Painted Ladies of San Francisco

The “Painted Ladies” of San Francisco sounds quite scandalous, but is actually a nickname for the city’s Victorian and Edwardian mansions with their genteel pastel hues and feminine façades, lacy wooden mantles and perfectly pitched roofs.

Postcard Row

One of the most photographed vistas is from Alamo Square on the corner of Hays and Steiner where you get a background of the modern city that contrasts with these lovely ladies. It is sometimes known as “Postcard Row.” The houses were built between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh, who lived next door in the 1892 mansion at 722 Steiner Street.  The definition of a painted lady is a Victorian with three or more paint colours. So, even though the seven on Steiner Street are the most famous — there are several other painted ladies in the neighbourhood to enjoy.

DSCF4329

Explore the streets, parks and vistas around Scott Street, McAllister, Haight Street, Steiner and Pierce that tell the story of a Victorian era and discover more beautiful mansions, but be warned, it is very hilly around here so it can be quite a strenuous walk. Alamo square is a great place to sit and rest and admire the view after your walk around the neighbourhood.

I walked about 10 blocks from the Misión San Francisco de Asís on 16th Street which is some distance away, through Duboce Park. You can of course take public transport to Alamo Square, but then you’d miss an awful lot of this wonderful architecture. And don’t forget to look up!

DSCF4332

This monthly challenge is hosted by Dawn from ‘The Day After’ who invites participants to post pictures of any windows that  they find curious, inviting, photogenic, or in some way tell a story. Visit her blog to see more windows and/or to join in with the challenge.

Published by

Unknown's avatar

Heyjude

I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.

65 thoughts on “Painted Ladies of San Francisco”

  1. Oh, what a delightful treat for our eyes, it puts a big smile on our faces, big and tiny, seeing all this beauties again.
    San Fransisco is gorgeous, lovely ❤ photos, Jude.
    😀 😀 😀 😀

    1. Magnificent prices I imagine too Colline! You have some gorgeous Victorian architecture in Cabbagetown, Toronto. I must do a post about the houses there!

      1. I love those houses. I can only dream of living there – they are definitely out of my price range 🙂

  4. I love the shapes, the colours and the title. It’s the first time I’ve ever thought “I’d like to visit San Francisco”. I don’t know whether to say thank you or not. I love the horizontal lines of the postcard view.

  7. I would love to see more modern homes painted and decorated like this “Ladies” I think the modern homes being built now in the area I live are so plain and in most cases boring.

    1. Time goes by so quickly! It is three years since these photos were taken and in many respects it feels like last week!

  10. I love heritage buildings Jude and these are so beautiful. I didn’t realise they were called the “Painted Ladies” before though, so I’ve learnt something new! I love the pastel colours they are so soothing – I’ve never been to the States but have always thought San Francisco would be worth a visit if I ever do. I love all your photos! 🙂

    1. Thanks Rosemary. I have an interesting post about SF if you want to read it. The link is in a couple of comments. I won’t say any more in case you do read it 🙂

      1. I’ll have a look later today Jude – just off out for Sunday lunch but will do some more reading tonight. Hope you’re having an enjoyable weekend 🙂

        2. It’s ok Jude we have our own rain on the way this week! Has been a lovely few days here though sunny with a crisp wind, chilly at night!

Comments are closed.