Studio D Stages San Francisco Landmark Filbert Cottages

There are very few original Earthquake Cottages left in San Francisco. Yep- we’re talking about the real, authentic, craftsmen-made cottages built in a hurry just after the 1906 Earthquake and subsequent fires destroyed 500 city blocks and rendered over half of the city’s population homeless overnight. Immediately after the fires, thousands of refugees migrated toward parks and less-populated parts of the city in search of shelter, and large tent camps were formed in areas like Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. With winter approaching, city officials knew they needed a quick solution to the mounting housing crisis…

As the result of a joint effort between the San Francisco Parks Commission, the San Francisco Relief Corporation and the US Army, more than 5,000 small wooden cottages were quickly constructed by union carpenters.These Earthquake cottages would come to house over 16,000 refugees in the years following the 1906 disaster. Eventually, many families moved their cottages out of the refugee camps and into various neighborhoods throughout the city.

Very few of these historical structures remain standing in the city today- but miraculously, four such original Earthquake Cottages still sit in a row perpendicular to Filbert Street on Russian Hill surrounded by a common garden and brick walkways. In more than 110 years since they were first built, the Filbert Cottages have seen multiple owners, countless tenants, many uses and renovations. They have stood in the same place while San Francisco has changed in too many ways to count; the resolute reminders of a bygone era…

However, the Filbert Cottages of 2017 are certainly a far cry from the modest, single-story 10 x 14-foot wooden structures of 1906. Most recently renovated by Buttrick Projects Architecture + Design, a firm that works on both residential and commercial properties, it’s safe to say that the cottages have been restored to their original glory and then some. In fact, each of the four cottages has been transformed into a uniquely stunning embodiment of modern convenience and luxurious urban life.

“With soaring ceilings throughout, beautiful stone and custom tile bathrooms, ample closet space and built-ins and walk-in laundry rooms, these residences are truly unique- built with purpose and love, and respecting their rich history, but exuding a European feeling of precision design, elegance, and modernity. Any buyer will relish the detailed and thoughtful touches that will continue to surprise them as they make this house their home,” offers the Filbert Cottages’ dedicated website.

Likewise, Studio D’s own Florence Attinger who staged the newly renovated cottages with help from design assistant Jessie Galloway would agree that the re-imagined condominium units have been elevated up from celebrated San Francisco historical landmarks to bona fide luxury dream-properties.

Offered by top San Francisco real estate agent, Nina Hatvany (of Pacific Union) and staged by Studio D, each of the four cottages are currently on the market for various prices between $3,999,000 and $4,999,000 -and worth every penny!

You can also check out the The Filbert Cottages’ recent features on CurbedSF and California Home + Design!