Discover Mortimer Fleishhacker House, a San Francisco Landmark

Mortimer Fleishhacker House is a stunning example of Italianate architecture, built in 1902 for Mortimer Fleishhacker, a prominent San Francisco businessman.

Located in the exclusive Presidio Heights neighborhood, the house boasts a commanding presence with its ornate facade and beautifully manicured gardens.

The house was designed by architect Albert Farr and took nearly two years to complete, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time.

Its grandeur and elegance make it a standout landmark in San Francisco's architectural scene.

The Fleishhacker family played a significant role in San Francisco's history. Mortimer Fleishhacker Sr. was a successful entrepreneur who co-founded the Great Western Power utility company.

Mortimer Fleishhacker Sr. was a man of many talents and interests. He served as a director of the San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Symphony, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Temple Emanu-El.

The Fleishhacker family had a long-standing connection to San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood. They owned a second home at 2418 Pacific Avenue, which was a part of their estate.

The Green Gables Estate was used and remained in the Fleishhacker family for five generations.

The Fleishhacker family's 45-acre property was a masterpiece of design, commissioned by Fleishhacker Sr. and his wife Bella in 1911.

Charles Sumner Greene of the architectural firm Greene and Greene designed the country home, taking into account the landscape and driveway. The interior was designed by Elsie de Wolfe and Vickery, Atkins and Torrey.

The property's rolling green lawns were inspired by the Fountains Abbey of Studley Royal Park in 18th-century England, which Greene had visited in 1909. The garden features natural materials and design elements that complement the landscape, including terraces, walls, arcades, balustrades, and planting urns.

The Fleishhacker family expanded the estate over the years, adding new structures and land.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Grass Roof House Design

The Fleishhacker estate is a stunning example of a well-designed property. The property spans 45 acres and was commissioned by Fleishhacker Sr. and his wife Bella in 1911.

The estate's design was a collaborative effort between Charles Sumner Greene and the San Francisco design house of Vickery, Atkins and Torrey, with interior design by Elsie de Wolfe. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture and landscape.

The property's rolling green lawns were inspired by the Fountains Abbey of Studley Royal Park in 18th-century England, which Greene had visited in 1909. This design element adds a touch of classic elegance to the estate.

In 1911, the Fleishhacker family commissioned Greene to design a country home on the property. The house was the largest of all Greene and Greene designs, showcasing the firm's expertise in creating beautiful and functional spaces.

The property has undergone changes over the years, with the Fleishhacker family adding new structures and land to the estate. Today, the property is recognized for its historic significance.

Here are some notable design elements of the property:

A well-designed residence can greatly enhance the beauty and functionality of a property. A typical residence includes a main living area, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

The main living area is often the heart of the home, where family and friends gather to socialize and share meals. It's usually located near the kitchen and dining area.

A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 10-15% of the total property area for the residence. This allows for a comfortable living space without overwhelming the surrounding landscape.

Bedrooms are essential for rest and relaxation, and should be designed with comfort and quiet in mind. A typical bedroom should have a window for natural light and ventilation.

Bathrooms are another crucial aspect of the residence, providing a clean and private space for personal hygiene. They should be located near the bedrooms for convenience.

A residence with a well-designed layout can greatly impact the overall aesthetic of a property.

The Mortimer Fleishhacker House is an English manor styled home built from 1911 to 1913.

Architect Charles Sumner Greene designed the main house, which features a unique shingled roof meant to resemble a thatched roof.

The house was originally built as the Mortimer Fleishhacker family's summer house on their country estate.

Mortimer Fleishhacker was an executive in several companies, including a local electric utility and paper mills, and resided in San Francisco.

The Mortimer Fleishhacker House became a National Register of Historic Places listing in 1986.

The Green Gables Estate, which includes the manor house, was offered for sale in 2024.

Mortimer Fleishhacker Jr. lived in this house at 2600 Pacific. He grew up in a much more formal house just a block and a half east.

The house's L-shaped plan creates a plant-friendly south/east garden that is nicely sheltered from cold westerly winds. This is a specialty in San Francisco, especially during the summer.

Mortimer Fleishhacker Jr. was a UC Berkeley graduate of 1927. He founded a company that manufactured household chemicals.

He was also involved in various other businesses, including lumber, coal, taxi, and billboard companies. His father had many interests, and Fleishhacker Jr. managed an increasing share of them.

Fleishhacker Jr. served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a dedicated public servant and president of several organizations, including Congregation Emanu-El, Mt. Zion Hospital, and the San Francisco Planning Commission.

He was particularly notable for his presidency of KQED-TV from 1955 to 1970. During his watch, he introduced the concept of individual memberships.