Awesome Views! Steinway Grand Piano! Free Parking! Free Wifi!
- Minimum stay:3-6 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
This spacious, three-story, architect-designed and elegantly-furnished house is my private home when I am not traveling. It sits high on the north slope of Potrero Hill in the heart of San Francisco and is the perfect short-term residence for professionals, corporate executives, or vacationers.
There are sweeping views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay from the living room, kitchen, both bedrooms, and from the balconies off the living room & master bedroom (I was standing on the master bedroom balcony when I took the photo to the left). The living room has a dramatic marble fireplace, an award-winning staircase, antique Japanese furniture, original art & sculpture, a Steinway grand piano, a high-end stereo sound system, a 46-inch HDTV, BluRay DVD player, and a soaring cathedral ceiling with sunlight streaming through the two double French doors, the huge skylight, and the many windows.
The master bedroom suite, a private sanctuary that occupies the entire third floor, has a 'window wall' framing a magnificent view of downtown San Francisco and the Bay Bridge (see photo), a sitting area with its own fireplace, a 54-inch HDTV, antique Japanese tansu chests, a balcony, separate dressing room, Japanese-inspired bathroom, and a private redwood deck that floats among the bamboo and Japanese maples in the rear garden.
The second bedroom is smaller but equally stylish with a queen bed, a 42-inch HDTV, and its own large bathroom. There is also a leather couch in the living room which opens into a comfortable queen-size sofa bed.
All three televisions have Xfinity (Comcast) HD cable service with hundreds of channels and many free, on-demand movies. A guest computer with broadband Internet access is provided, and there is free broadband WiFi throughout the house.
As you have probably already gathered, I am rather fond of my home, but my opinion is shared by others. Previous guests have said 'it is like staying in a miniature museum', 'an architectural gem!', 'one of the most beautiful houses I have ever seen', 'incredibly peaceful, a wonderful place to relax'. A real estate professional who stayed for two weeks said, in his review on one web site, 'I have rented many houses in various locations throughout the years. Bill's house was the best ever.'
While I appreciate the compliments, the point is that this home is more than just a place to store your suitcase while you are visiting San Francisco. It will be part of the experience itself. If you or a member of your family plays the piano, there is a Steinway grand in the living room. If you are a history buff or armchair explorer, you will find one of California's largest private collections of books on Alaska and Russian America. If you are more into literature, there is an extensive collection of books by and about Mark Twain. If you appreciate art, the walls are covered with original works by contemporary artists, none of whom are particularly famous -- yet -- but all of whom are extremely talented and, I am fortunate to say, personal friends of mine. Scattered throughout the house you will discover Eskimo and Native American art and artifacts, sculpture, antique Japanese tansu chests, Persian carpets, a high-end music system, and many other treats.
Located high on Potrero Hill, My house offers incredible views of San Francisco's famous skyline and is just minutes to downtown, Moscone Center, Union Square and the SF Giants' ballpark. You can reach any other part of the City (Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, etc.) in 20 minutes or less. San Francisco Airport is 15 minutes away, Oakland and Berkeley are 30 minutes away, Stanford University and Silicon Valley are 30-45 minutes away, Sausalito, Tiburon, and Mill Valley are 30 minutes away. Napa Valley and the wine country are just an hour away, Carmel and Monterey are 2 hours away, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park are 4 hours away. A car is useful, but public transportation is available just one block away.
Potrero Hill enjoys the sunniest and warmest weather in San Francisco, and this safe, quiet, upscale neighborhood is a delight. Several of San Francisco's best restaurants are within walking distance, including French, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Middle Eastern, and one of the best pizzeria's in town. Farley's, whose motto is 'friends don't let friends drink Starbucks', is a classic 1950s coffee shop that draws customers from all over the city. If you like beer, the Anchor Steam Brewery tasting room is four blocks down the hill. Finally, one of the best features of my neighborhood is that it is one of the very few places in San Francisco where there is never have a parking problem for you or your guests! Parking spaces abound and no permit is required.
To make certain that your stay is trouble-free, my house manager lives in a small cottage at the rear of the garden and is ready to assist you as necessary.
In my humble opinion, this is the best accommodation value in San Francisco. So why stay in a pricey San Francisco hotel or sterile corporate apartment when my house offers twice as much for half the price? Deal directly with the owner, not an agent or property manager. This is one of the best accommodation values in San Francisco! When you compare my rates with a hotel, remember to add both the 14% San Francisco hotel tax and the 8.5% sales tax to the rate quoted by the hotel. Many San Francisco visitors are shocked by their final bill. My rates include all taxes.
NOTE: Maximum of six persons. Minimum stay of three days. Please check my availability calendar before making an inquiry. Because I travel so much, email is my preferred method of contact.
LAST MINUTE DISCOUNT: Reservations made within one month of arrival date may be eligible for a 'last minute' discount.
See Availability Calendar for available dates...
Keywords: Large, 3-Story House (2,200 sq. ft.)
Property Type
- 3 story
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
- Non Smoking Only
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 4-6
- Bedroom 1
- 1 queen
- 54-inch HDTV
- Bedroom 2
- 1 queen
- 42-inch HDTV
- Convertible bed(s)
- 1 sleep sofa /futon
- Queen-size Sofa bed
- Queen size Beds (2), Sleep Sofa or Futons (1)
Bathrooms
- 2.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
Kitchen & Dining
- Ice Maker
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Stereo
- CD Player
Communications
- Computer Available
Outdoor Features
- Deck / Patio
Location & View
Activities
- Museums
- Zoo
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Cinemas
- Live Theater
- Restaurants
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
- Shopping
- Fitness Center
- Tennis
- Golf
- Hiking
- Cycling
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Beyond our expectations!
Beyond our expectations!
- Guest Colleen M.
- Date of stay 02/22/12
- Review Submitted 03/02/12
The location of this amazing home in this quiet, safe, charming part of SF with breathtaking views is unsurpassed. The home was perfect for having a few friends over for dinner, cozing up in front of the fire, use of the well stocked kitchen, but best of all the location and exquisite decor. I am amazed the owner allows guests to enjoy his rare and beautiful art and artifacts. Could spend all day just studying them all. The Steinway made 'Heart & Soul" sound like a dream! The special electric blanket in the master bedroom was a treat for us island dwellers. The welcome booklet is concise, well written and full of info to make one's stay most enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your home and for the great communication before, during and after our stay! Cannot wait to go back. This vacation rental far surpasses all other homes we have stayed in.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Owner response: Many thanks for your very kind words, Susu. I genuinely enjoy sharing my house with people who appreciate nice things. I have many repeat guests, so I hope you will come again soon.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6
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Classy & Comfortable
Classy & Comfortable
- Guest Jane
- Date of stay 03/29/13
- Review Submitted 05/13/13
Thinking back over our experiences in San Francisco, living in the Potrero Hill house is close to the top of the list! A gorgeous retreat after each excursion into The City, situated in a quiet neighborhood with wonderful views, this one-of-a-kind home had all comforts and much, much more! For 5 years, our spring travels have included our grandson (now 17), and we've always looked for vacation rentals that provided him with his own space. Because the master suite is on the top floor and the guest bedroom and bath on the main level, Potrero Hill house was perfect for all! Bill's art, books, and decor is very cool...and the piano was a great bonus :) We especially enjoyed the Alcatraz Island tour, walking the Haight district, the views and collections at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, and a showing our grandson some favorite spots at Stanford University. An overnight at Yosemite Falls Lodge was easy to do. This is the time of year when the waterfalls are raging and the hills blooming with wild flowers. Oh yeah...Goat Hill Pizza rules!Owner response: Thanks for your kind and gratifying words, Jane. I am very pleased you enjoyed your stay in the Potrero Hill House. Please come back!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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A great place to stay in San Francisco
A great place to stay in San Francisco
- Guest Gay C.
- Date of stay 05/19/12
- Review Submitted 04/11/13
The house was fascinating - lovely design and interestingly furnished - and had a great location. It had all the modern conveniences and was very comfortable. The only things was there could have been a few more comfortable places to sit in the living room. We loved San Francisco and the views were spectacular. We tried the bus which worked well but mostly used the car. The owner's local restaurant recommendations were excellent. We went to Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, SF Museum of Modern Art, de Young Museum, Union Square shopping, Chinatown, views/cocktails from top of hotel on Nob Hill. Our favorite neighborhood restaurants were Chez Maman and Aperto.Owner response: Thanks for your nice words, Gay. I am pleased that you enjoyed your stay. Ciao! Bill
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Stunning home, safe location
Stunning home, safe location
- Guest Cheree W.
- Date of stay 01/27/13
- Review Submitted 04/09/13
Bill's house is simply stunning! Beautiful views, full of books and personal art, comfortable beds and well stocked kitchen for self catering. Easy walk to city destination bus. We felt very at home and secure. We enjoyed our San Francisco wandering, particularly the marina area. We were amazed that Bill kept a beautiful selection of art available for guests to enjoy. We think that, plus the open, light filled great room/lounge made us feel very welcome. Bill's comprehensive guide of the home, the neighborhood & suggestions of things to do in San Fran were appreciated. We discovered that there were big hills to walk up if you got off the bus too early!! But there is nothing negative about Bill's house at all. We all really enjoyed Alcatraz and the marina area. We would recommend a visit to the Japanese gardens and if time permits go to Sausalito & Tiburon - delightful. Oh, don't catch the buses at school time - the crush is terrible (there does not seem to be a maximum number of people allowed on the bus) & the students are horrid (same as most countries, I guess).Owner response: Thanks for your nice review and useful tips, Cheree. It is a pleasure for me to be able to share my home with others, and I am glad you had such a good stay.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Terrific place to stay, would love to return
Terrific place to stay, would love to return
- Guest John A.
- Date of stay 08/08/12
- Review Submitted 02/26/13
Potrero Hill House is a luxury home away. For us the house is ideally situated. Close enough to the city to use public transport, and easy accessto the I-280 to enable us to have days away. The house is well maintainedand Bill provides everything you need for your stay. The website photos and description portray the house accurately - it's simply a very comfortableplace to stay. The house is in a peaceful residential area. There are excellent restaurants a couple of blocks away and a fantastic Whole Foods supermarket on Rhode Island Street. We loved coming home to relax after a day out, it's great being able to shut the door and crack open the wine. We recommend a visit to Alcatraz. It is brilliant and surprisingly cheap, but book well ahead (at least a month) as trips fill up quickly.Owner response: Thanks, John, for your nice review. Visiting Alcatraz is an amazing experience, and you right that reservations are required well in advance. One additional tip: To buy the cheapest tickets, go to the official National Park Service tour website. Other websites mark up the cost and require extra effort to pick up the tickets.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Inspiring, rich, relaxed and beautiful place
Inspiring, rich, relaxed and beautiful place
- Guest Joren B.
- Date of stay 08/15/12
- Review Submitted 01/28/13
The house itself is amazing. We had a long trip behind us by then -- we are a family from the Netherlands and had spent two weeks on a sightseeing drive from Chicago to San Francisco -- so being able to crash in the relaxed atmosphere of the Potrero Hill House was the perfect ending to our vacation. Especially the first day of our stay, we all felt a little drained, so we spent less time out and more time reading on the couch and playing the grand piano. One evening, we had two friends over (both San Franciscans) and we were able to serve a great dinner with the help of the well-equipped kitchen. By the way, they loved the place as well. For me, the son, the best part was definitely the grand piano. My parents most probably enjoyed the entire feel-at-home-feeling but I thoroughly appreciated being able to sit down and try my hand at some Beethoven or Schubert after a long day away from home. By the way, a great way to see San Francisco is to rent a bike for two consecutive days. On the first day, go across Golden Gate bridge, the view is awesome and it'll probably be sunny in Sausalito. On the second, ride through Golden Gate park and then on into town. When I visited SF a few years ago, I saw large part of Chinatown this way and finally struggled my bicycle up Telegraph Hill and Lombard Street afterwards. The latter is probably not for the faint of heart, but if you do so, you'll definitely have some tourists taking pictures of you, which is kind of cool. Also, get great Mexican food in the Mission, have dinner at the Slanted Door, visit the Natural History Museum, have lunch at P.F. Chang's, don't do the boat tour under Golden Gate bridge (it's uninspired and boring), spend some time in the big Whole Foods store and make yourself a healthy, rich and enjoyable meal, be surprised by the shrubbery-man, get great coffee everywhere, and finally, talk to some San Franciscans. Good chance that you'll strike up some interesting conversations.Owner response: I am sure my piano enjoyed your professional touch! And thanks for your sightseeing tips. Cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world's greatest one-day, two-wheel adventures, and I have enjoyed it many times. However, I like to continue on past Sausalito to Tiburon, have a late lunch and a couple of margaritas at Guaymas (a terrific Mexican restaurant right next to the ferry landing), then hop the ferry for a fabulous trip back across the bay to San Francisco. Unforgettable!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Great Home in San Francisco
Great Home in San Francisco
- Guest Ian
- Date of stay 11/18/12
- Review Submitted 01/24/13
Great House, very peaceful, spacious, great views and a Steinway Grand piano! Fantastic value. We really enjoyed sharing a couple of bottles of wine with Bill. He is a fascinating person and his home reflects his eclectic interests. One suggestion: It is helpful to have a car I plan on staying here on my future trips to San Francisco.Owner response: Thanks for your nice review. I am flattered that you thought I was fascinating, but it was probably just the wine. ;-)
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Quality and Value in San Francisco
Quality and Value in San Francisco
- Guest Yanks from Downunder
- Date of stay 11/14/12
- Review Submitted 01/23/13
We have struggled to find a convenient, pleasant, reasonably priced place to stay in San Francisco, a city we generally visit annually from Australia. We have finally found it at Potrero Hill House. This lovely home is located in a safe, attractive and interesting part of San Francisco. It is well decorated, comfortable, in excellent condition and a welcoming place to visit. The owner, Bill takes a lot of pride in his abode and it shows throughout. It was perfect for us, a couple traveling with an adult son. The upstairs is completely private with a big master suite and bath, while downstairs featured a large bedroom and bath. The home was fully equipped with two HD cable TV's, wifi and all the kitchen implements you could want. The furniture was of high quality and comfortable. The views from the upstairs deck were spectacular and it has its own parking spot in front of the house. We will be back and unreservedly recommend this place. You won't be disappointed. Potrero Hill itself is an excellent destination for exploring. Just be prepared for some really steep hills - hey this is SF!Owner response: I am delighted that you enjoyed your stay and genuinely appreciate your generous review. I hope you will consider my house your "home away from home" for your future annual visits to San Francisco.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Beautiful and amazing! Highly recommend!
Beautiful and amazing! Highly recommend!
- Guest Tia H.
- Date of stay 04/09/12
- Review Submitted 05/08/12
The house was clean, orderly and we felt right at home. The location was ideal and close to the city, and we were able to get the true San Francisco feel to our vacation. I usually come away from vacations with a sore back because of uncomfortable beds, but we slept amazingly well and our three children (ages 10 - 15) had a fantastic time. We loved the decor! I am a decorator myself and I had a fun time looking at the amazing collection of antiques, books, and other unique items. Our daughter loved playing songs on the grand piano and our boys enjoyed the large television and patio area. We had many useful books at our disposal which helped us find things to do around the city and yummy places to eat. We enjoyed Goat Hill Pizza for dinner one night. We took two day trips -- one to Muir Woods and the other to Monterey Bay Aquarium. We wish we would have familiarized ourselves more with the buses so that we didn't spend so much time lost or stuck in traffic.Owner response: Thanks for your very nice review. It is especially flattering coming from a professional decorator.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Spectacular house overlooking San Francisco
Spectacular house overlooking San Francisco
- Guest Sarah F.
- Date of stay 08/17/11
- Review Submitted 03/13/12
The house was absolutely beautiful, extremely comfortable and well equipped and very private. It was a perfect place to stay while in San Francisco. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and we had a wonderful time in San Francisco. The local area was very characterful and had some wonderful restaurants within walking distance which was great. The sitting room was so calming and relaxing and the upstairs bedroom was such a delight especially the view over San Francisco and the wonderful shower. It was also fabulous to have a Whole Foods Market round the corner!! It was a bit of a trek to get into the centre of San Francisco by public transport but not too bad. We would definitely suggest taking the Alcatraz Island tour as it is really fascinating and very well organised. Also take the time to drive out to the Muir Woods as they are just stunning.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 3 night min stay |
$255 | |||||
| High Season May 1 - Oct 31 3 night min stay |
$285 | $1715 | ||||
| Low Season - Fall Nov 1 - Dec 21 3 night min stay |
$255 | $1540 | ||||
| Christmas/New Year Holiday Dec 22 - Jan 3 6 night min stay |
$345 | $2065 | ||||
| Low Season - Spring Jan 4 - Apr 30 3 night min stay |
$255 | $1540 | ||||
Additional information about rental rates
Rates quoted are for 1 or 2 guests. Rates for 3-6 guests are slightly higher.
Thanksgiving week rates are the same as Christmas/New Year holiday rates.
Maximum of 6 guests.
Minimum age for children is 8 years old.
No Pets & No Smoking.
Credit Card or Bank Wire Only
Personal checks, business checks, and money orders are not accepted
Additional Fees and Taxes:
$150 Exit Cleaning Fee
Rates include all taxes
This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.
Location
Owner info
About the owner: I am an entrepreneur, venture capitalist and consultant who has spent more than 25 years in Silicon Valley. I have started several companies of my own and worked with dozens of other embryonic technology ventures providing concept validation, strategic analysis and planning, interim management, mentoring, and investment capital. In a moment of whimsey or insanity (the jury is still out), two friends and I recently put together a group of investors to buy a ruined 17th mill on the Tiber River about an hour and a half from Rome, Italy. We hope to begin restoration soon: www.mulinosultevere.com.
Contact us
- Primary: Please check availability calendar.
Links to more information:
Photos
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Living Room
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Staircase to the Master Bedroom
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Living Room - 46' HDTV
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Living Room Fireplace
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Dining Room
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Chef's Kitchen (recently remodeled)
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Chef's Kitchen (recently remodeled)
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Master Bedroom - 54' HDTV
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Master Bedroom
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Master Bathroom
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Second Bedroom
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Deck off the Master Bedroon Overlooking the Japanese Garden
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View of Downtown San Francisco from the Master Bedroom and Living Room
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Living Room
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Staircase to Master Bedroom
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Steinway Grand Piano
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Entrance to Kitchen
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Chef's Kitchen (recently remodeled)
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Master Bedroom
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Master Bedroom - 54' HDTV
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Master Bedroom
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Master Bathroom - Japanese-Style Shower
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Entrance to the Front Door
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This listing was first published here in 2000.
Date last modified - Thursday, May 09, 2013
Please check availability calendar.