Historic San Francisco Mansion Nobby Clarke’s Folly Listed

The iconic San Francisco mansion famously known as “Nobby Clarke’s Folly” has officially returned to the real estate market with a competitive asking price of $6.495 million. Spanning an impressive 8,220 square feet across four stories, this 1885 Queen Anne Victorian stands as a celebrated piece of local history.

Officially designated as San Francisco Landmark No. 80, the property is located at 250 Douglass Street within the vibrant Eureka Valley neighborhood. It showcases breathtaking architectural elements including ornate turrets, towers, patterned shingles, and gorgeous stained glass windows.

The Fascinating History Behind the Folly

The grand estate earned its whimsical nickname because wealthy lawyer Alfred E. “Nobby” Clarke constructed it in a remarkably sparse area of the city. Legend has it that his wife ultimately refused to live there, and Clarke subsequently lost his substantial fortune shortly after its completion. If you enjoy exploring unique properties, you can read more through our collection of architecture articles to see how historic context shapes modern value.

Decades of Adaptive Reuse

Following its initial abandonment by the Clarke family, the sprawling building adapted to serve various medical and residential purposes over the decades. These diverse chapters helped preserve its unique structural integrity through major historic city events.

For those interested in historical architecture, the interior layout remains an absolute marvel of nineteenth-century craftsmanship. It features soaring high ceilings, rich carved wood banisters, and intricate period details that transport visitors back in time.

Investment Potential and Modern Opportunities

Today, the landmark structure operates successfully as a multifamily residential building housing 15 individual apartment units alongside an office space. It currently generates a robust annual rental income exceeding $495,000, making it an attractive prospect for savvy investors. Enthusiasts of home design will appreciate how the property balances old-world aesthetics with steady multi-tenant functionality.

Having last changed hands in 2021, the estate continues to offer exceptional room for future rent optimization and financial growth. Furthermore, because the sprawling property sits squarely on two separate legal city parcels, it opens up exciting prospective development opportunities for its next owner.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Circa 1885, ‘Nobby Clarke’s Folly’ is back on the market, asking $6.5M