‘Tree House’ Cottage Perched Atop One of San Francisco’s ‘Secret Staircases’ Hits the Market for Under $900K: ‘Once in an Era Opportunity’

It is extremely rare to find an elegant detached home for under $1 million in San Francisco—and even rarer still is when that "diamond in the rough" is tucked into one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods, offering spectacular panoramic views that stretch all the way to the water.

Yet that "once in an era opportunity" is exactly what has come to market in San Francisco's Twin Peaks community: a charming, elegantly renovated cottage that is listed for $899,000—nearly $300,000 under the city's current median listing price of $1.19 million.

The one-bedroom, one-bathroom abode, known as The Tree House, is perched on a hilltop plot that affords it jaw-dropping vistas, as well as an exceptional level of privacy.

Marketed as an exceptional example of "classic architecture with thoughtful design," the listing is being handled by Leah Johnson with City Real Estate. She notes that the dwelling is the epitome of an "authentically San Franciscan" abode.

Adding to that authentic experience is the home's location on one of the city's "secret staircases," which are tucked into the hilly landscape and have long been one of the most recognizable elements of San Francisco's architecture.

“We have a number of secret staircases throughout San Francisco,” says Johnson. “It’s rare to see these [cottages] come up that are scattered and sprinkled along these staircases.“

Perhaps the rarest element of this listing, however, is its price tag, which sits well below San Francisco's median list price—providing a truly affordable opportunity, particularly given that the home requires no renovations.

“To get a single-family home that is turnkey in this price range is almost unheard of in San Francisco,” Johnson adds.

Clocking in at 818 square feet, this cottage was built in 1913 and sits on an 884-square-foot lot along the Iron Valley Stairway—one of San Francisco’s steepest and most iconic stairways. Since then, the abode has had multiple owners, although the seller has held onto it for the past 22 years.

“She’s heartbroken to sell it, but her life took her to L.A. about 10 years ago,” says Johnson. “She’s been holding onto it desperately. Anyone who wants to live in this home will have a love affair with it.”  

Due to this long stretch of ownership, the former “rustic cottage” has been meticulously transformed over time, retaining character details—such as vaulted ceilings, scalloped exterior trim, and window boxes in which to plant flowers—while also personalized for the seller.

Modern additions include vinyl-plank flooring, a brand-new kitchen, and spa-inspired bath. An open layout for the living room and dining room is conducive to entertaining.

Over the weekend, Johnson hosted two open houses, which attracted a lot of interest, mostly from potential buyers who had initially been seeking a condo because they felt like a single-family home in San Francisco would never be within their financial reach.

“People who thought they might be limited to condos are like, ‘Wow, I can get into a property that’s my own, that’s a house, that’s attached and private,’” says Johnson. And since it’s less than 1,000 square feet, “it’s not too big that you are taking on a project.”

She notes that the home's very unique listing features mean it is not a property that many simply stumble across, particularly because—while it is a fully-detached family home, it doesn't have things like a private garage or additional bedrooms.

“It was a very robust turnout,” the listing agent says of the open houses. “Most buyers are not typing into their search engine 'one-bedroom, one-bath, single-family homes with no garage.' Most potential buyers are looking for a condo or their agent found this for them."

The aforementioned views are also poised to entice, Johnson says, noting: "The views are spectacular. You feel very authentically San Francisco."

Included in the listing are photos snapped at twilight, for a peek into what the buyer might see as a homeowner.

“They aren’t Photoshopped,” says Johnson. “They are beautiful purples and blues.”

What also might entice a buyer is the fact that home is located in Twin Peaks, but also sits at the cross section of multiple other neighborhoods.

“You feel very remote in this setting,” says Johnson. “It’s sloping streets, micro parks and pathways. But in any direction, you’re in the Castro, Cole Valley, and Noe Valley. If you need an artery to the freeway, you’re within minutes of those and you have public transit within your fingertips, too.”  

With a school right across the street, “it would be very sweet to have a schoolteacher” as a buyer, says Johnson.

Or really, anyone with an eye on a once-in-a-lifetime home purchase could live here.

“People like things that are unique, special, and one of a kind,” she says. “This property is definitely that.”