cons are scarce, making the offering at 2-4 Montclair Terrace an extraordinary specimen of real estate. This property was listed by Roland Jadryev of Sotheby's International Realty.
