During the California Gold Rush, San Francisco was almost wiped out by a magnitude 7.9 earthquake. Now, one of the oldest surviving homes that withstood the 1906 natural disaster and subsequent fires is up for grabs.
Originally built in 1849 by Captain R.C. Ruskin, the 175-year-old mansion in Russian Hill has hit the market for $22 million . According to the listing, which is being represented by Stacey Caen and Joseph Lucier of Sotheby’s International Realty, the Victorian estate is one of only four remaining legacy properties in the neighborhood and was formerly the longtime residence of late tech financier Sanford Roberston. The Silicon Valley legend famously founded the investment bank Robertson, Stephens & Company which was later acquired by Bank of America. He also co-founded the private equity firm Francisco Partners.
As you’d expect of the spread thought to be among the enclave’s oldest surviving homes, the digs represent a mash-up of old and new. Robertson’s son, Brett, told The Wall Street Journal that his parents commissioned interior designer Paul Wiseman and architect Sandy Walker to remodel the 8,440-square-foot abode, which included expanding the outdoor lap pool and installing a new library. In addition, there’s a temperature-controlled wine cellar and two elevators, one of which accesses the lower level, first floor, and primary suite. The other is built into the hillside and transports you between the two-car garage and the main living area.