Light fills historic Victorian
Five-bedroom home includes sunroom office
Alex Dean cherished his place in history. As part of only the third family to own 569 Duboce Ave., Dean adored the Victorian’s classic flair and light-filled interior.
“All the period finishes were there and that’s what made the house feel so special,” Dean said. “And that neighborhood — centrally located and walkable — is pure San Francisco.”
When Dean purchased the home, he promised to honor the legacy left by the previous owner, an elderly woman who spent her childhood, adult life and golden years in the trilevel across the street from Duboce Park.
“She planted the holly tree in the backyard, so we left it in when we redid the landscaping,” he said.
The continuity of ownership helped keep the house in outstanding condition, Dean said. He and his family are only the third owners of the home built sometime before the great earthquake and fire of 1906.
The staircase’s beaded mill work, the embellishments on the ornamental fireplaces and intricate wainscoting needed only minor attention when they took over.
“So many Victorians are gutted at the expense of their character,” Dean said. “We wanted the home to stay true to its roots while making it more modern and livable.”
Dean didn’t shy away from necessary upgrades. The third floor now houses a full bathroom with automated skylight to help cycle air throughout the interior. Energy efficient windows help muffle sounds from the park. An upgraded kitchen includes stainless steel appliances and direct access to a covered deck overlooking the south-facing garden.
Unlike so many communities in San Francisco, Dean said, the Duboce Triangle enjoys plenty of sunlight and minimal fog all year long. He credits the favorable weather to nearby Buena Vista Park, which he said acts as a windbreak that dissolves the marine layer.
Southern exposure helps too, he added.
“The house is in the sun all day,” he said of the 2,720square-foot five-bedroom.
Despite being a classical Victorian, the home doesn’t suffer a compartmentalized layout. The formal dining room includes a butler’s passthrough and built-in china cabinet, and the space opens to a wood-paneled sun room that could easily act as a home office, den or breakfast room with garden views.
Curved dual-pane windows in the two-room master suite overlook Duboce Park. A decorative fireplace accessorizes the sitting area.
The next phase of Dean’s life takes him to Hillsborough. While ready to take on the upcoming chapter, he admits having a soft spot for the home.
“There’s a reason the place has only been sold two times in the last 100 years,” he said. “It’s a place you go, snuggle up and don’t want to leave.”
Visit www.569Duboce.com for more information.
Listing agent: Tremain Wellbeloved, Pacific Union Real Estate, (415) 345-3039, trim.wellbeloved@pacunion.com