San Francisco’s Painted Ladies have new competition.
A previously overlooked row of Queen Anne Victorians on Ashbury Heights recently received landmark designation after volunteers documented their exceptional architectural integrity. Unlike their famous Alamo Square counterparts, these five homes retain original gingerbread trim, fish-scale shingles, and spindle-work porches—all intact.
“Most Queen Annes lost their ornamentation during mid-century ‘modernization,'” notes architectural historian Rebecca Chen. “This cluster escaped that fate entirely.”
The designation protects the homes from demolition and requires exterior changes to follow strict preservation guidelines. Property values along the block have already increased 12% since the announcement.
Painted Lady enthusiasts can join monthly walking tours organized by San Francisco Architectural Heritage. The Ashbury Heights homes will be added to the route starting next spring.
For photographers, morning light hits the facades best between 9-10am. Street parking is limited—consider the N-Judah line.
