If you find yourself wandering through Lower Pacific Heights, you might notice a sudden cluster of people standing on a sidewalk, looking up at a Victorian home with a mix of nostalgia and reverence. It’s a beautiful house, sure. But in a city like San Francisco, where ornate Painted Ladies are practically the default setting, why does this specific spot—1709 Broderick Street—get so much attention? Honestly, it’s because this house represents a version of San Francisco that exists mostly in the collective memory of Millennials and Gen Xers.
It is the Full House house.
The Tanner family never actually lived here, of course. Those interior shots were all filmed on a soundstage in Burbank, hundreds of miles away. But the exterior of 1709 Broderick Street San Francisco is perhaps one of the most recognizable pieces of real estate in television history. Even decades after the original show went off the air, and even following the Netflix revival Fuller House, the property remains a pilgrimage site.
The Reality of 1709 Broderick Street San Francisco Today
San Francisco is a city of constant change, and 1709 Broderick Street hasn't been immune to that. For years, the house looked quite different from the opening credits we all remember. At one point, a previous owner painted the exterior a sophisticated, muted purple with a dark green door. It looked great—very high-end Pacific Heights—but it was unrecognizable to the fans who showed up looking for the light gray siding and that iconic red door.
Jeff Franklin, the creator of Full House, actually bought the home back in 2016. He paid about $4 million for it. His plan was reportedly to renovate it so the interior matched the fictional layout of the Tanner home, possibly to use it for filming or as a fan experience. That didn't sit well with the neighbors. You have to understand that this is a quiet, residential block. People pay millions of dollars to live here for the peace and the views, not to have a constant stream of tourists sitting on their front stoops.
Eventually, Franklin sold the house in 2020 for more than $5 million. The red door? It's gone. The house has been modernized. It’s a stunning piece of 1883 Italianate Victorian architecture, but it’s a private residence first and foremost.
Why the Location Matters
The house sits in Lower Pacific Heights, which is a bit of a transition zone. You’re north of the more hectic Fillmore District and south of the ultra-wealthy "Billionaire's Row." It’s a walkable area, but it’s steep. If you’re planning to visit, wear shoes that can handle an incline.
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Most people don't realize that 1709 Broderick Street is actually quite a distance from Alamo Square Park. This is the biggest misconception about the show's geography. The "Painted Ladies" you see in the opening credits—the ones where the family is having a picnic—are the houses on Steiner Street. If you try to walk from those houses to the actual Broderick Street home, you’re looking at a 15 to 20-minute trek across several city blocks.
A Masterclass in Victorian Architecture
Putting the TV fame aside, the building at 1709 Broderick Street is a genuine historical gem. It was designed by Charles Lewis Hinkel, a prolific builder in the late 19th century. The Italianate style is characterized by those tall, narrow windows and the decorative brackets under the roofline.
Look closely at the details.
The craftsmanship is insane.
Modern construction just doesn't do this.
The house is roughly 3,100 square feet. In San Francisco, that’s a massive footprint. Inside, the 2020 listing showed a complete transformation. We're talking high-end marble, wide-plank wood floors, and a kitchen that looks nothing like the one where Danny Tanner obsessively cleaned the counters. It has four bedrooms and about four bathrooms. It’s a luxury home, and the price tag reflects that reality more than the Hollywood connection.
The Conflict Between Fame and Living
Imagine trying to pull your car out of your garage while thirty people are taking selfies on your sidewalk. That’s the reality for whoever lives at 1709 Broderick Street. There have been various attempts over the years to curb the "fan fatigue."
- Signs asking for privacy.
- Changes to the paint color to "disguise" the home.
- Increased security measures.
Technically, the sidewalk is public property. You can stand there and look. But the residents of the neighborhood are famously protective of their space. If you go, don't be "that person." Don't sit on the stairs. Don't knock on the door asking to see Comet the dog (he’s been gone a long time, guys). Just take your photo from a respectful distance and move on.
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Navigating the Area Like a Local
If you're visiting 1709 Broderick Street San Francisco, you might as well make a day of it in the neighborhood. You're right near some of the best food in the city.
Walk over to Fillmore Street. Go to Jane on Fillmore for a coffee. It’s better than anything you’ll find in a tourist trap. If you’re hungry for something more substantial, State Bird Provisions isn't too far, though you’ll need a reservation weeks in advance.
The beauty of this part of San Francisco isn't just one house. It’s the way the fog rolls over the hills in the late afternoon. It’s the sound of the bus humming up the street. It’s the way the light hits the Victorian facades at sunset, turning everything a sort of golden-orange. 1709 Broderick is just the hook that gets you there.
The Impact of "The Full House House" on Real Estate
Does being a "celebrity house" help or hurt the value? It's a bit of both. On one hand, you have a guaranteed buyer pool of wealthy fans. On the other hand, many high-net-worth individuals value privacy above all else. Having your home listed on every "Top 10 Things to do in SF" blog is a nightmare for someone who wants to fly under the radar.
The 2020 sale proved that the market value of the home is driven more by the San Francisco real estate bubble than by its TV history. The renovation was so thorough that the house became a "turn-key" luxury property. The fact that it was once the Tanner home was basically just a fun trivia point in the sales brochure.
What You Should Know Before Visiting
If you're driving, parking is a disaster. It's all permit-based or strictly timed. You will get a ticket. San Francisco's meter maids are legendary for their efficiency. Use a rideshare or take the 1 California bus. It’s easier and you’ll save yourself a $90 fine.
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Also, be aware of the weather.
The "San Francisco Summer" is a myth.
It's cold.
You’ll see tourists in shorts and T-shirts shivering because they expected California sun. Bring a jacket. Even if it’s sunny on Broderick Street, the wind can whip through those Victorian corridors and drop the temperature ten degrees in a minute.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- Timing: Go on a weekday morning. The lighting is better for photos, and the crowds are significantly thinner.
- Respect the Perimeter: Stay on the sidewalk. Never, ever step onto the actual property.
- Combine Your Trip: Don't just see the house. Walk down to the Palace of Fine Arts or over to Japantown. Both are relatively close and offer a much deeper look at the city’s culture.
- Check the Paint: Don't be disappointed if it doesn't look like the TV show. The current aesthetic is much more modern and "Pacific Heights Chic" than "1987 Sitcom."
Ultimately, 1709 Broderick Street San Francisco remains a fascinating intersection of pop culture and high-end urban living. It's a reminder of how much we let fictional stories color our perception of real places. Whether you're there for the architecture or the "Everywhere You Look" theme song playing in your head, it's a stop worth making—as long as you keep it respectful.
The best way to experience the area is to start at the house, take your photo, and then immediately turn around and explore the rest of the block. The surrounding homes are just as beautiful, many with even more intricate woodwork, and they don't have the burden of fame weighing them down. Take the walk down to the Presidio afterwards. The transition from the dense Victorian streets to the massive eucalyptus groves of the park is one of the most jarringly beautiful experiences you can have in San Francisco.
Forget the TV show for a second.
Just look at the bay.
That's the real draw.