Frida & diego's san francisco hideaway asks $8 million
A whisper of bohemian history hangs heavy within the walls of 36-52 Calhoun Terrace, a Telegraph Hill apartment building now seeking a new steward for $8 million. This isn't just another San Francisco property; it's a portal to a fleeting, yet intensely personal, chapter in the lives of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
A swiss village perched above the bay
Completed in 1938 and originally dubbed the Hoeffler Building, the 11-unit complex is a marvel of stepped architecture, cascading down the eastern slope of Telegraph Hill in a style reminiscent of a charming Swiss village. Picture balconies overflowing with greenery, expansive decks soaking in the California sun, and picture windows framing breathtaking views of the bay – it’s an idyllic setting, even without the storied past.
The appeal, of course, is amplified by the building's brief but vibrant connection to the iconic artistic couple. In 1940, Kahlo and Rivera, fresh from a dramatic divorce and a surprising remarriage at San Francisco City Hall, took up residence in apartment 42. Rivera was immersed in his monumental work, Pan American Unity, across the bay at the Golden Gate International Exposition, while Kahlo, grappling with chronic health issues, sought medical care in the city. The period yielded more than just a reunited marriage; it also produced Kahlo's poignant Self-Portrait Dedicated to Dr. Eloesser, a heartfelt gift to her physician.
Today, the building is fully occupied, its residents enjoying a unique quality of life. While amenities are understated – no parking, and multiple flights of stairs for those in the lower units – the trade-off is undeniable: generous outdoor space, abundant natural light, and panoramic vistas. Original details like hardwood floors, fireplaces, built-in storage, and vibrantly tiled bathrooms add a touch of vintage charm.
Located on the secluded Lower Calhoun Terrace, just off Union Street, the property’s location is prime. Its neighbor, the Sidney Kahn House, a 1939 masterpiece by Richard Neutra, further elevates the neighborhood’s architectural pedigree, showcasing a remarkable convergence of design excellence. Listed with Jean-Paul Samaha of Vanguard Properties, this is an opportunity to own a piece of San Francisco history – a place where Art, love, and healing once intertwined.