• A castle in San Francisco’s Corona Heights neighborhood is for sale.
  • Initially listed for over $2 million, owners are now asking for $1.8 million.
  • The house was built in the 20th century, but has neo-Medieval details like a turret and stained glass windows.
  • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

If you’re in the market for a castle, now might be the perfect time to buy.

The castle at 253 States Street is in San Francisco’s Corona Heights neighborhood, in The Castro, is for sale.

It was built in 1902, with a mix of modern updates and classical details that nod to the home’s unique structure. Previous owners were in the home for 45 years, and it was listed for sale at $2.195 in mid-April. The price has since dropped to $1.795 million, and the listing acknowledges that the house might need some work, suggesting the buyer “bring your contractor and dreams.”

The castle is listed with Dirk Kinley at Compass.

Take a look inside.


From the street, the home looks almost fortified, like a real castle.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The outside of the castle has iron gates and carvings that make it appear older than it really is.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Enter through a rounded wooden door.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The details, like these carvings, are part of what make the home so unique, and what might entice someone to take on a project like this.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Light interiors make the house feel more modern.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Built-in shelving and a detailed carving above the fireplace give the room character.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The house has several stained glass windows, which appear to be in good condition.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Another stained glass window along the stairs lets light in.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The interior is partially in disrepair.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The house is also full of little nooks and crannies, and small storage spaces that make it feel historical.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Wood floors continue throughout much of the house, though the flooring in some rooms appears to be damaged.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Ceiling detailing is another minor feature that keeps each room interesting.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

A spiral steel staircase runs through the house.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The house is three stories tall, and has another non iron staircase as well.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Stained glass even continues into the bathroom, which has a bit of an unconventional design.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Each room seems to have some Elizabethan nods, from stained glass to fountains and carvings.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

This window even appears to be an image of Queen Elizabeth I.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The entire house is 1,735 square feet.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

It has three bedrooms and one bathroom...

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

...plus, two fireplaces.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The kitchen is darker and older looking than the rest of the interior.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Much of the house's real potential is outside, though.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The yard could definitely use some work.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The house sits on a relatively large lot, most of it unlandscaped.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

But, the detailing on the outside of the house shows that it could be made into something as interesting to look at as the front.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Fountains and plants outside give the illusion of a royal court.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The actual structure of the turret itself is in good shape.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

The rooftop of the castle is also accessible...

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

...providing unmatched views of the city.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Renderings from Compass show how the yard could look with a new deck and some landscaping.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Similarly, a rendering of the patio shows a potentially refined outdoor living space.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Updates might also include a glass-walled atrium.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

Finally, a rendering shows how the facade could be updated for a more modern look.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

For comparison, this is what it looks like now.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

While the property is in disrepair right now, it does present an opportunity for conversion into two units, the listing noted.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley

It has two separate street entrances, which could be ideal for splitting the home.

Foto: San Francisco castle. Source: Dirk Kinley