REBIRTH OF THE HARTTER HOUSE

This Queen Anne style residence is among Alamo Square’s architecturally significant buildings. Martens & Coffey were the noted architects of this and other elegant homes in the neighborhood, including 937 Steiner, 926 Grove, 833, 837 & 847 Fillmore and 1015 & 1021 Hayes.

The house was built for German emigrant and wholesale grocer Louis Hartter (1837-1932) & his wife Emily Geisel (1854-1921) and their five children in 1899. It remained in the family’s hands for over half a century until 1957. It was subsequently owned by a private party, two community service organizations and finally by the present owners.

Description of the Property

The Hartter House today is the result of two years’ labor of love. This ‘Painted Lady’ provides an amazingly spacious and comfortable blend of the original architectural interest with contemporary flair & function for today’s household. Its setting on the East side of picturesque Alamo Square provides a unique, verdant outlook.

An Alamo Square Association Newsletter describes 818 Steiner Street as:

“ a three-story bay-windowed tower, whose rounded, shingled roof is topped by a fancifully turned finial. The Ionic capitals of the portico’s classical columns…are also found on the pilasters of both the lower bay and the attic’s Palladian windows. Additional notable exterior enrichment includes the heavily bracketed roof-line and gable cornices. The front porch is finished with decoratively paneled walls and a flooring of blue and white unglazed porcelain tiles.”

THE FLOOR PLAN

Main Level

The FOYER and MAIN HALL have design qualities associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, such as box-beam ceilings and built-in bench seating between a pair of arched built-in bookcases with glass fronts.

The LIVING ROOM or Front Parlor features rounded bay windows with outlooks to the greenery of Alamo Square and surrounding handsome homes. Coved ceiling and gas fireplace with wood mantle. Details have been carefully preserved for elegance and enchantment.

The handsome DINING ROOM retains the original wainscot and built-in china cabinetry with mirror & decorative fireplace.

The sunny BREAKFAST ROOM and open KITCHEN look out to the garden and cityscape. The layout allows for informal socializing and food preparation. The kitchen features custom cherry cabinets, granite countertops, large island with prep sink and walk-in pantry. Much attention to detail makes this very much a custom kitchen. All new stainless steel appliances include:

	Viking stove with tiled backsplash
	Savona ventilator
	GE Profile refrigerator/freezer
	GE Profile double ovens
	GE Profile dishwasher

second level

Ascend the original handsome staircase to the bedroom landing.

The spacious and charming MASTER SUITE with a gas burning fireplace looks out to the greenery of the park through rounded bay windows.

The luxurious MASTER BATHROOM features a granite vanity top with double vessels & tall faucets, deep tub, separate glass enclosed shower & toilet. His and her dressing rooms provide custom and ample storage for wardrobes and accessories.

Two sunny BEDROOMS face east, one with the original blue & white tile Dutch windmill design on the decorative mantle.

A SPLIT BATH reflects a water motif in azure blue & green glass mosaic tiles on the double vanity with mirror, double glass sinks and tall faucets, tub & shower and separate WC.

A spacious fourth BEDROOM completes this level.

This is a uniquely practical and spacious floor plan for a family who prefers bedrooms on one easy level.

Third Level

The top floor FAMILY/MEDIA ROOM is an inviting space for comfortable family time and entertainment. Its A-frame ceiling and five skylights bring in wonderful natural light. The cozy alcove in the rounded tower looks out to northwest city views – currently the setting of an intimate game room.

The east BEDROOM/OFFICE enjoys a magical view of the gilt dome of City Hall, the Financial District & the south bay in the distance. These are views to live for and this is the room that will be everyone’s favorite hideaway – while overlooking the city where hearts are left!

A SPLIT BATH with tub, pedestal sink and separate WC; an EXERCISE ROOM and small STUDY complete this great level.

Lower Level

The Lower level is accessed conveniently through a separate entrance.

The oversized BILLIARD/PLAY ROOM is for the use and enjoyment of adults and children alike. This space can also serve as a very convenient home office.

The EAST BEDROOM & SITTING ROOM with tiled FULL BATH are ideal quarters for an au pair or extended family member. The sitting room opens to the level walk-out sunny patio/garden.

A custom designed naturally cool WINE CELLAR houses almost 700 bottles on built-in racks and storage for 100 plus cases.

LAUNDRY & UTILITY ROOMS complete this level.
Convenient inside access from the TWO-CAR TANDEM GARAGE.