Back when he was one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, Nicolas Cage bought up a collection of eclectic homes all over the world including 2 castles, a haunted house in New Orleans, and a San Francisco home built in 1914.
The History
Built on Russian Hill at a time when the neighborhood was rebounding after many of the ritzy homes were destroyed by the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, the large Tudor Revival home of 6,305 square feet spans four floors, all with spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. It is only two blocks from the zigzagged Lombard Street near parks and some of the city’s most beautiful homes in all styles of classic architecture – a perfect location for leisurely scenic strolls. The open and airy main floor includes a large foyer with classic staircase, formal living and dining rooms, library, powder room, and an eat-in kitchen that connects to the two-car garage. Architectural details include much of the original millwork, leaded and stained glass, wood-burning fireplaces in both living room and library, and the far-reaching views over the bay. The second floor contains two ensuite guest rooms, the large master suite with two dressing rooms and large bath, a linen closet and mirrored wet bar. The third level has two more ensuite bedrooms with vaulted ceilings and the lowest floor includes a large family room, a gym, wine cellar and sixth bedroom and bath.
My Thoughts
If I were to purchase this home, I’d keep a lot of the historic charm, but I would certainly upgrade the furniture, kitchen (cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances), fireplace surrounds, and wallpaper. It feels like it’s full of a hodgepodge of furniture that someone was given when they first moved out. I am all for eclectic, but some of this furniture just looks cheap.
Here’s some ideas of what I would add to modernize the home:
If you’re after those iconic San Francisco views and have an extra $10.95 million lying around, the former home of Nicolas Cage is for sale! If you have an extra $3 million, why not buy the adjacent 40 x 60 ft. lot (as an add-on purchase).
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography
Listing agent: Mark Allan Levinson of Compass Realty, San Francisco, California.